BCIC Joyfulness Sample

Joyfulness Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

PSALM 16:11

SINGING WHILE SHACKLED “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”

ACTS 16:25

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

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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 Joyfulness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1: Let His Spirit Rule My Emotions 7 Bible Story: Habakkuk Faces Uncertain Times 8 Memory Verse: Habakkuk 3:18 9 Activity: Rejoice in the Lord!

10 Lesson 2:

Resist Discouragement

11 Bible Story: Attacked, Robbed, Threatened . . . and Encouraged!

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

12 Memory Verse: Psalm 43:5

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

13 Activity: Holding Up under Pressure

be wise to learn from the testimonies God

14 Lesson 3:

Look for Good in All Things

15 Bible Story: Singing While Shackled 16 Memory Verse: Romans 8:28–29 17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4:

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ever things were written aforetime were

Fellowship with Him

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

19 Bible Story: The Temple Celebration!

applications of God’s Word to everyday

20 Memory Verse: Psalm 16:11

life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not

21 Activity: Projecting Christ’s Joy in Me!

hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables

Additional Resources

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

22 Joyfulness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 H ymn Sheet Music: “There’s Within My Heart a Melody” 25 H ymn History: “There’s Within My Heart a Melody”

by Luther B. Bridgers 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 Joyfulness?

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

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he operational definition of joyfulness is “delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances.” When you delight in someone, you admire and appreciate him and enjoy being with that person. The same is true about your relationship with God. Delighting in fellowship with Him produces a deep, consistent assurance that sustains a Christian through any situation. When you talk with the Lord, read His Word, and act on what He says, your heart will be encouraged. As you rest in the Lord and receive strength from Him, joy and peace will spring from fellowship with Him. While happiness may look like joy, it disappears when life does not go well. A happy person’s emotional outlook fluctuates, depending upon what is happening, while the joyful person radiates hope and cheer despite changing circumstances. His attitude often refreshes and encourages those around him.

Like crocuses bursting forth through the snow, joyfulness springs from fellowship with God, regardless of our circumstances.

The opposite of joyfulness is self-pity. A person who focuses on his own problems and concerns often becomes irritable or gloomy. A self-pitying person feels sorry for himself. He may pout, saying, “Everybody is mean to me,” “I never get to do anything fun,” or “I’m always last.” Instead of directing attention to the Lord, he selfishly draws attention to himself and his problems. When he pridefully seeks his own happiness

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above all else, he is easily disappointed when his expectations are not met. By focusing on his difficulties, he rejects the opportunity to fellowship with the Lord.

Furthermore, self-pity tends to blind a person from seeing others’ needs and loving them. The Apostle Paul did not indulge in self-pity! He willingly gave up personal comforts and desires for God’s priorities and purposes. (See Acts 20:24.)

What can you do when you don’t feel joyful?

Maybe you feel sad, tired, or frustrated. Pretending to be joyful in order to appear spiritual or impress others would be hypocritical. However, choosing to cheerfully serve others through difficult times is not hypo- Self-pity is similar to being engulfed in a fog, unable to see critical if it is sincerely beyond one’s own needs and motivated by your love immediate circumstances. for God and others. Even though someone may not know what you are going through, God knows. (See Psalm 139:1–4.) You can always pour out your heart to Him. (See Psalm 62:8.) He desires to strengthen you with His Words of comfort, healing, forgiveness, and joy. Rather than yielding to discouragement and hopelessness, meditate on God’s gift of salvation. Just as God has met your greatest need (eternal salvation), so He can be trusted with all of your lesser needs! “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation . . .” (Isaiah 61:10).

Joyfulness in Scripture

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JOYFULNESS KEY VERSE

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

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” PSALM 16:11

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Joyfulness in My Life

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

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

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God rejoices when His people turn to Him and follow His commandments.

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(See Deuteronomy 30:9–10.)

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God delighted in restoring the remnant of Israel, singing over them with joy.

(See Zephaniah 3:17.)

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God’s joy strengthens His people.

(See Nehemiah 8:10.)

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Jesus stated that all Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and turns to Him. (See Luke 15:7.)

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Jesus was able to endure the agony of the cross because He was focused on the joy that was set before Him.

(See Psalm 5:11, 13:5.)

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Jesus, with great joy, will present believers before the throne of God.

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The Holy Spirit fills believers and gives them the ability to sing and make melody in their hearts.

(See Ephesians 5:18–19.)

Why can I approach each day with gladness?

(See Psalm 118:24.)

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How should I respond to persecution for Christ’s sake, and why?

(See Luke 6:22–23.)

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Why can I find joy in trials?

(See James 1:2–4.)

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Why can I be cheerful even though world events are depressing?

(See John 16:33.)

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(See Jude 1:24–25.)

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How can I express my joy in the Lord?

(See I Chronicles 16:8–11.)

(See Hebrews 12:2.)

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What are some attributes of God that bring me joy?

What is one thing I can be joyful about regardless of what happens?

(See Romans 8:38–39.)

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What can I expect if I respond well to discipline?

(See Hebrews 12:11.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Look for Good in All Things

INTRODUCTION

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icture an athlete enduring painful training and a

strict diet. These disciplines may seem unpleasant, yet they are exactly what he needs because of the results they will produce. He will be strong!

He will run fast! Similarly, you may also need to endure unpleasant situations. However, as you exercise faith to praise God in the difficulty, He can give you His perspective and resilience. God sees factors that you cannot see. He wants you to grow spiritually. His eternal benefits are better than any possessions or comforts this world offers. Anything you may want or may have lost is not as important as what you gain by knowing Christ. The opportunity to know Christ is the greatest good we can find in any situation. “I have suffered the loss of all things . . . that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8).

Singing While Shackled

JOYFULNESS Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances 14

BIBLE STORY Singing While Shackled

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uring Paul’s second missionary journey, the Holy Spirit directed him to go to the city of

Philippi. On the Sabbath, Paul and his coworker, Silas, sat by a riverside and spoke with the people gathered for prayer. One person present was Lydia, who was converted and baptized that day! Later, on their way to prayer, Paul and Silas were met by a demon-possessed girl who told fortunes to earn money for her masters. The girl began following Paul and Silas around the city, crying out, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation.” For many days, she followed them until Paul, in the name of Jesus, commanded

1. How did the magistrates and the other people in Philippi mistreat Paul and Silas?

(See Acts 16:22–23.)

What is the proper response when others mistreat you for Jesus’ sake? What can you thank God for in such situations? (See Matthew 5:10–12.)

2. What happened to Paul and Silas after they were beaten? What did the jailer do that made their wounded bodies even more uncomfortable?

(See Acts 16:24.)

When you are sick, injured, or disappointed, what blessings might you find if you look for the good rather than have self-pity?

3. What two things did Paul and Silas choose to do at midnight? (See Acts 16:25.)

Is your joyfulness dependent on your circum­ stances? (See Romans 12:12.) What are some things you can do to be encouraged in the Lord?

4. Who heard Paul and Silas praying and singing?

(See Acts 16:25.)

LESSON 3 Look for Good in All Things

the demon to come out of her. Immediately, she was released from the evil power. When the girl’s masters saw that they would no longer profit from her fortunetelling, they were furious! Seizing Paul and Silas, they took them before the city rulers and accused them of causing trouble. The Philippians responded in an outrage. What punishment would the Philippians inflict upon these two men? How would Paul and Silas respond to the harsh treatment? Would they complain, or would they praise God and look for the good in a seemingly bad situation?

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 16:22–34 and then discuss the following questions.

Who may be overhearing or observing your responses as you face difficulties?

5. When the earthquake occurred, how many prisoners’ shackles fell off? How many fled from the jail? (See Acts 16:26–28.)

How can your courageous response in challenging times impact those around you? (See Ephesians 4:29.)

Who often sees and imitates your example?

6. How did the jailer demonstrate his astonishment?

What did the jailer ask Paul and Silas?

(See Acts 16:29–30.)

What attitudes and behaviors demonstrate to others what Christ is like? What attitudes and actions hinder your witness? (See Philippians 2:14–15.)

7. How did God use Paul and Silas’ mistreatment and imprisonment for His glory? (See Acts 16:31–34, 40.)

Despite their mistreatment, what would God establish in Philippi? (See Philippians 1:1–4.)

How have you seen God use a difficult situation for good? What are some ways you can praise God? (See Psalm 77:11–13.)

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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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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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