BCIC Endurance Sample

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

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” GALATIANS 6:9

PAUL’S FINAL CHARGE TO TIMOTHY Paul noted in his letter from prison, written to Timothy: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

II TIMOTHY 4:7

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Server

CONTENTS

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

2

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 Endurance in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso­

6 Lesson 1:

Hold On to Hope

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: When All Hope Was Gone

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Psalm 42:11

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

9 Activity: My Anchor of Hope

also people in the Bible who are repre­

10 Lesson 2: Keep Going Even Though I Am Tired 11 Bible Story: The Arms of Moses Grow Tired 12 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:9 13 Activity: Keep Going Together!

14 Lesson 3:

Renew My Strength

sentations 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.

15 Bible Story: A Weary Prophet in the Wilderness

Illustrated in Life

16 Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:31

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

17 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing

18 Lesson 4:

Finish Well

19 Bible Story: Paul’s Final Charge to Timothy 20 Memory Verse: II Timothy 4:7 21 Activity: Operation Preparation!

22

ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Endurance GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

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

24 H ymn Sheet Music: “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” 25 H ymn History: “The Son of God Goes Forth to War” by Reginald Heber 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 Endurance?

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

T

he operational definition of endurance is “the inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best.” While your physical strength allows you to do heavy lifting and labor for the strenuous tasks you have, your inner strength enables you to keep going when faced with challenges that cannot be overcome by physical might alone. Such hardships may include a prolonged illness, ridicule by friends, the loss of a loved one, or difficulty focusing on a tiresome task. Though sometimes hard to understand, all that God allows has been filtered through His loving hands for your good and His greater purpose. As Job declares, “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).

No matter what lies ahead, God gives us the strength required to tackle difficult tasks one step at a time and to accomplish His best.

The opposite of endurance is giving up. A person gives up when he sees no hope of escaping the difficult circumstances he is going through. He may hang his head in despair or complain as if there are no solutions to his problems. He may burst into tears or become angry because the situation is beyond his control. After trying his best, he is severely exhausted physically and mentally and has little inward strength remaining.

At such a point, a lie such as “No one cares!” or “This is not worth it!” seems believable. Rather than turning

4

to the truth in God’s Word or taking such destructive thoughts captive, defeat appears unavoidable, and persevering any longer seems impossible.

God is the source of the inward strength needed for endurance. He has an inexhaustible supply, but you must tap into that source. Imagine Waving a white flag is an international that you have a symbol of surrender or one’s decision storage tank that to give up. holds your inward strength—your “endurance tank.” The content of this tank is affected by your thoughts, feelings, and actions. When you encounter hardships, and you complain, argue, or rely on your own power rather than God’s, you are blocking the flow of the strength He wants to give you. You are focused on your own comfort and relief rather than on God’s best. Discour­ agement will distract you from drawing from your endurance tank. However, like King David, you can take that discouragement to the Lord and rely on Him to renew your inner strength. (See I Samuel 30:6.) To overcome, turn the focus of your thoughts to the Lord.

You can draw from your endurance tank by having regular quiet times with the Lord, meditating on His Word, and worshipping with other believers. Trust in God’s Word, not in your feelings. Put your hope in Him and resist the devil’s attempts to derail your desire to accomplish God’s best. (See I Peter 5:8–10.)

Endurance in Scripture

A

s you read and study God’s Word,

ENDURANCE KEY VERSE

you will see Who He is! Be willing to

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due

be changed by Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

season we shall reap, if we faint not.” GALATIANS 6:9

The Character of God

Endurance in My Life

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

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

•

God’s mercy and truth will prevail from generation to generation.

•

(See Psalm 100:5.)

•

When our physical and emotional strength fails, God is our Strength and Eternal Reward.

(See I Peter 4:12–13.)

•

(See Psalm 73:25–26.)

•

Jesus persevered through ridicule, shame, and a cruel death by focusing on His Father’s will and reward.

(See Hebrews 12:2–3.)

•

Jesus promised peace and joy through all trials to those who would trust in His victory.

(See John 16:33.)

•

Jesus finished well.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to abound in hope.

•

The Holy Spirit mightily strengthens the believer’s inner man.

(See Ephesians 3:16.)

What gives me hope when I feel anxious during suffering?

(See I Peter 5:10, Isaiah 40:31.)

•

Whom can I trust to finish the good work He has begun in me?

(See Philippians 1:6.)

•

How can I conquer discouragement when others ridicule or speak ill of me?

(See I Samuel 30:6.)

•

(See Romans 15:13.)

•

How should I respond to stressful situations?

(See II Timothy 2:3.)

(See John 17:4.)

•

Why can I rejoice when my family faces difficult times?

What is God’s best for me?

(See Romans 8:28–29, Micah 6:8.)

•

What motivates me to continue pressing on in my Christian life?

(See Philippians 3:12–14, I Corinthians 4:16–18.)

5

2 Y

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Keep Going Even Though I Am Tired

INTRODUCTION

ou are on a long hike with your family and

you are exhausted! Your legs and feet are aching and you want to quit, but Mom has said to continue walking a few more minutes—a breath­ taking overlook is just a little farther ahead. What do you do? Draw from the inner strength that God provides!

Recall an encouraging Bible verse. Cheer someone on who is struggling moreso than you are. Think of the reward of reaching the goal. Ask God to strengthen you. These actions can keep you going, even though you are tired. Remem­ ber “. . . that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his under­ standing. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:28–29).

The Arms of Moses Grow Tired

ENDURANCE The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best 10

BIBLE STORY The Arms of Moses Grow Tired

S

oon after the Israelites were delivered from Egypt, they were traveling through the wilderness to the

LESSON 2 Keep Going Even Though I Am Tired

to work on their behalf, Moses carried with him the rod of God. The rod had symbolized God’s provision

Promised Land. Along the way, they suffered a cruel

to them again and again. At the Red Sea, when Moses

attack. Their new enemies were the Amalekites, the

held up the rod, the deep waters had parted, provid­

pagan descendants of Jacob’s twin brother, Esau. This

ing an escape from the Egyptian armies. Later, when

nomadic tribe ambushed the Israelites from behind,

they had no water to drink, God instructed Moses to

attacking first a group which included the elderly, the

hit a rock with the rod, and water had gushed forth.

weak, and the young. In response, Moses decided to

How would God use this rod now to help Israel defeat

fight the Amalekites. He appointed Joshua as captain of the army. The Israelites had seen God provide deliv­

the Amalekites? Would victory elude Joshua and the novice troops? Would Moses fulfill his part during the

erance in the past, but now they would face their first

battle, or would he grow weary and need help?

significant battle. As former slaves, the Israelites lacked military training. Knowing that they would need God

Let’s read the Bible story in Exodus 17:8–16 and then discuss the following questions.

1. What did Moses appoint Joshua to do and why?

What did Moses plan to do at the same time?

(See Exodus 17:9.)

5. What did Aaron and Hur do first to alleviate Moses’ exhaustion? Did Moses accept their help?

(See Exodus 17:12.)

What do others depend on you to do at home?

Within your church? Within your community?

Whom has God sent to help you when you were tired but had a job to finish? Did you receive the offered help or proudly think that you must “do it all”? (See Ecclesiastes 4:9–10.)

2. How did Joshua respond to Moses’ instructions?

Who went with Moses? (See Exodus 17:10.)

What is the proper response to have when you are given a difficult task? (See II Chronicles 15:7.)

3. What would happen if Moses became too tired to keep the rod raised? (See Exodus 17:11.)

How does your family benefit when you continue working on a project until it is completed? How are others affected when you give up?

4. How did Moses feel as the battle progressed?

(See Exodus 17:12.)

What exhausts you physically, mentally, emo­ tionally, or spiritually? How is God faithful to you during those times? (See Psalm 3:2–5.)

6. What did Aaron and Hur do next that enabled Moses to keep going even though he was tired?

(See Exodus 17:12.)

What could you do to help someone who is struggling with a lengthy cleaning project? How could you encourage a brother or sister who has a difficult school assignment?

7. How did God reward the endurance of Moses, Aaron, and Hur? (See Exodus 17:13–14.)

What are the rewards of endurance? When you are tired, on Whose strength can you depend?

(See Isaiah 26:4.)

11

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.

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

Single Booklets: $10 each Complete Set: $379 (SAVE 23%)

Single PDF Download: $3 each PDF Download Set: $109 (SAVE 25%)

OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set

Power for True Success

Hymns for the Family, Volumes 1–4

Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set

Includes 2 bonus items: Calendar + Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

Companion hymns for each character quality

Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation

Shop these resources at store.iblp.org. • Questions? Call 903-636-9600 or email biblicalcharacter@iblp.org.