BCIC Virtue Sample

Virtue The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue . . . . And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” II PETER 1:3, 5

THREE HUNDRED MEN FACE A MIGHTY ARMY “And he [Gideon] said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise . . . . When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”

JUDGES 7:17–18

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 Virtue in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Receive His Power

written for our learning, that we through

7 Bible Story: Three Hundred Men Face a Mighty Army

patience and comfort of the scriptures

8 Memory Verse: II Peter 1:3

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

9 Activity: Triple-A Power for the Christian!

also people in the Bible who are repre-

10 Lesson 2:

Know What Is Right and Do It

11 Bible Story: King Asa Confronts Idolatry in Judah 12 Memory Verse: James 4:17 13 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

14 Lesson 3: Guard My Eyes, Ears, and Tongue 15 Bible Story: A Virtuous Man Is Put to the Test 16 Memory Verse: I Corinthians 9:27 17 Activity: In the World but Not of the World

18 Lesson 4: Maintain Purity in Relationships 19 Bible Story: The Relationships of a Prosperous King 20 Memory Verse: II Timothy 2:22 21 Activity: Brighten a Friend’s Day

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ever things were written aforetime were

Additional Resources

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.

22 Virtue GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” 25 H ymn History: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

by Martin Luther 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 Virtue?

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

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he operational definition of virtue is “the moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word.” Moral excellence means choosing to do what is right and rejecting what is wrong according to God’s Word. In the Bible, the word virtuous means “power” or “valor.” A virtuous Christian receives God’s power so he can live in obedience to God and bravely confront evil. In God’s strength, he can overcome temptation and pursue righteousness. Because he loves God, this Christian seeks to be pure and clean in his words, thoughts, and deeds according to God’s Word. God has saved him and given him new desires to do what is right, even when no one is watching.

A life that receives Christ’s righteousness to walk in purity will refresh many souls and bring glory to God.

The opposite of virtue is impurity.

An impure person is spiritually weak, so he does not resist ungodly thoughts or desires. He easily gives in to temptation and makes poor choices rather than rely on God’s strength to do right. He may sin openly or try to hide his sin. Yet God sees his heart and knows everything.

If the impure person sins repeatedly, his conscience may become dull, meaning he may not think his sin is too bad. He may even think his sin is acceptable, especially if others are doing it too. This immoral

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person may not experience consequences immediately or con­sider the harm caused to others. However, he needs to realize that one day God will call every person to give an account of his life. The good news is that impurity can be overcome by receiving God’s forgiveness, casting off sin, and “putting on” the Lord Jesus!

(See Romans 13:12–14.)

How do you “put on Christ” and “add to your faith virtue” (II Peter 1:5)?

When you repent of your sins and place your faith in the A life that is polluted with sin is contaminated Lord Jesus Christ, and, thus, incapable of offering pure spiritual He gives you refreshment to others.

His Spirit and imparts His righteousness to you. (See Ephesians 1:13, II Corinthians 5:20–21.) As you yield to the Holy Spirit, He gives you the moral strength to do what is right.

Your life will be a Godly influence on others. Christians grow in virtue by knowing God, claiming His powerful promises, and obeying His Word. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (II Peter 1:3–4).

Virtue in Scripture

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VIRTUE 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 others will glorify God.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue . . . .

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” II PETER 1:3, 5

The Character of God

Virtue in My Life

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

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

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God’s very being and His work are entirely pure, holy, and excellent.

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(See Deuteronomy 32:4, Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 15:4.)

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God the Father anointed Jesus His Son with the Holy Spirit and power to do good and to heal.

(See John 15:4, Galatians 2:20.)

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(See Acts 10:38.)

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Jesus’ virtue was clearly evident as He healed multitudes who sought Him. (See Luke 6:19.)

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Jesus was tempted yet remained pure and sinless.

(See Hebrews 4:15.)

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Jesus taught in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit enables believers to live virtuously instead of succumbing to fleshly desires.

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The Holy Spirit is the mighty Presence that Jesus promised to send His disciples.

(See Luke 24:49.)

Why should I guard my heart?

(See Proverbs 4:23, Galatians 5:13.)

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What thoughts will keep my heart pure and peaceful?

(See Philippians 4:8, Isaiah 26:3.)

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What is the result of choosing the wrong friends?

(See Proverbs 13:20, I Corinthians 15:33.)

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(See Romans 8:13.)

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Rather than trying to be like the world, how can I discern the will of God? (See Romans 12:1–2.)

(See Luke 4:14–15.)

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What is my only hope of living the Christian life?

How can I valiantly withstand the attacks of the enemy?

(See Ephesians 6:10–18.)

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What will result from the power God gives me to live a virtuous life?

(See II Peter 1:3–8, Proverbs 31:10–12, Titus 3:8.)

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Receive His Power INTRODUCTION

Three Hundred Men Face a Mighty Army

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od is powerful! He manifests His power so that the world will know that He is God. He loves to make His power known through those who believe in Him and receive

His Holy Spirit. One certain evidence of God’s power in your life is a change in your desires. God empowers you to say “yes” to Him and “no” to your own selfish desires.

Strong, virtuous men and women are forged through testing and adversity. They are valuable to the Kingdom of God, but they are not easy to find. They are the few who trust God, finding courage and building endurance in difficulty. Others who do wickedly will be corrupted “. . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Virtue is formed as we know God and receive His power!

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VIRTUE The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Receive His Power

Three Hundred Men Face a Mighty Army

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he glowing campfires of the enemy’s enormous army filled the valley below. Flickering lights

God’s strength was all that he needed. After this timid man obeyed God and tore down the altar of Baal,

stretched across the vast land, illuminating the

God’s Spirit came upon Gideon. Israel was to know

countless number of Midianite soldiers awaiting

that victory would be from God alone. So God

daylight to attack and conquer the Israelites. The

directed Gideon to send all the soldiers home except

Israelites’ commander, Gideon, gazed at the sight

for 300 men! By faith, Gideon obeyed God’s instruc-

below. The scene may have appeared overwhelming

tions and sent the majority of men back home. Now,

to Gideon but not to God. Not long before, Gideon had

only a tiny Israelite army would face the enemy. How

been hiding from the Midianites when an angel of the

could so few men defeat this massive army? Would

Lord appeared to him with these words: “The Lord is

Gideon continue to receive courage and power from

with thee, thou mighty man of valour. . . . thou shalt

God to lead his men? What would God do?

save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not

Let’s read the Bible story in Judges 7:9–25 and then discuss the following questions.

I sent thee?” Although Gideon felt very unqualified,

1. What did God tell Gideon to do that night?

Whom could Gideon take with him?

(See Judges 7:9–10.)

How do you receive God’s power when you feel like giving up? (See Isaiah 40:31.)

How can a friend help when you are fearful?

(See Proverbs 17:17.)

2. How would God strengthen Gideon to face the enemy? (See Judges 7:11.) What did Gideon overhear? (See Judges 7:13–14.)

What promises from God can bring you strength and peace? (See Joshua 1:9, John 16:33.)

Instead of traditional weapons, what did the men carry? (See Judges 7:16.)

Share a time your family obeyed God, even though it meant doing something unusual. Why did your family believe God was leading in this way?

5. What instructions did Gideon give the men?

(See Judges 7:17–18.) Did they act on what Gideon told them to do? (See Judges 7:19.)

What does God empower you to do in your Christian walk? (See II Peter 1:3–8.)

6. Who stood in place as the Midianite army fled?

(See Judges 7:21.)

3. When he overheard Midianite warriors discussing a dream and its meaning, what did Gideon immediately do? What did he confidently tell his army? (See Judges 7:15.)

How does God enable you to stand firm in faith?

(See Ephesians 6:13.) Has God promised to give Christians power over the world, the flesh, and the devil? (See James 4:7, I John 5:4.)

Why should you worship God? (See Revelation 4:11.)

When have you thanked Him before you saw His answer?

7. How was God’s power manifested through Gideon and his small army? (See Judges 7:22, 8:28.)

4. How many of Gideon’s men were in each group?

When have you received God’s power in a time of adversity?

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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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O

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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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S

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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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