BCIC Justice Sample

Justice Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” MICAH 6:8

A SECRET SIN REVEALED “And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.”

ACTS 5:5

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Mercy

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 Justice in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1: Realize That I Will Answer to Him 7 Bible Story: A Secret Sin Revealed 8 Memory Verse: Micah 6:8 9 Activity: God Sees Everything

10 Lesson 2:

Take Personal Responsibility

11 Bible Story: Adam and Eve Pass the Blame 12 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:4–5 13 Activity: The Weight of Guilt

14 Lesson 3:

Defend the Weak

15 Bible Story: Two Midwives Face a Cruel King 16 Memory Verse: Psalm 82:3–4 17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4: Seek Restoration, Not Revenge

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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

19 Bible Story: The Repentant City and the Merciless Prophet

applications of God’s Word to everyday

20 Memory Verse: Galatians 6:1

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

21 Activity: Fight Evil, Not People

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

Additional Resources

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

illustrate His character to others.

22 Justice GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” 26 H ymn History: “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name”

by Edward Perronet 27 Explaining Salvation to a Child 28 Reproducible Coloring Pages 32 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Justice?

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

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he operational definition of justice is “personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws.”

The word justice usually brings to mind judges, courtrooms, and police officers. However, justice goes beyond the duty of God-given rulers to govern citizens by man’s law and extends to the duty of every individual to govern himself righteously in light of God’s Law. In order to become familiar with God’s laws and principles, we must diligently read and meditate on His Word. A judge considers all the evidence before him and reaches a verdict, or conclusion, “Judge not according to the appearance, based on the law. but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24).

In the same way, you can carefully evaluate the factors of each situation you encounter and make your decision according to God’s Word. King Solomon wisely asked God for a heart to judge the people by discerning right from wrong (I Kings 3:9). We can have peace and security knowing that God’s Word does not change as cultural standards, preferences, and even man’s laws, vary over time.

The opposite of justice is corruption. A corrupt judge is one who is willing to allow bribery, partiality, or personal gain influence his decision in a case. Likewise, a person with a lifestyle that violates or distorts God’s laws without remorse or repentance is corrupt.

Such a person makes his choices based on that which pleases him rather than on that which pleases the Lord.

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A society lacking proper justice tends to oppress the poor and vulnerable because those in power are not held accountable for how they use their authority.

You can avoid corruption by living in accordance with God’s laws and being quick to confess and make amends when you disobey His clear direction to you.

Justice is often confused with fairness. While justice is impartial and based on stated standards of expectation, fairness tends to be based on inconsistent emotions, personal experiences, or popular opinions.

Justice delivers clearly defined consequences—rewards and penalties—for one’s actions, while fairness may yield the same results for everyone regardless of their actions. For example, when distributing food, fairness would require each person be given an equal share.

However, when God gave the Israelites food (manna) in the wilderness, He instructed each person to gather only as much as he could eat. (See Exodus 16:16.) He recognized that each person’s body needs different amounts of food, and any extra would be wasted. Fairness is usually demanded by people who want benefits without accepting the responsibilities that normally yield those benefits. Rather than basing your decisions on the feelings and emotions of fairness, “A false balance is abomination you can base your decisions to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight” (Proverbs 11:1). on what God’s Word says.

Justice in Scripture A

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.

JUSTICE KEY VERSE “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” MICAH 6:8

The Character of God

Justice in My Life

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

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

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God is an impartial judge Who is just and right in all His judgments.

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(See Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 2:11.)

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God’s justice brings praise and rejoicing to the nations under His rule.

(See Exodus 18:21–22.)

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(See Psalm 67:3–4.)

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Jesus explained the correct applications of God’s commands, teaching the spirit, or broader intent, behind the letter of the Law. Long before His birth, it was prophesied that Jesus would establish His Kingdom with justice.

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Jesus did not take matters into His own hands but committed Himself to His Father Who judges righteously.

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Jesus is our Example of the just suffering for the unjust in order to lead them to God.

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The outpouring of the Holy Spirit results in judgment and righteousness in the land.

(See Isaiah 32:15–16.)

What will I be able to do for others if I am living according to God’s Word myself?

(See Matthew 7:5.)

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What Biblical truth should I apply to my thoughts, words, and actions?

(See Philippians 4:8, James 1:26, I Timothy 6:11.)

(See I Peter 3:18.)

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What is given to those who take responsibility for their actions?

(See Proverbs 28:13.)

(See I Peter 2:21–23.)

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What is my response when I see others opposing authority?

(See Proverbs 24:21–22, II Timothy 2:24–25.)

(See Isaiah 9:6–7.)

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How can I gain a true understanding of God’s laws?

(See I Chronicles 22:12, Psalm 119:15.)

(See Matthew 5:20–22.)

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What are the qualities of a good judge?

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How should I relate to those in legal authority over me?

(See Titus 3:1.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Realize That I Will Answer to Him

INTRODUCTION

Y

ou have done something wrong, and Dad

will be home soon. What will happen when Dad finds out? You feel dread rising within you because you know your dad will not be pleased. This “fear” can be likened to the “fear of the Lord.” Such a reverence for God and awareness of His holy presence both motivate you to do right and to quickly repent when you do wrong. One day you will give account to God for your words and actions. If by faith you have not accepted that Jesus took God’s judgment for your sins, you will take the penalty yourself for all eternity. If you have accepted Christ as Savior, you will give account for your deeds, both good and bad, and receive your just rewards.

(See II Corinthians 5:10.)

A Secret Sin Revealed

JUSTICE Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Realize That I Will Answer to Him

A Secret Sin Revealed

A

fter Peter’s powerful sermon on Pentecost, 3,000

they brought the money to the apostles for distribu-

people were saved, baptized, and added to the

tion. One of those who sold his land was Barnabas, a

church in Jerusalem. Soon thereafter, a lame beggar

disciple who would later accompany Paul on his first

at the Temple gate was miraculously healed in the

missionary journey. Two others, a husband and wife

name of Jesus. Onlookers immediately recognized

in the Jerusalem church, also decided to sell their

God’s power, and 5,000 more people believed that

land and give the money to the Lord. Did this couple

day. The church continued to flourish. Each day,

truly fear God? Were they aware that He knows and

believers met in homes to share meals together.

sees everything, even the hidden matters of the heart?

They demonstrated their sincere faith in God by

Did they realize that they would have to answer to

selling their land and possessions and giving to those

Him for their every word and deed?

among them who were in need. No one called what

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 5:1–11 and then discuss the following questions.

he had his own, and as they sold their belongings,

1. What did a couple named Ananias and Sapphira do that appeared good? What were they hiding?

(See Acts 5:1–2.)

What are ways you may learn God’s laws so you can do what is right and avoid the consequences of sin? (See Psalm 119:11–18.)

What is more important than appearing good to others? (See John 12:42–43.)

5. What did Peter ask Sapphira when she came?

What did she do with her opportunity to tell the truth? (See Acts 5:7–8.)

2. What did Peter ask Ananias? What sin was Ananias guilty of committing? (See Acts 5:3.)

Even though someone purposes to hide his sin, what will eventually result? (See Numbers 32:23.)

3. From where did Peter say that Ananias’s idea to lie originate? To Whom did Ananias answer for his deception? (See Acts 5:4.)

Why is it important to deal immediately with sinful thoughts? (See Proverbs 4:23.) To Whom will you one day answer for any lies you have told? (See I Corinthians 3:13.)

4. How did God deal with Ananias’s sin? (See Acts 5:5.)

When you are deciding if you will lie or tell the truth, what would motivate you to do what is right? (See Proverbs 12:13, 16:6.)

6. What happened to Sapphira for participating in her husband’s sin? (See Acts 5:9–10.)

If someone else entices you to sin, will you still be held accountable for what you do? How should you respond to the invitation? (See Proverbs 1:10, 15.)

7. What effect did the consequences of Ananias and Sapphira’s sin have on others? (See Acts 5:11.)

What can you say or do to help others understand that they will someday answer to 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

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

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O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

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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

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Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

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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

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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

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O

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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G

O

T

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Galatians 5:24–25

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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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