BCIC Dependability Sample

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

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the Lord.

He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.” PSALM 15:4

OBADIAH RISKS HIS LIFE TO DELIVER A MESSAGE “And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is here: and he shall slay me. And Elijah said, As the Lord of hosts liveth . . . I will surely shew myself unto him to day. So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told him. . . .”

I KINGS 18:14–16

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Teacher

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 Dependability in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1:

Be Reliable

7 Bible Story: Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message 8 Memory Verse: I Corinthians 15:58 9 Activity: The Orange Experiment

10 Lesson 2:

Clarify What Is Expected

11 Bible Story: The Chosen Couple Clarifies Their Mission 12 Memory Verse: Revelation 1:11a 13 Activity: Word Search

14 Lesson 3:

Fulfill My Promises

15 Bible Story: Joshua Defends the Gibeonites 16 Memory Verse: Psalm 15:4 17 Activity: God’s Promises Fulfilled!

18 Lesson 4:

Get the Job Done

19 Bible Story: Preparing for the Passover 20 Memory Verse: Luke 14:28 21 Activity: Preparing a Place Setting

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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 Dependability GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “I Would Be True” 25 H ymn History: “I Would Be True”

by Howard Walter 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 Dependability?

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

T

he operational definition of dependability is

unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth,

“fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means

and a foot out of joint” (Proverbs 25:19). Do you honor

unexpected sacrifice.” Dependable people do what they

your commitments consistently or only occasionally?

say they will do, even when it is difficult. Dependability

If you are following through only for your own gain,

comes from two Latin words: de meaning “down” or

you will likely compromise when you are no longer

“from” and pendere, “to hang.” Imagine a mountain

benefited. However, when you

climber going up a steep rockface. If his foot slips, he

have God’s love for others and

would literally be hanging in the air! He is dependant

seek their benefit first, you will

upon a sturdy rope and the strong anchor secured to

not want to disappoint them.

the mountain. In the same way, can others “hang” their trust on what you say you will do? Can they secure their plans on your word, confident that you will fulfill your A dependable person consistently fulfills his mission so that others are unhindered and the goal is accomplished. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2).

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commitments?

What if you have a sudden change of plans? Maybe your family has a flat tire, or you suddenly become sick. Perhaps guests arrive unexpectedly.

When making a promise, a dependable person will consider how quickly plans can change and will do his best to

Just as a link made of yarn will break under pressure, a person who is not reliable will disappoint others and cannot be trusted.

The opposite of depend-

prevent the unexpected from

ability is inconsistency.

hindering his commitments. Before taking a job mow-

What might happen if

ing a neighbor’s lawn all summer, tell your neighbor

you had a loose tooth

which weeks you will be on vacation. Plan ahead so

and you bit into a crisp

that a rainy day will not set you behind schedule. Ask

apple? Or what if you

a friend or brother if they are willing to fill in for you

were walking along and your foot suddenly gave way?

if needed. Keeping your word requires thinking ahead

You were expecting your tooth and foot to perform

and setting your priorities in order so that others can

their normal functions. You were depending on

count on the commitments you have made to them.

them! However, their instability let you down. The

Dependability may require that you give up some sleep,

same is true when someone is inconsistent—he lets

work a few more hours, or forego a fun event. However,

others down. People are disappointed, projects aren’t

being dependable will gain something money can’t

completed, and trust is broken. “Confidence in an

buy: a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy person.

Dependability in Scripture

A

DEPENDABILITY KEY VERSE s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and

to his own hurt, and changeth not.” PSALM 15:4

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Dependability in My Life

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

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

•

God is our all-powerful Source of strength on Whom we can depend.

(See Isaiah 40:28–29.)

•

God will faithfully complete the work He begins in believers at salvation.

(See Philippians 1:6.)

•

God will always provide a way for us to escape temptations.

(See I Corinthians 10:13.)

•

Jesus kept His word by joining the disciples in Galilee after His resurrection.

(See Matthew 28:10, 16–17.)

•

Jesus Christ never changes. He is dependable from the eternal past through the eternal future.

(See Hebrews 13:8.)

•

The Holy Spirit is the seal of our eternal inheritance promised by God. (See Ephesians 1:13–14.)

Who is the one Person Who will never, ever fail you?

(See Deuteronomy 31:8.)

•

Am I trustworthy to keep a confidence, or do I spread news that should be kept private?

(See Proverbs 11:13.)

•

Can my brothers and sisters count on me when they are going through difficult times?

(See Proverbs 17:17.)

•

How does faithfully performing my assignments affect those who are relying on me?

(See Proverbs 25:13.)

•

Am I earning a good name? What is a good name greater than?

(See Proverbs 22:1, Ecclesiastes 7:1.)

•

Jesus judges righteously and is called “Faithful and True.”

(See Revelation 19:11.)

•

•

What less significant duties could I complete now in order to prepare me for greater responsibilities in the future?

(See Matthew 25:21.)

•

What specific opportunity to serve has God given me? Upon Whom should I depend to help me be faithful?

(See I Timothy 1:12.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Be Reliable INTRODUCTION

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eliable people work hard to consistently honor their commitments. When they are given a job, people can count on them to get it done. Does this describe you?

Maybe you agreed to clean your room before dinner, but found the vacuum cleaner didn’t work. What could you do if you were determined to complete what you said you would do? You may be able to solve the problem yourself by cleaning out the vacuum cleaner. Or, perhaps, picking up larger bits of dirt and fuzz would be sufficient until Dad could repair the vacuum cleaner. When you rise to the challenge and overcome difficulties to fulfill your smaller, daily responsibilities, others begin to trust that you will be reliable for greater opportunities in the future.

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10a).

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

DEPENDABILITY Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1

Obadiah Risks His Life to Deliver a Message

“A

Be Reliable

s the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom

King Ahab and the governor of his house, Obadiah,

I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these

were searching for water and grass to keep the livestock

years . . .” (I Kings 17:1). Elijah bravely spoke these words

from dying. To broaden their search, King Ahab and

to the evil king, Ahab. And just as Elijah said, Israel

Obadiah separated. Elijah met Obadiah first. The prophet

saw no rain for three years. The land suffered a severe

knew the governor was a God-fearing man serving an

drought and famine. King Ahab hated the prophet

unrighteous king. Elijah had a dangerous errand for

Elijah! He blamed Elijah for the lack of rain instead

Obadiah. What would Elijah ask him to do? Could Elijah

of acknowledging that his own sin had brought this

count on Obadiah to reliably carry out the request, even

great trouble on Israel. For three years King Ahab tried

though it might cost him his life? Would Obadiah and

to find Elijah, but Elijah hid in the wilderness. Finally,

Elijah depend on God to fulfill His promises?

God told Elijah to go tell King Ahab that He would

Let’s read the Bible story in I Kings 18:1–18, 41–46 and

send rain again. While Elijah approached Samaria,

then discuss the following questions.

1. How had Obadiah proved to be reliable in the past? (See I Kings 18:4.)

What actions can you take now that would cause others to count on you in the future?

2. Did King Ahab think Obadiah was a person he could depend upon? What task did he entrust to his servant to do on his own? (See I Kings 18:5–6.)

What task have you been asked to do on your own?

How have you shown dependability in completing those tasks?

3. What did Elijah ask Obadiah to do?

(See I Kings 18:7–8.)

What do your family members count on you to do?

What are some situations which might make it difficult for you to finish what you consented to do?

4. What was Obadiah’s concern about carrying out Elijah’s request? What promise did Elijah make to Obadiah? (See I Kings 18:9–15.)

What promises have you made to others? Have you kept them?

5. How did Obadiah demonstrate dependability?

What did King Ahab do to show he considered Obadiah’s words to be reliable? (See I Kings 18:16.)

What can a Christian consistently do that would be a good testimony both to those who are unsaved and to Christians who are struggling?

6. Did Elijah fulfill his promise to appear before the king, or did he disappear as Obadiah feared he would? (See I Kings 18:17.)

Whom do you trust to honor their commitments to you? Why is it disappointing or difficult when a person does not keep his promise?

7. What did Elijah tell King Ahab? Was God’s Word to King Ahab dependable? (See I Kings 18:41–45.)

List promises from God’s Word. Why can you depend on God to fulfill them? (See Psalm 119:160.)

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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

S

M

Philippians 2:20–21

S

P

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

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

E

O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

I Samuel 16:7

E

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

E

Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

S

I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

E

E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

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

O

O

I Thessalonians 2:7

M

G

S

James 4:6

S

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

E

O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

T

II Timothy 2:24

P

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

G

G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

T

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

P

I Peter 1:22

P

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

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

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

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