BCIC Self-Control Sample

Self-Control Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

GALATIANS 5:24–25

A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR REVENGE “The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.”

I SAMUEL 26:11

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

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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 Self-Control in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Avoid Acting Impulsively

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

7 Bible Story: Calling Down Fire from Heaven

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Proverbs 21:5

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

9 Activity: Stop! Now Hop!

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Set My Own Limits

11 Bible Story: A Perfect Opportunity for Revenge

12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 23:1–2

13 Activity: Taming the Tongue

14 Lesson 3:

Choose to Fast

15 Bible Story: A Man of Prayer and Fasting

16 Memory Verse: Matthew 6:17–18

17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4:

Overcome Temptation

19 Bible Story: King David Considers a Census

20 Memory Verse: Galatians 5:24–25

21 Activity: Walking in the Spirit

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Additional Resources

22 Self-Control GEMs

23 Journal and GEM

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Yield Not to Temptation”

26 Hymn History: “Yield Not to Temptation”

by Horatio R. Palmer

27 Explaining Salvation to a Child

28 Reproducible Coloring Pages

32 Recommended Resources

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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.

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Self-Control?

Read aloud and discuss what self-control means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of self-control is “instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit.”

At salvation, a person is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit within reminds the Christian of God’s Word, convicts him of sin, and comforts him in trials. The Spirit’s direction will always be in accordance with God’s Word and His ways.

Many people in the Bible learned to recognize God’s voice. The Spirit’s promptings are not audible but can be perceived within a believer’s spirit. A Christian develops sensitivity to the Holy Spirit by spending regular time with God and responding immediately Just as a stoplight directs traffic, when He speaks. The the Holy Spirit gives direction so Holy Spirit may prompt a a Christian can know when to believer to rise right away stop and when to proceed. when his alarm rings, to give a Gospel tract to a stranger, or to respond graciously in a frustrating situation. Although anyone can seemingly control himself for a time, only the person yielded to God’s Spirit can experience freedom from sin. (See Romans 6:22–23.) The indwelling Holy Spirit has the power to transform a Christian’s desires as well as his actions.

The opposite of self-control is self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is a lack of restraint, evidenced by a misuse of the good things God created. For example, God gave us taste buds so that we can enjoy eating our food. However,

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this pleasure is misused when a person overeats. God designed rest to rejuvenate the body, but this necessity is abused when a person is slothful. A self-indulgent person does whatever he feels like doing, even if it goes against God’s Word. He lacks the self-discipline to limit and deny himself. Proverbs 25:28 warns: “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Yielding to one’s natural desires leaves a person vulnerable to spiritual attacks and painful consequences. If children do not learn self-control when young, as adult citizens they will not govern themselves responsibly. Consequently, they will require more oversight by authorities, who will govern with excessive laws and regulations. Self-control safeguards society from corruption, because human desires become harmful when they are indulged, abused, or fulfilled outside of God’s boundaries.

The word self-control might seem to imply that you can control Without self-control, a child will indulge yourself and can in more than his rightful share of dessert. do what is right in your own strength. Although a person can learn to outwardly submit to moral rules and regulate his behavior, changed affections and a desire to obey God come only from the Holy Spirit. A Christian cultivates self-control by denying himself and heeding the Holy Spirit. May we pray as Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36).

Self-Control in Scripture

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SELF-CONTROL KEY VERSE

s you read and study God’s Word, you will

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” GALATIANS 5:24–25

see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

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

The Character of God

Self-Control in My Life

We see examples of God restraining Himself in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out self-control daily.

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God set a limit for Himself when He promised to never again destroy the earth with a flood.

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(See Genesis 9:15.)

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Jesus exercised self-discipline to rise early and pray.

(See Proverbs 14:29.)

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(See Mark 1:35.)

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Jesus followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and fasted.

Jesus quoted Scripture to reject Satan’s temptation to unrighteously satisfy His hunger.

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Jesus chose His words wisely and carefully when speaking with His enemies.

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The Holy Spirit does not speak His Own words but speaks only what God the Father directs Him to say.

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The Spirit bears the fruit of self-control.

(See Galatians 5:22–23.)

What are the consequences of speaking whatever comes into my mind?

(See James 1:26.)

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(See John 16:13.)

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How will self-indulgence be manifested in the last days, and how am I to respond?

(See II Timothy 3:1–5.)

(See Luke 11:53–54.)

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What has God provided to replace the inclinations of my flesh?

(See Ephesians 4:22–24.)

(See Luke 4:2–4.)

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What may result from failure to control my thoughts and actions?

(See Proverbs 25:28.)

(See Luke 4:1–2.)

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How can I display self-control when when I am irritated?

What qualities, along with self-control (temperance), will produce spiritual fruitfulness in my life?

(See II Peter 1:5–8.)

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How can I find power over my selfishness?

(See Romans 13:14, Galatians 5:24–25.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Set My Own Limits INTRODUCTION

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or your well-being, God has placed adults in your

life to help you set limits on your pleasures and freedoms.

Having parents and teachers who help you learn how to act respon­sibly is a privilege.

As you become an adult, you will have to make more decisions yourself. Begin now to learn what honors the Lord.

Daniel set limits in his youth: he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself . . .”

(Daniel 1:8). Setting limits now can guide you to success in the future. For example, finish your schoolwork before you play. Follow your parents’ guidelines for electronic devices. Decide to eat only one piece of dessert. Respecting those boundaries for yourself now will build discipline to resist self-indulgence in the future. Know why you set boundaries and keep those reasons in mind.

A Perfect Opportunity for Revenge

SELF-CONTROL Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit 10

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2 Set My Own Limits

A Perfect Opportunity for Revenge

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ecause of King Saul’s disobedience, God directed the prophet Samuel to anoint young David as the

David called out and showed the king the cloth, Saul

future king of Israel. Furious and jealous, King Saul

King Saul then went their separate ways. Shortly after-

determined to kill David. For years, King Saul pursued

ward, some people told Saul where David was hiding.

David. On one occasion, King Saul entered a large cave,

With this information, the king rallied a trained army

unaware that it was the same cave where David and

of three thousand soldiers to hunt down David. If David

his men were hiding. What a perfect opportunity for

had another chance to kill King Saul, would he take

David to kill his attacker and secure the kingdom! Yet,

it? Would David change his mind since King Saul had

because of his deep reverence for God, David refused

wept, realizing David had spared his life. David and

failed to keep his word? Or would David trust God and

to harm the king whom God had appointed. Instead,

honor his resolve to respect the Lord’s anointed?

David quietly cut off a small piece of King Saul’s robe and remained hidden until Saul left the cave. When

Let’s read the Bible story in I Samuel 26:3–12 and then discuss the following questions.

1. Who bravely accompanied David into King Saul’s camp? (See I Samuel 26:6.)

5. Whom did David trust to take care of the situation? (See I Samuel 26:10.)

What gives you courage and the ability to control your fears? (See Psalm 27:1–3.)

2. What did David and Abishai see that they easily could have used to kill King Saul?

(See I Samuel 26:7.)

Although a computer, phone, or other items may be readily accessible, why is it important that you use them with self-control?

3. What did Abishai encourage David to do?

Why? (See I Samuel 26:8.)

When should you not follow your friend’s suggestion but instead respect the limits God has given you? (See Proverbs 1:10.)

4. What was David’s reply to Abishai?

(See I Samuel 26:9.)

What boundaries do you have? Why is it vital to set limits? (See Proverbs 22:24–25, Romans 14:14–15.)

Why is it better to trust God to act on your behalf rather than sin to get what you want?

(See Proverbs 10:2, Romans 12:19–21.)

6. What did David and Abishai do next?

(See I Samuel 26:11–12.)

Why is it important to flee from sin instead of remaining near a temptation?

(See Psalm 1:1, 6; Proverbs 4:14–15, 19.)

7. When calling out to the king, what reason did David give for his self-restraint?

(See I Samuel 26:22–23.)

What motivations for your actions and limits please the Lord? (See Romans 14:17–19, Hebrews 11:6.)

8. Who praised David for handling the situation wisely? (See I Samuel 26:25.)

What will happen when you handle a matter wisely? (See Proverbs 16:20.)

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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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P

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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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