BCIC Truthfulness Sample

Truthfulness Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.”

EPHESIANS 4:25

SAMUEL DELIVERS A DIFFICULT MESSAGE “And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him.”

I SAMUEL 3:18a

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

2

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 Truthfulness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Speak the Truth

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Samuel Delivers a Difficult Message

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:25

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

9 Activity: Tower of Truth

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Give All the Facts

11 Bible Story: She Told Him All the Truth 12 Memory Verse: Proverbs 12:17 13 Activity: The Truthfulness Guessing Game

14 Lesson 3:

Avoid All Lying

15 Bible Story: The Lie of a Greedy Servant 16 Memory Verse: Psalm 120:2 17 Activity: A Misleading Measure

18 Lesson 4:

Never Cheat or Steal

19 Bible Story: A Son Deceives and a Father Grieves 20 Memory Verse: Proverbs 21:6 21 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

22

ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources 22 Truthfulness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

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.

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know” 25 H ymn History: “Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”

by Anna Warner 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 Truthfulness?

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

T

he operational definition of truthfulness is “earning

can draw near to God and cleanse our hearts with His

future trust by accurately reporting past facts.”

truth. (See Jeremiah 17:9, James 4:8.)

When your life and words consistently communicate what is honest and accurate, others will learn that they can trust you and believe what you say. Being truthful means reporting details accurately and admitting when you are wrong. Telling the truth can be difficult and often requires courage and humility. Truthfulness is not only speaking facts with your lips, but also acting with integrity and avoiding secret sins, recognizing that God sees and knows everything.

Honest people have

God’s Word gives an accurate account of God’s character, of past and future events, and of God’s moral truth.

4

nothing to hide because they have done what is right.

Where does truth come from? Can it come from within ourselves? Our human nature is to try to find our way on our own and define truth for ourselves. Some people say that truth is relative, which means they think what is right may vary depending on the situation. They attempt to create “their own truth” to justify themselves. However, truth does not change based on a person’s opinions and desires. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Jesus is the answer to our need for absolute truth. He has given His Word so that we can know what is right. God knows all the facts, even when someone tries to hide or suppress the truth.

When Satan tries to make you think God is not trustworthy or that you are worthless,

The opposite of truthfulness is deception. People may

remember Satan is the

twist the truth in order to gain approval or avoid

father of lies and his

punishment. Deception often involves telling lies,

goal is to distort reality

stealing, or secretly doing what authorities said not

and deceive you. Medi-

to do. When caught doing wrong, a dishonest person

tate on the truth. God’s

may blurt out more falsehoods to cover up the initial

Word says that God is

offense. He misleads by leaving out important details,

faithful and that you

and may exaggerate, make excuses, or tell half-truths.

are valuable to Him.

A deceptive person might cheat on tests, making a

The absolute truth of

teacher believe that the work is his own when it really

the Bible can set you

is not. Although we are born with deceitful hearts, we

free. (See John 8:31–32.)

A mirage in the desert appears when hot air creates an illusion of water that is not really there. When a weary traveler does not find the water he is expecting, he realizes he has been deceived. Deception causes people to base decisions on misinformation to their own hurt.

Truthfulness in Scripture

A

TRUTHFULNESS 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

“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” EPHESIANS 4:25

others will glorify God.

The Character of God

Truthfulness in My Life

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

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

•

God’s ways and judgments are sure because He is the God of truth, with no error or injustice.

•

(See Psalm 101:5–7.)

(See Exodus 34:6, Deuteronomy 32:4.)

•

God cannot lie. He has always told the truth and kept His Word.

•

(See I Kings 8:56, Psalm 119:160, Titus 1:1–2.)

•

God is all-knowing and omnipresent, meaning He is everywhere and nothing is hidden from Him. He is never deceived.

•

•

Jesus told people, such as one young man, what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear.

•

Jesus spoke accurately and never used His mouth to deceive.

•

The Holy Spirit is Truth and guides believers into all truth.

(See John 16:13, I John 5:6.)

How can I overcome the temptation to cheat?

(See Proverbs 4:14–15.)

•

How does my truthfulness affect others?

(See Proverbs 14:25.)

(See John 18:37, Isaiah 53:9.)

•

What does God think of lying?

(See Proverbs 6:16–19, Exodus 20:16.)

(See Matthew 19:20–22.)

•

What helps me to see myself accurately as God does and to know what needs to change?

(See John 17:17, James 1:22–25.)

Jesus, full of grace and truth, is Truth.

(See John 1:14, 14:6.)

What are the dangers of exaggerating my strengths or pretending to be better than others?

(See Proverbs 16:18, 29:23.)

(See Jeremiah 23:24.)

•

How do lies affect my relationship with the Lord?

•

What will help me recognize and reject Satan’s lies?

(See Ephesians 6:13–18, Psalm 119:104.)

5

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Speak the Truth INTRODUCTION

S

ometimes it is easy to speak the truth and

sometimes it is not. Have you ever been tempted to lie or say nothing when you know you should speak the truth? Perhaps you need to tell your parents something you’re hiding from them.

Maybe you want to impress someone and you’re tempted to exaggerate. Perhaps a friend asks if you really believe the Bible, and you fear he may mock your beliefs. Sometimes people react to the truth. God can give you courage to speak what is true, even if it is difficult for you to say or difficult for the other person to hear. In Ephesians 4:15, God tells us to speak the truth in love so that we and others may grow in Christ.

Depend on Him for the grace and power to be truthful.

Samuel Delivers a Difficult Message

TRUTHFULNESS Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts 6

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Speak the Truth

Samuel Delivers a Difficult Message

E

li the high priest welcomed the couple who had traveled to Shiloh to worship the Lord. This year

they brought their young son Samuel to stay and to serve God at the temple of the Lord. Eli’s adult sons

also served God as priests. Sadly, however, they did not know or obey the Lord. As Eli’s sons offered sacrifices, they often stole portions of the meat that belonged to God and shared them with Eli. They threatened anyone who opposed them and even committed immorality with women in the sacred place. Eli knew of his sons’ sins and rebuked them but did nothing to stop their wrongdoing. He honored his sons more than God.

1. When Samuel heard God calling, how did he answer? (See I Samuel 3:10.)

When do you listen for God to speak to you?

(See Deuteronomy 6:6–7, Joshua 1:8.) Do you expect God to direct you through His Word?

2. How would God’s message affect those who would hear? (See I Samuel 3:11.)

Why can telling the truth at times be difficult or uncomfortable?

3. What message did God give Samuel?

(See I Samuel 3:12–14.) Had God previously given this warning through anyone else?

(See I Samuel 2:27–29, 33–35.)

What message has God given you to share through your example and words? (See Matthew 5:19.) Why should the words you speak agree with God’s Word?

(See Titus 2:7–8, Leviticus 26:23–24.) What might people say that does not agree with God’s Word?

4. What did Samuel do after God had spoken to him?

(See I Samuel 3:15a.)

Should you be eager to tell others what they have

During this time, God rarely spoke to anyone in Israel.

Even though Samuel served God, he did not yet know Him. One night as Samuel lay in bed, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, Samuel ran to see what the priest needed. But Eli had not called young Samuel. When this happened three times in the same night, Eli realized that the Lord was calling Samuel! What message did the Lord give the boy?

Would God give Samuel the courage to speak the truth and deliver the message, even if it was difficult?

Let’s read the Bible story in I Samuel 3:8–21 and then discuss the following questions.

done wrong? (See Galatians 6:1.) Could that reveal pride and self-righteousness in yourself?

5. How did Samuel feel about telling Eli what God had said? (See I Samuel 3:15b.)

What should you do when you are afraid to tell the truth? (See Joshua 1:9.)

6. What did Eli say to Samuel the next morning?

(See I Samuel 3:16–17.)

What may happen if you leave out details and only tell part of the truth? (See Luke 8:17.)

7. How much of God’s message did Samuel tell Eli? (See I Samuel 3:18.)

How should you respond when asked for pertinent information? (See Zechariah 8:16, Colossians 3:9.)

When may it be wiser not to give information?

8. What continuing ministry did God give to Samuel? (See I Samuel 3:19–21.)

Why does God tell us to speak truth to one another?

(See Hebrews 3:13.) How will your truthfulness affect your future? (See Proverbs 12:19, Luke 16:10.)

7

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

T

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.

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

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!

Single Booklets: $10 each Complete Set: $379 (SAVE 23%)

Single PDF Download: $3 each PDF Download Set: $109 (SAVE 25%)

OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set

Power for True Success

Hymns for the Family, Volumes 1–4

Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set

Includes 2 bonus items: Calendar + Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

Companion hymns for each character quality

Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation

Shop these resources at store.iblp.org. • Questions? Call 903-636-9600 or email biblicalcharacter@iblp.org.