BCIC Security Sample

Security Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” JOHN 6:27

RELYING ON GOD THROUGH A STORM “And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. . . . Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.”

ACTS 27:22, 25

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Teacher

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

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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 Security in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

Lesson 1:

Rely on Him for Protection

ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Relying on God through a Storm

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Psalm 46:1

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

9 Activity: Voyage Tracker

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2: Invest My Time in Things That Last

sentations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we

11 Bible Story: Matthew’s Choice for the Future

should not lust after evil things, as they

12 Memory Verse: John 6:27

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

13 Activity: Investment Worksheet

be wise to learn from the testimonies God

14 Lesson 3: Beware of Dependence on Money for Happiness

has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life

15 Bible Story: The Dilemma of the Rich Young Ruler

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

16 Memory Verse: I Timothy 6:10

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

17 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

18 Lesson 4:

Replace Fear with Trust

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday

19 Bible Story: King Hezekiah and the Threatening Letter

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

20 Memory Verse: Psalm 56:3

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

21 Activity: A Weak Link

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

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Additional Resources

22 Security GEMs

23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “The Solid Rock” 25 Hymn History: “The Solid Rock” by Edward Mote 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

illustrate His character to others.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Security?

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

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he definition of security is “structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.” Many people strive to obtain wealth, approval, and pleasure, but do not find peace.

Peace comes when our minds are fixed on the Lord and we are trusting in Him rather than in material belongings. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3). True security, that which cannot be destroyed or taken away, comes when you live for what will last for eternity.

The opposite of security is anxiety. People tend to worry. Sometimes they worry about what they think they need but don’t have. When they get the desired item, then they worry that it may be lost!

Anxiety can be overcome by resting in God’s goodness, trusting that He has a plan and a purpose for your life, and believing He provides for His will to be done. “In the Lord put I my trust” (Psalm 11:1a).

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil” (Hebrews 6:19).

Temporal things are the opposite of eternal things.

“The things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:18).

Temporal things only give happiness for a short time and can be easily lost. They cannot provide true security.

Is it wrong to work for earthly possessions? No, you need money and possessions to fulfill the responsi4

bilities God has given you. These responsibilities have eternal significance. Temporal things, which can be seen, are not the end goal—gain them to exchange them for things of lasting value, which cannot be seen.

Only three things are eternal, meaning they last forever: God, His Word, and people. (See I Timothy 1:17, Isaiah 40:8, Matthew 25:46.)

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Do you know God? As God reveals Who He is to you, your walk with Him will be strengthened. Are you aware of His presence throughout each day?

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Are your life decisions based on God’s Word? God’s Word gives instruction on how to live. Are you learning to read so you can read the Bible? If you already know how to read, are you taking the time to read the Bible?

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Are you investing in people? Many need to hear about Jesus. Many people need to see good examples of how to obey God. Many need the encour-

“Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven” (Proverbs 23:5).

agement of a smile or a Bible verse. Are people more important to you than your possessions and schedule?

When you build your life around these three eternal things, you will find true security that cannot be destroyed or taken away.

Security 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.

SECURITY KEY VERSE “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” JOHN 6:27

The Character of God

Security in My Life

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

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

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God is eternal, which allows believers to confidently structure their lives around Him. (See Psalm 90:2.)

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The Holy Spirit assures believers that they are the children of God. (See Romans 8:16–17.)

Should I find security in the acceptance and approval of others?

(See Psalm 41:9.)

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What is the result of structuring my life upon God and His Word?

(See Proverbs 16:20.)

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Where can I find my greatest source of security and strength?

(See Isaiah 30:15.)

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Jesus promises peace in the midst of trials and hardships.

(See John 14:27.)

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Jesus freely ministered to others because He was secure in Who He was.

(See John 13:3–5.)

Do I take time to stop and simply reflect on God’s sovereignty?

(See Psalm 46:10.)

Jesus encouraged His disciples to have an eternal perspective.

(See John 4:34–35.)

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Jesus was not anxious in dangerous situations.

(See Matthew 8:25–26.)

When circumstances are difficult, Who can I trust for safety and deliverance?

(See Psalm 34:19.)

God, our Refuge, is a “place” of security.

(See Psalm 46:1.)

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What are my most beloved treasures? Will those treasures last for eternity?

(See Matthew 6:19–21.)

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What can separate me from God’s love?

(See Romans 8:38–39.)

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Am I trusting in Jesus alone for my salvation?

(See Romans 10:9–10.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Rely on Him for Protection

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INTRODUCTION

ome people trust in their nation’s military

power. Others trust in the locks on their doors or intricate security systems.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the

Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).

As children run to their parents who can protect them from many dangers, so you can run to Christ to protect you from evil. Jesus, in Matthew 6:13, instructed His disciples to pray for deliverance from evil. This teaching applies not only to the evil around us but also to the evil in our own hearts that leads to sin. God may even use the evil that happens to you to draw you to Himself. Rely on Him and you will have security which cannot be taken away, no matter what is happening in your life.

Relying on God through a Storm

SECURITY Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Rely on Him for Protection

Relying on God through a Storm

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herever Paul went, the apostle spoke confidently by the power of the Holy Spirit! On three different missionary journeys, he traveled throughout many countries preaching the Gospel, discipling new believers, and starting local churches.

On each trip, Paul proclaimed reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Often, his hearers were moved to action—whether to repent and trust Jesus, or sometimes to seek to kill Paul! Although his message brought him much persecution and hardship, Paul could be secure because he knew he was in God’s will and trusted Him. The Jewish religious leaders were agitated and disturbed at the Apostle Paul’s resolute preaching. One day as Paul spoke to them, the leaders

began to fight over his words. However, Paul was rescued from injury and taken before the Roman governor. Ultimately, the decision was made that Paul would stand trial before the powerful Roman emperor, Caesar. The governor arranged for Paul and other prisoners to sail to Rome under the watchful eye of a Roman centurion and his soldiers. Would Paul trust God with his future? How would God strengthen him when the voyage became dangerous?

Would the apostle rely on God for his protection?

How might Paul, even while a prisoner, confidently offer hope to others facing the same danger?

Let’s read the Bible story in Acts 27:6–44 and then discuss the following questions.

1. As the ship sailed toward Rome, what difficulty did the crew encounter? (See Acts 27:7.)

through a dangerous or uncertain time?

(See Isaiah 26:3, Hebrews 13:6.)

When you encounter difficulties, do you trust that God has a good plan for your life?

5. What kept Paul from becoming anxious?

(See Acts 27:25.)

2. How did the weather change?

(See Acts 27:13–14.)

A secure life is structured around eternal things. Insecurity arises when we trust in things that change. What can change in your life that you should not structure your life around?

3. After many days without sun or stars, would those on the ship know where they were located?

Did the people think they would survive the storm? (See Acts 27:20.)

What gives you hope when others are afraid?

What gives you guidance when the way is unclear?

4. What message did Paul receive during the storm?

(See Acts 27:23–24.)

What Scripture promise helps you trust God

Do you believe that God can be trusted and that His Word is true?

6. What would be lost in the storm? (See Acts 27:22.)

Your response to losing something shows if your security was dependent on it. What have you lost?

How did you respond?

7. What did everyone aboard the ship do that demonstrated they were extremely fearful? How did Paul encourage them? (See Acts 27:33–36.)

Your life affects other people. How can you encourage others to put their trust in the Lord?

8. How many people were on the boat? How many were lost at sea? Did God fulfill His promise to protect everyone? (See Acts 27:37, 43–44.)

When have you relied on the Lord for protection and found Him faithful?

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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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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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OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

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Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set

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Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

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Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation

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