Enthusiasm Booklet excerpt

CONTENTS

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

2 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 of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

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Lesson 1: Be Filled With the Spirit

ever things were written aforetime were

8 Bible Story: A Spirit-Filled Reunion

written for our learning, that we through

9 Memory Verse: Ephesians 5:18–19

patience and comfort of the scriptures

10 Activity: God is My Power Source!

might have hope” (Romans 15:4). And there

11 Lesson 2: Rejoice in Him

12 Bible Story: The Shepherds Share a Reason to Rejoice!

were people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we

13 Memory Verse: Luke 2:20

should not lust after evil things, as they

14 Activity: Smile-on-a-Stick

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

15 Lesson 3: Motivate Others

be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

16 Bible Story: The Inspiring Zeal of King Hezekiah

17 Memory Verse: Hebrews 10:24

Illustrated in Life

18 Activity: Go, Team, Go!

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by

19 Lesson 4: Overcome Discouragement

the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

20 Bible Story: Encouraged on the Road to Emmaus

This curriculum offers many practical

21 Memory Verse: I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

applications of God’s Word to everyday

22 Activity: Word Search

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

23 Additional Resources

23 Hymn History: “Take the Name of Jesus With You”

hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables us to act in faith, our lives as believers will illustrate His character to others.

by Lydia Baxter

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Take the Name of Jesus With You”

25 Explaining Salvation to a Child

26 Journal Entry and Application Chart

27 Reproducible Coloring Pages

31 Answer Key

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What is Enthusiasm?

Read aloud, study, and discuss what enthusiasm means and how it applies to life.

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he operational definition of enthusiasm is “expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit.” Our soul is that part of us by which we relate to the physical world, and our spirit is that part of us by which we relate to the Lord.

The word enthusiasm comes from two Greek words: en, which means “in,” and theos, which means “God.” When you are “in God,” such When the life of Christ in us bursts as praying, obeying forth like a refreshing fountain, we His voice, and reading are enthusiastic. “For with thee and meditating on His is the fountain of life: in thy light Word, then you are able shall we see light” (Psalm 36:9). to experience genuine joy. “In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11b). When your spirit is in close fellowship with God, your joy will be obvious to those around you. This expression with your soul is enthusiasm.

God’s Word gives many examples of enthusiasm. King David and the congregation greatly rejoiced when they gave willingly for the building of the Temple.

(See I Chronicles 29:9.) Families joined in the celebration when the wall around Jerusalem was completed.

(See Nehemiah 12:27, 40–43.) The Jews had “light, gladness, joy, and honor” because God had worked on their behalf to save them from Haman. (See Esther 8:11, 15–16.) Such excitement was the result of people knowing the Lord and seeing Him work.

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The opposite of enthusiasm is apathy. Apathy means that instead of being eager and interested, you are indifferent and unconcerned. Apathetic people ignore the needs of those around them. They do not want to participate in the family’s ministry to the nursing home. They roll their eyes and shrug their shoulders when a job is assigned to them. They are not moved by the missionaries’ reports at church. They are easily bored. If you find yourself feeling apathetic about things that matter to the Lord, ask Him to show you what has come between you and Him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Psalm 51:10–12).

Having to “pump” up an artificial

Christians in close enthusiasm could be a sign that we fellowship with God need to evaluate our walk with God. cannot help but express the joy of their spirits. They love to spend time in God’s Word and are eager to talk about what He is teaching them. Enthusiastic Christians recognize God’s work in and around them. Their excitement bubbles over through energetic conversations, facial expressions, and voice inflections. Their decisions and actions inspire others to Godliness. They enjoy fellowship with God throughout the day and are often seen smiling and singing of God’s goodness. Nothing can replace this genuine, spontaneous, exuberant result of abiding in Christ.

Enthusiasm in Scripture Read aloud and discuss each verse, question, and concept.

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roverbs 2:1–6 says, “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” What a privilege to study the rich truths of God’s Word, hide them in your heart, and apply them to daily life! These truths are priceless treasures, far above the value and beauty of rubies and diamonds. As you dig deeper into God’s Word, see Who He is, and allow Him to work in you, your life will be a radiant expression of His love. He will be glorified as His character is seen in you.

THE CHARACTER OF GOD We see examples of enthusiasm in God’s character in the following ways: •

God’s name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.”

His presence with us is the source of joy.

(See Matthew 1:22–23, Psalm 16:11.)

•

God rejoices in keeping His covenant with Israel.

(See Jeremiah 32:38–42.)

•

God Himself is our strength. (See Isaiah 26:4.)

•

God rejoices over us with singing.

(See Zephaniah 3:17.)

•

Jesus enthusiastically proclaimed salvation to those who would listen. (See John 7:37–38.)

•

Before meeting the demands of the day, Jesus spent time alone in fellowship with His Father.

(See Mark 1:35.)

•

Jesus rejoiced as He saw His Father’s truth revealed to those who would receive it. (See Luke 10:21.)

•

The Holy Spirit produces the joy in our lives that results in enthusiasm. (See Galatians 5:22–23.)

ENTHUSIASM IN MY LIFE Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out enthusiasm daily.

•

What have I seen the Lord do that causes me to be glad? (See Psalm 126:3.)

•

What task is before me that I can pour my energy into completing? (See Ecclesiastes 9:10a.)

•

Am I fervent in my love for God or apathetic about growing spiritually? (See Mark 12:30.)

•

What am I enthusiastic about? Do I rejoice when I see others believe in Christ? (See Luke 15:7.)

•

Do I eagerly do my work or put it off for another time? (See Romans 12:11.)

•

Do I carry out my tasks only because I must, or do I complete my assignments as unto the Lord?

(See Colossians 3:23–24.)

•

How can my enthusiasm encourage people in their walk with the Lord and their ministry to others?

(See Hebrews 10:23–25.)

•

Can I find joy in the Lord’s chastening in my life, knowing that my repentance will result in greater fellowship with Him? (See Revelation 3:19–20.)

ENTHUSIASM KEY VERSE “Rejoice evermore. . . . Quench not the Spirit.”

I THESSALONIANS 5:16, 19

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Enthusiasm GEMs Read and discuss how you could apply each GEM. GEM is an acronym for “God Enables Me.” This phrase

even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Corinthians 3:18).

begins each of the ten statements that describe the

The four colored GEM statements will be the focus of

change that results as we behold the Lord and yield

the four character lessons in this booklet. Let’s read

to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. “But we all, with

together the ten “God Enables Me” statements and take

open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord,

time to meditate on the Scriptures that help us under-

are changed into the same image from glory to glory,

stand these aspects of enthusiasm from God’s Word.

God Enables Me to . . .

Be filled with the Spirit.

Recognize that my demeanor affects others.

“Quench not the Spirit.” I THESSALONIANS 5:19

“Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance

Rejoice in Him.

sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid.” NEHEMIAH 2:2

“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let

Treat every job as important.

them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” PSALM 5:11

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and

Turn apathy into caring concern.

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily

not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

COLOSSIANS 3:23–24

food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not

Put my whole heart into what I do.

those things which are needful to the body; what doth it

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

profit?” JAMES 2:15–16

ECCLESIASTES 9:10a

Motivate others.

Overcome discouragement.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou

any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise

HEBREWS 3:13

him for the help of his countenance.” PSALM 42:5

Be an energy giver to others.

Be undeterred by obstacles.

“But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:

put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur

because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the

stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other

world.” I JOHN 4:4

on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” EXODUS 17:12

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LESSON 3

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Motivate Others INTRODUCTION Often the enthusiasm of others motivates you to engage in their activities or join in on their projects. For example, when you hear about someone’s exciting travels, you might want to go there, too. In the same way, your eagerness to do an activity inspires others to join you. What are your brothers and sisters motivated to do by your enthusiasm? You could do school work together, or tell a story while all are folding laundry, or make a task fun by pretending to be inspectors of each other’s cleaning jobs. When you are abiding in Christ while enjoying everyday tasks, your enthusiasm will motivate others to follow your example. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Corinthians 11:1).

The Inspiring Zeal of King Hezekiah

ENTHUSIASM Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

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BIBLE STORY THE INSPIRING ZEAL OF KING HEZEKIAH

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s a child, Hezekiah experienced life during the reign of his righteous grandfather, King Jotham.

Afterward, his father, King Ahaz, ruled wickedly.

At age 25, Hezekiah became king of Judah. Rather than attending to civil matters first, this young king desired to turn the hearts of the people back to the worship of Jehovah God. His father’s wickedness had allowed the Temple to fall into disrepair. The doors needed to be restored. Everything needed to be cleaned.

The daily burning of incense had ceased long ago.

The priests had grown cold in their service, and the people had adopted the same attitudes of disregard

for the holy things of God. King Hezekiah knew that Judah was under God’s judgment. The worship of God must be rekindled in the land, and the Temple would be the starting place. The king called the priests and Levites and pointed out to them the neglect and decline of God’s dwelling place. How could he inspire them to return to the work to which God had called them? Would they share his enthusiasm for worshiping God? Read today’s account from God’s Word to learn how King Hezekiah motivated the priests and Levites to prepare themselves, the Temple, and the nation to once again worship the one true God.

BIBLE STORY QUESTIONS Read II Chronicles 29:1–36 together and discuss the following questions: 1. What was Hezekiah’s first priority when he became king? (See II Chronicles 29:3.)

How can you make your relationship with God your highest priority?

2. Who did King Hezekiah call on to help him with his mission? (See II Chronicles 29:4.)

Are you motivating others to join in the work of the Lord? How? 3. What did King Hezekiah say to motivate the priests and Levites to join him in restoring worship to God? (See II Chronicles 29:4–11.)

When it is time to clean the house, what would motivate your brothers and sisters to help you?

4. What was the response of the priests and Levites when they heard King Hezekiah’s request?

(See II Chronicles 29:15–16.)

When did someone’s enthusiasm about a project motivate you to participate?

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5. What work was accomplished in the Temple, and how long did it take? (See II Chronicles 29:17–19.)

What sin in your life needs to be “cleaned out” (confessed and forsaken) so you can have fellowship with the Lord?

6. What did King Hezekiah zealously do throughout the land? (See II Kings 18:4–6.)

What could you do to encourage others to worship the Lord wholeheartedly?

7. What did the priests and Levites do that expressed the gladness in their spirits?

(See II Chronicles 29:25–30.)

How do you express the joy of your spirit in worship to God (e.g., praising Him in prayer, giving, singing, playing an instrument, writing a poem)?

8. What did King Hezekiah and all the people do after the sacrifices were done and the house of the Lord was set in order? (See II Chronicles 29:35–36.)

For what can your family praise the Lord together?

LESSON 3

MEMORY VERSE HEBREWS 10:24

Play the game together to help the children commit Hebrews 10:24 to memory. In the section “Doers of the Word,” have the children record how they will apply the verse to their lives.

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.”

HEBREWS 10:24

MEMORY VERSE GAME Volume Control Say the verse together several times. The teacher is the first “volume controller.” As the children quote the verse, the volume controller stretches his arms out in front of him and moves his arms to adjust the volume. When he wants the children to quote the verse loudly, he moves his outstretched arms high above his head. When he wants the children to quote the verse quietly, he moves his outstretched arms down in front of him to the floor.

The children watch closely and adjust the volume level at which they are saying the verse to match the motions of the volume controller. Play until one of the children thinks he can quote the verse from memory by himself.

If successful, he becomes the volume controller for another round of quoting the verse. After everyone has had a turn to say the verse alone and be the volume controller, end the game with the group saying the verse together from memory.

DOERS OF THE WORD In the blank below, write how this verse could be applied in your life, e.g., “help my brothers and sisters stay on task with their schoolwork,” or “happily participate in my family’s ministry,” or “invite a friend to memorize Scripture together.”

“Dear Lord, I yield to You and am willing to apply this verse. Help me to _______________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________.

I ask that You would develop enthusiasm in my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

When the Lord gives you an opportunity to apply this verse, write it in your journal to later recall God’s working in your life.

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ACTIVITY GO, TEAM, GO!

INTRODUCTION During this character study we are asking the Lord to develop enthusiasm in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! The enthusiasm He gives us from fellowship with Him motivates others. Today we are going to play a game to help us realize the impact we have when we motivate others by cheering them on.

Supplies: •

2 medium mixing bowls for each team

•

1 spoon for each team

•

15 cotton balls for each team

•

2 chairs for each team

Instructions Divide the children into teams.

(If only one student is present, have the child race against the clock.) Place a bowl on each chair. Count off 12 paces between the first chair and the second chair. Put 15 cotton balls in one bowl and a spoon beside the bowl. The chair with the cotton balls is the starting point. The chair 12 paces away will have an empty bowl and no spoon.

Today we are going to do a relay race. The object of the game is to be the first team to get all the cotton balls from one bowl to the other bowl by moving them one at a time with the spoon. While the cotton ball is on the spoon, you may not touch it. If a cotton ball drops while being relayed, you may pick it up with your hand, place it back on your spoon, and continue running toward the other bowl. After you successfully transport a cotton ball to the other bowl, run back to your team and hand the spoon to the

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next player. You then go to the back of the line while the next teammate scoops up a cotton ball onto the spoon and runs to deposit it in the bowl on the other side of the room.

He then runs back and passes the spoon to the next player. When a team has moved their final cotton ball to the bowl on the other side of the room, that team wins! Listen! There’s one more rule! As we play this first round of taking cotton balls from one bowl to the other, you may not say anything or make any noise. We are going to play this first round in total silence. Shhhhh!

Have the children play one round of the relay.

Congratulate the children once they finish. Swap the full bowls and empty bowls so the full bowls are at the starting points again.

Now we are going to relay again, but this time you are to motivate your team! Encourage them and cheer them on as they take their turns. Are you ready? Go! Have the children play again, this time cheering each other enthusiastically.

Were you more motivated to work quickly in silence or with others cheering you on? Remember how it felt when others cheered you on. When you are enthusiastic, you motivate, or “cheer on,” those around you.

Hymn History “Take the Name of Jesus With You” Sing “Take the Name of Jesus With You” and read about the enthusiasm proclaimed by the hymn writer, Lydia Baxter.

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he moon shone through the curtains in the New

joy of her spirit was

York home. The moonlight revealed the middle-

seen by many in her

aged lady’s face, grimacing from pain. Lydia Baxter was an invalid and had spent most of her married life confined to her bed. Carefully she moved her stiff muscles into a different position. Then, closing her eyes again, she whispered a name . . . .

Many Christian workers gathered at the Baxter home because of the beloved woman’s cheerful personality.

Despite her physical incapacity, Mrs. Baxter’s spirit was in fellowship with the Lord, and joy filled her heart.

Preachers, evangelists, and Christian workers sought her out for comfort and encouragement. She would share with those who asked how she could be so joyful in the midst of physical pain—the secret was in the name she often whispered: I have a very special armor. I have the name of Jesus.

When the tempter tries to make me blue or despondent, I mention the name of Jesus, and he can’t get through to me anymore.

Mrs. Baxter was an eager student of the Bible and loved to discuss the meanings of Biblical names. Bible names such as “Sarah” (“princess”), “Samuel” (“asked

enthusiasm.

Another way Mrs. Baxter shared her enthusiasm for Christ was in her writing, which includes several hymns. One hymn that is still familiar today is “Take the Name of Jesus With

Lydia Baxter (1809–1875)

You,” which was written in 1870, just four years before her death. “Take the Name of Jesus With You” was widely used in the Moody-Sankey revival meetings in the late 1800s. In this particular hymn, Mrs. Baxter shares with the world the “secret armor” that strengthened her soul: Take the Name of Jesus ever, As a shield from every snare; If temptations ‘round you gather, Breathe that holy name in prayer.

The word enthusiasm comes from two Greek words, en, which means “in,” and theos, which means “God.”

of God”), and “Isaac” (“laughter”) are well-known

As we focus on being in God and knowing Him, we

examples. However, Mrs. Baxter’s favorite Biblical

will have such joy in our spirits that our souls will

name was the one that meant “Savior”—Jesus! He was

overflow with enthusiasm. The next time you are not

the joy of her spirit. His name was the one she would

having such a good day, remember the hymn writer,

call on when her pain or circumstances would seem

Mrs. Baxter, and her secret armor. Let us take the

overwhelming. He was her Savior, indeed, and the

name of Jesus and be filled with His joy!

Photo courtesy of www.hymntime.com/tch

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Explaining Salvation to a Child Christ Our Righteousness Before reading to the children, write examples of sin (selfishness, mean words, lying, stealing, disobedience, rudeness, wrong thoughts, good actions without faith, etc.) on several sticky notes. You will also need a white bed sheet or bathrobe to represent Jesus’ robe of righteousness.

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he Bible tells us about God. He is the Creator of the universe and is holy. God loves us and created us to have fellowship with Him. (See Revelation 4:11.)

Select a child to stand and represent all people.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Sin is anything we think, say, or do that breaks God’s Law. Can you name some examples of sin?

If we accept His gift of salvation, God no longer sees our sin when He looks at us!

Put the white sheet around the child.

Now when God looks at us, He instead sees the righteousness of Christ! Isaiah 61:10 describes what has happened this way: “My soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of right-

Now place the sticky notes with examples of sin onto his clothes.

eousness. . . .” In Romans 10:9–10, we are told how we

Because God is holy, our sin separates us from having fellowship with Him. However, because God loves us so much, He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the punishment for our sin. Jesus died on the cross and rose again, conquering death! Now we can have fellowship with God. (See John 17:3.)

mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart

can accept this gift: “That if thou shalt confess with thy that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Are you relying on the righteousness of Christ for your salvation? If so, your sins are forgiven and

In a Nutshell 1. God created all things (Colossians 1:16). God is holy (Leviticus 19:2).

God loves us (John 3:16).

2. Our sin separates us from God (Romans 3:23).

3. God sent His Son, Jesus, to provide the way for our sins

His burial, and His glorious resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3–4).

4. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is a free gift from God that we receive by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

5. We receive that gift of salvation

to be forgiven and for fellow-

by confessing with our mouth

ship with Him to be restored

that Jesus is Lord and believing

(Ephesians 1:6–7). Jesus accom-

in our heart that God has

plished our salvation through

raised Him from the dead

His crucifixion on the cross,

(Romans 10:9–10).

covered, and Christ is living in you! Just as the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, you can also say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

God gives us eternal life—sweet, constant fellowship in the Spirit with our Savior— and then His righteousness is seen in us for His glory. (See John 15:4–10.)

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JOURNAL ENTRY Record how God gave your family opportunities to apply this character quality.

APPLICATION CHART Searching for the rich truths of God’s Word and applying them in your life is far more valuable than discovering rubies and diamonds. Add a check mark, sticker, or initials in a diamond each time God enables someone to apply enthusiasm in one of the suggested ways. Let's set a goal and then celebrate, not only the accomplishment of applying God’s Word, but also our gratefulness for the work He is doing in our lives.

Praise a brother or sister for doing a good job.

Wholeheartedly complete your chores without delay.

List five things for which you are grateful.

Spend time in prayer and Bible reading.

Enthusiastically share an answer to prayer with a friend.

Greet family members with a happy “Good morning!”

Sing about the goodness of the Lord.

Have a positive attitude about the games and activities other family members enjoy.

Welcome a visitor with a smile.

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Nod and show interest when others are sharing.

LESSON 3: The Inspiring Zeal of King Hezekiah

“And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place� (II Chronicles 29:5).

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