BCIC Decisiveness Sample

Decisiveness The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” JAMES 1:5

THE EPHESIANS BURN THEIR EVIL BOOKS “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men . . . . So mightily grew the word of God . . . .”

ACTS 19:19–20

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Organizer

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

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wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Decisiveness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Commit to Do Right

7 Bible Story: The Ephesians Burn Their Evil Books 8 Memory Verse: Romans 6:13a 9 Activity: Decisions and Chain Reactions

10 Lesson 2:

Avoid Double-mindedness

11 Bible Story: Lingering Lot and the Burning City 12 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:24 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3: Examine Things before Making a Decision 15 Bible Story: Joseph’s Difficult Decision 16 Memory Verse: James 1:5 17 Activity: Piecing Together the Facts

18 Lesson 4: Make the Right Decision and Hold to It 19 Bible Story: The Rechabites’ Unwavering Resolve 20 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:21 21 Activity: Hold to It!

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Additional Resources

ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Decisiveness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 H ymn Sheet Music: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” 25 H ymn History: “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Unknown Indian Christian Martyr 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Decisiveness?

Read aloud and discuss what decisiveness means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of decisiveness is “the ability to finalize difficult decisions based on

you break a lamp because you disobeyed your parents’

the will and ways of God.” Did you know that you

instruction to not throw a ball inside the house. But

probably make thousands of decisions every day?

you want to hide your guilt and avoid punishment!

Some decisions are as simple as when to brush your

Your thoughts are tossed back and forth like the waves

teeth. Other choices are more difficult, such as what

of the sea. (See James 1:8.) Your father has taught you to

to do when the cashier returns too much change

always admit wrongdoing. So, your decision to humbly

from your purchase. Decisiveness involves the skills

confess brings correction, repair of the lamp, and

of discerning the factors of a situation, listening to

right standing with your dad and the Lord. Your faith

the Lord’s leading, and confidently knowing and

in God’s ways is strengthened, and you grow in your

making the choice that would bring the best results.

desire to choose His will. God delights to work in our

You know the excess money does not belong to you,

hearts both to will

so you return the extra change to the cashier. This

and to do what is best!

difficult yet correct decision honored the Lord, and

(See Philippians 2:13.)

inwardly you know you chose rightly. “For the Lord

Peace will fill your

giveth wisdom:

heart and confirm

out of his mouth

your decision as you

cometh knowledge

walk in God’s ways.

and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

God’s Word is the sure foundation a decisive Christian needs in order to make right choices and hold to them.

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is best. For example, you know you should confess if

A decisive person will seek to know

A double-minded man, like the waves of the sea, is unstable. He continually changes his mind.

The opposite of

God’s will and ways

decisiveness is

through both the

double-mindedness.

direct teaching and the underlying principles of the

Double-mindedness

Bible. As he faces choices throughout the day, he

is wavering between

recognizes that sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading

two opposing opin-

is essential. He knows that God confirms His Word

ions or options. Often, those two “minds” are God’s

through authorities, circumstances, and abiding, inner

way versus our way. We are pulled away from God’s

peace. Before making a final decision, a decisive person

way by what we want to do. The Bible describes a

may examine other related facts or picture the possible

double­-minded person as a friend of the world and,

outcomes of a choice. Finally, he will confidently hold

therefore, an enemy of God! (See James 4:4, 8.) You may

to his decision. A decisive person does not second-guess

struggle because you do not truly believe that His will

God’s direction but stands firm.

Decisiveness in Scripture

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DECISIVENESS KEY VERSE

s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

not; and it shall be given him.” JAMES 1:5

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Decisiveness in My Life

We see examples of decisiveness in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out decisiveness daily.

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God’s decisions are always righteous.

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(See Psalm 119:160.)

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God has already appointed the day and the Judge by whom all the world will be judged.

(See Exodus 34:14.)

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(See Acts 17:30–31.)

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Before the foundation of the world, God chose us to be His accepted and adopted children.

(See Ephesians 1:4–6.)

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Jesus did not allow anything to deter Him once He decided to go to Jerusalem to complete His work on earth.

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Jesus carefully selected His disciples for the purpose of multiplying committed followers of His Heavenly Father.

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The Holy Spirit reveals God’s will and ways to believers.

(See I Corinthians 2:9–11.)

Can I trust my own thinking, apart from the Lord, to lead me to the right conclusions?

(See Proverbs 16:25.)

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When making decisions, do I keep in mind that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

(See I Corinthians 6:19.)

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(See John 15:16.)

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Do I seek wise counsel from knowledgeable people before making a decision?

(See Proverbs 11:14.)

(See Luke 9:51–53.)

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What will happen if I choose to reject the Lord’s counsel? What will happen if I determine to heed His Word?

(See Proverbs 1:29–33.)

Jesus steadfastly resisted temptation by wisely using Scripture.

(See Matthew 4:10.)

Will God accept my worship if I am double-­minded?

Do I surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading in everyday choices, or do I trust Him only for my salvation?

(See Galatians 3:2–3.)

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How can I learn the will and ways of God? (See II Timothy 3:16.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Commit to Do Right INTRODUCTION

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re you committed to doing right, even before you

have a decision to make? A decisive person has firmly-held convictions based on God’s Word. He is ready when difficult decisions come. Sometimes, however, the wisest choice may not be clear at first.

God promises to give wisdom when you are uncertain, as you ask in faith, nothing wavering.

(See James 1:5–6.) The Bible will guide you to know what is right. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). When you choose to pray for God’s wisdom and search His Word, He will answer. Committing to obey God prepares you to make right decisions. Will you commit to do what pleases God? By making this commitment now, before a difficult decision arises, you will be better prepared to have a clear, sure response when needed.

The Ephesians Burn Their Evil Books

DECISIVENESS The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Commit to Do Right

The Ephesians Burn Their Evil Books

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ilver statues and shrines gleamed brilliantly in the morning sun. Ephesus, one of the greatest cities of

city to preach Christ. He met twelve followers of John

the Roman Empire, was a bustling center of commerce

is through Jesus Christ alone. As a result, many who

and religion. The Ephesians believed that an image

once worshipped false gods trusted in Jesus. Soon there-

of the mythological goddess Diana had fallen from

after, the Ephesians witnessed a startling incident that

the planet Jupiter to Earth. Thus, Ephesus became

greatly impacted their lives. How would the Ephesians

an international hub for the worship of false gods.

respond when confronted with God’s power and their

The city was home to the famous Temple of Artemis

own sinfulness? Would Jesus be Lord of their lives, or

(Diana’s Greek name), one of the Seven Wonders of the

would He merely be added to their idol worship? What

Ancient World. The Ephesians were not only involved

the Baptist and led them to understand that salvation

changes and commitments would the Ephesian believ-

in mythology and idol worship but also in other forms

ers make as a result of their relationship with Christ?

of the supernatural world, including witchcraft, magic,

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 19:8–20 and then discuss the following questions.

and evil spirits. One day, Paul arrived in this pagan

1. Was Paul committed to follow God’s will despite the opposition in Ephesus? How many people in Asia Minor heard the Gospel? (See Acts 19:8–10.)

When did you personally decide to trust Christ?

Without salvation, will a commitment to do right earn you a place in Heaven? (See Galatians 2:16.)

2. What miracles did God do through Paul? When the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons, what happened? Why? (See Acts 19:11–16.)

What should be your motivation for doing right?

(See I Thessalonians 4:1.) On Whose strength should you depend so that you can do right? (See John 15:5.)

3. As the name of Jesus was magnified, how did the Ephesian believers respond? (See Acts 19:17–18.)

Do you recognize ways God is working in your life? When you are truly sorry for your sin, what will you want to do? (See Proverbs 28:13.)

4. What did some of the Ephesian believers do as a result of their commitment to Christ? Did they

base their decision on the will and ways of God? (See Deuteronomy 12:3.) Who watched as they acted decisively? (See Acts 19:19a.)

Do you own anything that violates God’s Word, compromises your relationship with Jesus, or damages your Christian testimony? What decision would God desire you make regarding that item?

(See Ephesians 5:11.) Whom can you be accountable to by letting them watch you dispose of it?

5. How much were the evil books worth altogether?

(See Acts 19:19b.)

Why is destroying such items better than storing them, selling them, or giving them away? Are you willing to honor the Lord and do right, even if it costs you something?

6. As the Ephesians committed to do right, what was the greater result of their decision? (See Acts 19:20.)

With God’s help, what commitment to do right can you make today?

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Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

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M

Philippians 2:20–21

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P

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I John 3:17

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I Timothy 6:8

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CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

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O

M

Psalm 15:4

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O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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I Samuel 16:7

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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

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E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

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O

I Thessalonians 2:7

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G

S

James 4:6

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M

LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

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O

John 15:13

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P

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Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

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G

O

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Galatians 5:24–25

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M

Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

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I Peter 1:22

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T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

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Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

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