BCIC Determination Sample

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

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness . . . .”

II TIMOTHY 4:7–8

THE PLOT TO DISCOURAGE DANIEL’S DAILY DISCIPLINE “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

DANIEL 6:10

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 Determination in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Stay the Course

7 Bible Story: A King Changes His Course

8 Memory Verse: II Timothy 4:7–8

9 Activity: Right on Track

10 Lesson 2:

Not Be Discouraged by Others

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

11 Bible Story: The Plot to Discourage Daniel’s Daily Discipline

learn from their lives as well. “Now these

12 Memory Verse: Joshua 1:9

should not lust after evil things, as they

13 Activity: Press On to the Goal!

also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would

14 Lesson 3:

Ignore Distractions

things were our examples, to the intent we

be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

15 Bible Story: The Devious Plans to Distract Nehemiah

16 Memory Verse: Psalm 119:37

Illustrated in Life

17 Activity: Wall-Building Race

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

18 Lesson 4: Make Sure My Methods Are Right

19 Bible Story: David Learns from His Mistake

20 Memory Verse: II Timothy 2:15

21 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

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Additional Resources

22 Determination GEMs

23 Journal and GEM

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Hold the Fort”

25 Hymn History: “Hold the Fort” by Philip P. Bliss

26 Explaining Salvation to a Child

27 Reproducible Coloring Pages

31 Recommended Resources

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.

Mine

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Determination?

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

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he operational definition of determination is “purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition.” Determination is having the resolve to know God’s will and the follow-through to do it, undeterred by competing desires, distractions, or resistance. This perseverance is not to be confused with insistence on our own way.

God reveals His goals in His Word and through the Holy Spirit’s leading. When setting out to accomplish a goal, the determined Christian can expect challenges that will test his resolve and self-discipline.

He looks for ways With God’s strength, we can resolutely to overcome these push through incredible obstacles. obstacles and press on toward the goal. Breaking down large goals into achievable steps of action can keep him from being overwhelmed by a task. Sometimes God’s plan involves risk or loss, but the Lord is with His children through danger. Sacrifices will be small in comparison to the end reward.

learning a musical instrument, memorizing a Bible

The opposite of determination is faintheartedness. A fainthearted person may decide to do something; however, in response to the first distraction or hardship he encounters, he quickly forsakes his resolve.

He readily abandons his course, succumbing to laziness, discouragement, or fear. Because he does not place sufficient value on the actual goal, he shifts to an easier alternative or quits altogether. He may start

and the wisdom to find a way around obstacles. Listen

chapter, or training for a race but fail to complete the endeavor. He lacks the inner strength to exert sufficient effort or make sacrifices necessary to finish. A common sign of faintheartedness is the use of phrases such as “It’s too hard,” “I would rather . . . ,” or “I don’t want to.”

The fainthearted person may consider his own comfort or popularity to be more important than completion of the task God has given him.

Almost anything in life worth pursuing requires work.

Exercising faith and exerting energy to develop your God-given talents will be well worth your time; you will be better equipped to serve God and others. Learning a skill demands steadfast effort and determination, and God will reward your faithfulness.

When God calls you to a task, know that He will give you the grace to persevere, the strength to overcome difficulty,

When facing difficulties, a fainthearted person may feel like a wilted plant.

to the Holy Spirit Who reminds you of God’s promises.

Faith in God will keep you from being defeated by hardships or criticism. The Lord delights in your progress as well as your completion of the task. He will supply all that you need to achieve His goal.

“Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (I Thessalonians 5:24).

Determination in Scripture

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s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing

to be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will

DETERMINATION KEY VERSE “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness . . . .” II TIMOTHY 4:7–8

glorify God.

The Character of God

Determination in My Life

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

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

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God completes everything He purposes to do.

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(See Isaiah 46:11, 55:11.)

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God intends that the Church demonstrate the wisdom of His purpose.

(See Psalm 118:5–7.)

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(See Ephesians 3:10–12.)

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Jesus will persevere until He has established righteousness in the earth.

Jesus, even as a young boy, made His Father’s business His first priority.

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Jesus determined to obey the Father, despite great temptation.

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Jesus resolved to go to Jerusalem to endure the cross.

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The Spirit of the Lord will prevail when enemy forces attack.

(See Isaiah 59:19.)

Am I relying on Christ for strength in all circumstances?

(See Philippians 4:13.)

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(See Luke 9:51, 18:31–33.)

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What are God’s goals for me?

(See Matthew 6:33, 22:37–39.)

(See Luke 4:3–13, Hebrews 4:15.)

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What should I remember when I’m tempted to insist on getting my way?

(See Psalm 37:34, Luke 22:42.)

(See Luke 2:49.)

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What is the key to pressing forward in spite of weariness?

(See Isaiah 40:31, Galatians 6:9.)

(See Isaiah 42:1–4.)

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What can I remember about God when I encounter opposition?

As I live each day, how can I “run as a winner” in life’s race?

(See I Corinthians 9:24–27.)

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What helps me resist immediate pleasures in order to gain long-term rewards?

(See II Corinthians 4:17–18.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Not Be Discouraged

by Others

INTRODUCTION

hen you set out to accomplish God’s

goals, the devil will do all he can to stop you from fulfilling God’s plans. Satan may use other people to discourage you. They may say you are “too young” or “not good enough.” Even well-meaning friends may not understand the value of your goals and say, “That’s a waste of time!” You may become disheartened when you overhear your sibling say that you are behind her in music or that you are a terrible speller. Even if you are not skilled at something now, you can practice and learn to do it better. When you are obeying God, know that He is on your side!

Trust Him. God will give you grace to believe that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

The Plot to Discourage Daniel’s Daily Discipline

DETERMINATION Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition 10

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2

The Plot to Discourage Daniel’s Daily Discipline

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Not Be Discouraged

by Others

aniel lived a life that was fully dedicated to God. When the Babylonian army conquered Jerusalem

on the wall! The frightened king summoned Daniel,

around 600 B.C., Daniel and many others were taken

night, the foreign King Darius invaded the city, killed

captive. King Nebuchadnezzar selected certain captives,

Belshazzar, and took the throne. The new king chose

including Daniel, for training to serve in the royal

120 princes to rule over the massive kingdom. Over

courts of Babylon. When these young Jews were offered

these 120 men he appointed three presidents, including

the king’s delicacies, Daniel determined to honor God by

Daniel, who governed the leaders. Would the other pres-

humbly requesting food that God’s Law permitted. After

idents and princes appreciate Daniel and his integrity?

King Nebuchadnezzar died, his descendant Belshazzar

Who would attempt to intimidate Daniel? Would Daniel

ruled the empire. One day King Belshazzar held a pagan

who explained the meaning of the strange writing. That

be discouraged from doing right, or despite opposition,

feast. He irreverently used the sacred golden vessels

would he maintain his resolve to be faithful to God?

that had been looted from the Lord’s Temple. Suddenly, a hand from God appeared, writing words of judgment

Let’s read the Bible story in Daniel 6:1–28 and then discuss the following questions.

1. How did King Darius regard Daniel and why?

(See Daniel 6:3.)

5. What changes did Daniel make in response to the new law? (See Daniel 6:10.)

What Christlike character encourages your authorities? (See I Timothy 4:12.)

Today, whom are you pleasing: God or others?

Which one is more important? (See Galatians 1:10.)

2. Were the jealous men able to find fault with Daniel? Frustrated with his integrity, how did they try to ensnare him? (See Daniel 6:4–5.)

6. Who noticed Daniel praying? What did they report to the king? How did the king respond?

(See Daniel 6:11–14.)

Why might other people want to discourage or oppose you? (See James 3:16.) How should you respond? (See Psalm 37:1–9.)

What should you do when others attack you for your commitment to God? (See I Peter 4:14–16.)

3. What lie did the presidents and princes tell King Darius? Which president was not consulted?

(See Daniel 6:6–7.)

Have you ever been left out or misrepresented?

Did you keep doing what is right anyway?

(See Psalm 119:110.)

4. What did Daniel always do three times a day and why? (See Daniel 6:10, I Kings 8:28–30.)

What daily disciplines do you purpose to do? What opposition might you encounter in keeping them?

7. What had the king noticed about Daniel’s dedication to God? (See Daniel 6:16.)

What would your parents say about your dedication to God? 8. When the king could not save Daniel, how did God show Himself faithful? (See Daniel 6:20–23, 28.)

What enabled Daniel to overcome opposition?

(See Hebrews 11:32–33.)

What is the result of trusting in the Lord?

(See Psalm 37:37–40.)

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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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G

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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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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S

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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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I Thessalonians 2:7

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S

James 4:6

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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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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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Galatians 5:24–25

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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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