BCIC Enthusiasm Sample

Enthusiasm Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit “Rejoice evermore. . . .

Quench not the Spirit.”

I THESSALONIANS 5:16, 19

ENCOURAGED ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, . . .

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed. . . .”

LUKE 24:32–34

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Exhorter

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 Enthusiasm in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1:

Be Filled with the Spirit

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: A Spirit-Filled Reunion

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:18–19

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

9 Activity: God Is My Power Source!

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Rejoice in Him

11 Bible Story: The Shepherds Share a Reason to Rejoice!

12 Memory Verse: Luke 2:20 13 Activity: Smile-on-a-Stick

14 Lesson 3:

Motivate Others

15 Bible Story: The Inspiring Zeal of King Hezekiah 16 Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:24 17 Activity: Go, Team, Go!

18 Lesson 4:

Overcome Discouragement

19 Bible Story: Encouraged on the Road to Emmaus 20 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:16, 19 21 Activity: Word Search

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Enthusiasm GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

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.

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.

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Take the Name of Jesus with You” 25 H ymn History: “Take the Name of Jesus with You”

by Lydia Baxter 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 Enthusiasm?

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

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he operational definition of enthusiasm is “fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit.”

Our soul is that part of us by which we primarily relate to the physical world, and our spirit is that part of us by which we mainly relate to the Lord. The word enthu­ siasm comes from two Greek words: en, which means “in,” and theos, which means “God.” When you are “in God,” When the life of Christ in us bursts forth like a refreshing fountain, we such as praying, obeying are enthusiastic. “For with thee His voice, and reading is the fountain of life: in thy light and meditating on His shall we see light” (Psalm 36:9).

Word, then you are able to experience genuine joy. “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11b). When your spirit is in close fellowship with God, your joy will be obvious to those around you.

This expression with your soul is enthusiasm.

God’s Word gives many examples of enthusiasm. King David and the congregation greatly rejoiced when they gave willingly for the building of the Temple.

(See I Chronicles 29:9.) Families joined in the celebration when the wall around Jerusalem was completed.

(See Nehemiah 12:27, 40–43.) The Jews had “light, gladness, joy, and honor” because God had worked on their behalf to save them from Haman. (See Esther 8:11, 15–16.)

Such excitement was the result of people knowing the Lord and seeing Him work.

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The opposite of enthusiasm is apathy. Apathy means that instead of being eager and interested, you are indifferent and unconcerned. Apathetic people ignore the needs of those around them. They do not want to participate in the family’s ministry to the nursing home. They roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders when a job is assigned to them. They are not moved by the missionaries’ reports at church. They are easily bored. If you find yourself feeling apathetic about things that matter to the Lord, ask Him to show you what has come between you and Him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:10–12).

Having to “pump” up an artificial Christians in close enthusiasm could be a sign that we fellowship with God need to evaluate our walk with God. cannot help but express the joy of their spirits. They love to spend time often in God’s Word and are eager to praise God publicly. Enthusiastic Christians recognize God’s work in and around them. Their excitement bubbles over through energetic conversations, facial expressions, and voice inflections. Their decisions and actions inspire others to Godliness. They enjoy fellowship with God throughout the day and are often seen smiling and singing of God’s goodness. Nothing can replace this genuine, spontaneous, exuberant result of abiding in Christ.

Enthusiasm in Scripture ENTHUSIASM KEY VERSE

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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 glorify God.

“Rejoice evermore. . . . Quench not the Spirit.”

I THESSALONIANS 5:16, 19

The Character of God

Enthusiasm in My Life

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

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

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God’s name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” His presence with us is the source of joy.

(See Matthew 1:22–23, Psalm 16:11.)

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God rejoices in keeping His covenant with Israel.

(See Jeremiah 32:38–42.)

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Jesus spent time alone in fellowship with His Father before meeting the demands of the day.

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Jesus rejoiced as He saw His Father’s truth revealed to those who would receive it.

(See Luke 10:21.)

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The Holy Spirit produces the joy in our lives that results in enthusiasm.

(See Galatians 5:22–23.)

If I am eager to grow spiritually, what will I do fervently?

(See Mark 12:30.)

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What am I enthusiastic about? Do I rejoice in the same matter that causes Heaven to rejoice?

(See Luke 15:7.)

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Instead of being apathetic, with what attitude ought I be serving the Lord?

(See Romans 12:11.)

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(See Mark 1:35.)

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What tasks can I pour my energy into completing?

(See Ecclesiastes 9:10a.)

Jesus enthusiastically proclaimed salvation to those who would listen.

(See John 7:37–38.)

What have I seen the Lord do that causes me to be glad?

(See Psalm 126:3.)

God rejoices over us with singing.

(See Zephaniah 3:17.)

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Do I carry out my tasks only because I must, or do I complete my assignments as unto the Lord?

(See Colossians 3:23–24.)

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What can I enthusiastically encourage others to do?

(See Hebrews 10:23–25.)

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Knowing that God loves me and desires to have greater fellowship with me, how can I respond to His chastening?

(See Revelation 3:19–20.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Overcome Discouragement

INTRODUCTION

Encouraged on the Road to Emmaus

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as anything made you sad recently? When sad things happen, you might find yourself thinking only about your problems instead of about Who God is and

what He has done for you. God gives believers abundant mercy, encouraging hope, and an everlasting inheritance! Keep these things in mind and allow God to work through trials to refine your faith. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Peter 1:7–8). Be encouraged!

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ENTHUSIASM ENTHUSIASM Fervently Fervently expressing with expressing my soul thewith joy my soul the joy of my spirit of my spirit

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 4

Encouraged on the Road to Emmaus

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Overcome Discouragement

he events of the past three days had been confusing and disheartening. Surely Jesus was truly the

Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. Their hearts were

Messiah, but He had just been crucified in Jerusalem

a stranger approached and fell into step with them.

during the Passover! Had the prophecies about Messiah

He asked why they were sad and what had happened.

in the Holy Scriptures been misunderstood? People

Surprised that He seemed unaware, they began to

were relying on Jesus to redeem Israel, but now He had

rehearse the events that had occurred in Jerusalem.

been killed and buried in a garden tomb. All hope was

After listening to the two downcast travelers, what

gone. Then, three days following the crucifixion, some

would the Stranger share with them? How long would

women had visited the tomb. Angels appeared to them,

they walk together? What would happen when they

saying that Jesus was alive! Others ran to the garden

heavy as they discussed the recent happenings. Quietly,

arrived in Emmaus? What overcame the discouragement

and verified that the sepulcher was indeed empty!

of the two travelers and filled them with enthusiasm?

Later the same day that the empty tomb was discov-

Let’s read the Bible story in Luke 24:13–35 and then discuss the following questions.

ered, two travelers began their seven-mile walk from

1. Did the two travelers from Jerusalem realize Who had joined them on their way to Emmaus?

(See Luke 24:15–16.)

How do you sense the presence of the Lord throughout your day?

2. Were the travelers enthusiastic or troubled as they walked and talked? Did Jesus notice? (See Luke 24:17.)

Would you describe yourself as enthusiastic or discouraged right now? Is Jesus with you when you are sad? (See Psalm 34:18.)

3. In what way did Jesus encourage the troubled travelers? (See Luke 24:27.)

5. What happened when the travelers recognized Who their Guest was? (See Luke 24:31.)

When you are downhearted, do you ask Jesus to open your eyes so that you can know Him more fully?

6. How did the travelers describe the excitement that replaced their sadness as Jesus spoke with them on the road? (See Luke 24:32.)

How would you describe the joy of your spirit when God speaks to you through His Word?

7. What did the enthusiasm of the travelers cause them to do that evening? (See Luke 24:33.)

When was a time that you were able to encourage someone by sharing Scripture with him?

What can you do to overcome discouragement?

(See Psalm 61:2.)

4. When they arrived at Emmaus, what did the travelers do that indicated they had enjoyed their journey with Jesus? (See Luke 24:28–29.)

8. When the travelers returned to Jerusalem, what did the they eagerly tell the other disciples and those who were with them? (See Luke 24:34–35.)

When have you enjoyed talking with Jesus in prayer or reading His Word and did not want to stop?

Where could you meet with other believers to share and rejoice in the work of God?

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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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Philippians 2:20–21

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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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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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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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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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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!

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