BCIC Sincerity Sample

Sincerity Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.”

GOD’S REWARD TO A WHOLEHEARTED FOLLOWER Once the battles were fought, Caleb asked Joshua for the land Moses had promised him “because . . .

[Caleb had] wholly followed the Lord.”

JOSHUA 14:9

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Prophet

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 Sincerity in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Be Wholly Dedicated

7 Bible Story: God’s Reward to a Wholehearted Follower

written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were

8 Memory Verse: Psalm 101:2

also people in the Bible who are repre-

9 Activity: Sincerity at Home

sentations of poor character, and we can

10 Lesson 2:

Be Genuine

11 Bible Story: A King’s Hidden Motive 12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 20:11 13 Activity: Genuine or Counterfeit?

14 Lesson 3:

Mean What I Say

15 Bible Story: Hannah’s Promise 16 Memory Verse: I Peter 3:10 17 Activity: Word Search

18 Lesson 4: Not Take Advantage of Others 19 Bible Story: A Dishonest Publican Meets Christ 20 Memory Verse: I Peter 1:22 21 Activity: “Zacchaeus” Trees

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

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.

22 Sincerity GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Living for Jesus” 26 H ymn History: “Living for Jesus” by Thomas O. Chisholm 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 Sincerity?

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

T

he operational definition of sincerity is “eagerness

leaders for teaching people to do what they would

to do what is right, with transparent motives.”

not practice themselves! Because of this hypocrisy,

God’s Word tells us what is right and that we should

Jesus taught the people to follow the leaders’ right

desire to eagerly do His will. “I will run the way of thy

teachings but not to copy their actions which were

commandments . . . . I shall observe it [Thy Law] with

contrary to those teachings. (See Matthew 23:1–3.)

my whole heart” (Psalm 119:32, 34). Sincerity, however,

Do your actions show that you sincerely believe

looks beyond one’s “right” actions and examines the

with your heart what your lips say is right? Or do

heart motives behind them. Motives are the reasons

your actions

why we do what we

reveal a hypocrit-

do. Sincere motives

ical heart that is

are based on God’s

far from God?

stand­ard of righteous-

(See Isaiah 29:13.)

ness, not on what society or culture finds acceptable. One of the Greek words for The actions of a sincere person are an accurate reflection of his motives.

sincere means “judged in the sunlight.” Hold-

ing a drinking glass up to the sunlight reveals water spots that you otherwise might not see. Likewise, you can examine your own motives by holding them up to the light of God’s Word, which is able to discern the real intentions of your heart. (See Hebrews 4:12.) Godly actions are motivated by love instead of selfishness.

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A sincere person has no false or hidden motives.

When he gives to others, he has their best interests

Just as false fronts made old western buildings look taller than they really were, so a hypocrite puts on a “front” to appear to be someone he really is not.

in mind and isn’t secretly hoping they will return the favor. A carpenter sincere in his work does not use substandard materials or present poor quality products as genuine. A friend with pure motives would not use flattery to get what he wants from you. Instead, he would ask you plainly.

The opposite of sincerity is hypocrisy. A hypocrite is a

Do you know why you do what you do? Before you

person who pretends to be someone he is not. He may

speak or act, consider the real reasons motivating you.

appear to be moral, upright, or religious, but in reality,

In Luke 12:1–3, Jesus reminds us to beware of hypocrisy

he cares more about keeping up an appearance than

and to remember that nothing is hidden, but all will be

being in right standing with God. What he does

revealed. As He brings wrong intentions to your mind,

in private is also different from what he teaches

ask Him to replace them with unselfish, transparent,

others to do. Jesus repeatedly rebuked the religious

and pure motives.

Sincerity 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.

SINCERITY KEY VERSE “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” I PETER 1:22

The Character of God

Sincerity in My Life

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

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

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God openly and clearly makes His instructions known to mankind.

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(See Deuteronomy 30:10–12.)

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God’s patience toward us is motivated by His desire that all should come to repentance.

(See Psalm 24:3–5.)

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(See II Peter 3:9.)

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Jesus’ compassion for people motivated Him to heal the sick when He saw the multitudes.

(See Matthew 14:14.)

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Jesus’ every action was guided by His desire to please His Father.

Jesus endured suffering crucifixion because of the joy that would soon be His as He fulfilled God’s redemptive plan.

(See Hebrews 12:2.)

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Jesus spoke without any deceitful motives.

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The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do what is pleasing to God. (See Romans 8:5–8.)

What is one reward of being open and honest with my parents?

(See Proverbs 28:13.)

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How can I ensure my devotional time is not simply a ritual but an opportunity to draw closer to God? (See Matthew 6:5–7.)

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Instead of pretending to love people, do I ask God to give me His love for them?

(See Romans 12:9.)

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(See I Peter 2:21–22.)

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Who can help me examine my motives because He knows my thoughts even better than I do?

(See Psalm 139:23–24, Proverbs 16:2.)

(See John 8:29.)

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What are the benefits of pure motives and honest words?

What reasons should I have for completing my chores wholeheartedly?

(See Colossians 3:22–24.)

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When I say “I’m sorry,” am I truly regretful?

Why should I mean what I say?

(See James 5:12.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Be Wholly Dedicated INTRODUCTION

H

ave you ever excitedly accepted a task assigned to you, but then you never finished it? Maybe you didn’t consider the task to be that important. Perhaps you slacked off because others quit.

Maybe you were distracted by more entertaining activities.

When you sincerely say “yes” to a task, you are committing to complete it. According to II Chronicles 16:9, God is looking throughout the whole earth for faithfully devoted participants in His work. Even completing small tasks, such as emptying trash cans, helps Mom in big ways, and helping Mom is part of an even bigger purpose God has for you!

Participating in God’s plan is much better than giving up halfway through when other factors change. If you are willing, the Holy Spirit will give you an eagerness to fulfill your commitments with wholehearted dedication.

God’s Reward to a Wholehearted Follower

SINCERITY Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Be Wholly Dedicated

God’s Reward to a Wholehearted Follower

T

wo years after their deliverance from Egypt, God’s people finally arrived at the edge of Canaan, the

God instead judged the faithless nation, sending them

Promised Land. Twelve men were appointed to spy out

each day the spies had been in the land. However, God

the land, and after forty days, they returned to tell their

noted Caleb’s sincere faith and promised him a special

people of the fertile, fruitful land! They also warned

portion of land. In the wilderness, Caleb witnessed God’s

about great walled cities and mighty giants. One spy

presence and provision for Israel. After Moses commis-

named Caleb encouraged those listening to take the land.

sioned Joshua to lead the new generation onward, the

However, ten of the spies insisted that Canaan would

Israelites once again arrived at the Promised Land.

be too difficult to conquer. The Israelites believed the

Would Caleb still seek to claim the land God had

negative report, murmured against Moses, and threat-

wandering in the desert for forty years—one year for

promised him? Had God sustained Caleb’s wholehearted

ened to return to Egypt! Caleb, along with Joshua, pleaded

dedication during the forty long years in the desert?

with the rebellious people to believe God’s promise. Yet,

Let’s read the Bible story in Joshua 14:6–14; 15:13–14 and then discuss the following questions.

the congregation angrily determined to stone them.

1. As Caleb wandered in the wilderness with the Israelites, what promise was he waiting for God to fulfill? (See Numbers 14:22–24.)

When other Christians do not wholly follow the Lord, what will help you stay committed to Him? 2. After forty years in the wilderness, how many men remained from that first generation? Who were they? (See Numbers 26:63–65.)

Who do you know that is going through a difficult time? How can you help him to remain strong?

3. Why did God promise that the very land where Caleb had walked would be his inheritance for generations? (See Joshua 14:9.)

How are others impacted when you choose to believe and obey God wholeheartedly?

(See Proverbs 20:7; 25:13, 19.)

4. Caleb was forty years old when he first scouted the Promised Land. How old was he now? Had he grown weaker? (See Joshua 14:10.)

When God has given you a task that requires patience and strength, what can help you remain dedicated to God and His goals? (See Psalm 37:5, 7; II Corinthians 9:8.)

5. What did Caleb’s total dedication lead him to ask of Joshua? (See Joshua 14:12a.)

What has God set before you that you are eager to accomplish?

6. Why was Caleb confident that he could drive out the inhabitants of the mountain?

(See Joshua 14:12b.)

Why should you not fear others as you seek to honor God? (See Psalm 118:6.)

7. What resulted from Caleb’s commitment to his faithful God? (See Joshua 14:14, 15:13–14.)

What spiritual disciplines can help you grow to be wholly committed to God? What is God calling you to do? Do you believe He will enable you to see it through to completion? (See Philippians 2:13.)

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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

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

E

O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

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

E

Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

S

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

O

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

E

O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

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II Timothy 2:24

P

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

G

G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

T

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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