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

“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

THREE HUNDRED MEN FACE A MIGHTY ARMY

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life SPIRITUAL GIFT: Prophet

“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical character is illustrated in this curriculum through both artwork and lessons from the lives of people in God’s Word. We most often benefit from the positive examples of faithful men and women. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also 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 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 Virtue?

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

The 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. 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

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 Lord Jesus Christ, He gives you 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).

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A life that receives Christ’s righteousness to walk in purity will refresh many souls and bring glory to God. A life that is polluted with sin is contaminated and, thus, incapable of offering pure spiritual refreshment to others.

Virtue in Scripture

As 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.

The Character of God

VIRTUE KEY VERSE

“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

Virtue in My Life

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

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

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

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

(See Acts 10:38.)

• Jesus’ virtue was clearly evident as He healed multitudes who sought Him.

(See Luke 6:19.)

• Jesus was tempted yet remained pure and sinless.

(See Hebrews 4:15.)

• Jesus taught in the power of the Holy Spirit.

(See Luke 4:14–15.)

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

(See Romans 8:13.)

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

(See Luke 24:49.)

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

• What is my only hope of living the Christian life?

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

• Rather than trying to be like the world, how can I discern the will of God?

(See Romans 12:1–2.)

• Why should I guard my heart?

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

• What thoughts will keep my heart pure and peaceful?

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

• What is the result of choosing the wrong friends?

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

• How can I valiantly withstand the attacks of the enemy?

(See Ephesians 6:10–18.)

• 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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Receive His Power

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!

God

VIRTUE

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

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GOD ENABLES ME TO

Three Hundred Men Face a Mighty Army

Three Hundred Men Face a Mighty Army

Theglowing campfires of the enemy’s enormous army filled the valley below. Flickering lights stretched across the vast land, illuminating the countless number of Midianite soldiers awaiting daylight to attack and conquer the Israelites. The Israelites’ commander, Gideon, gazed at the sight below. The scene may have appeared overwhelming to Gideon but not to God. Not long before, Gideon had been hiding from the Midianites when an angel of the Lord appeared to him with these words: “The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. . . . thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?” Although Gideon felt very unqualified,

God’s strength was all that he needed. After this timid man obeyed God and tore down the altar of Baal, God’s Spirit came upon Gideon. Israel was to know that victory would be from God alone. So God directed Gideon to send all the soldiers home except for 300 men! By faith, Gideon obeyed God’s instructions and sent the majority of men back home. Now, only a tiny Israelite army would face the enemy. How could so few men defeat this massive army? Would Gideon continue to receive courage and power from God to lead his men? What would God do?

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

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.)

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.)

Why should you worship God? (See Revelation 4:11.) When have you thanked Him before you saw His answer?

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

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.)

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.)

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

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

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BIBLE STORY

LESSON 1 Receive His Power

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!