BOOK 5

Growing in
Christlikeness

Growing in Discipleship
Series

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 IN THIS BOOK YOU WILL STUDY:
Chapter 1 The Call to Christlike character …………………………………………….. 4
Chapter 2 Genuine Love in Action ……………………………………………………. 9
Chapter 3 Purity of Life ……………………………………………………………….. 13
Chapter 4 Purity in Man-Woman Relationship ……………………………………….. 18
Chapter 5 integrity in Action ………………………………………………………….. 25
Chapter 6 Walking as a Servant ……………………………………………………….. 29
Chapter 7 Perseverance Through Hardship ……………………………………………. 34
Chapter 8 Daniel: A Man of Integrity …………………………………………………. 38

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Personal Bible study can be an exciting adventure! When answering a question, do not just copy
the verse into the blank. See how the verse of Scripture answers the question. Then write the
answer in your own words. Personalize your response by using “I…me…my” in your answer. Be
sure to pray before you begin and during each study.
“Open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18

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COMPPLETION RECORD
Ask others in your study group to check your work as you complete it, and to indicate your
progress below.
BIBLE STUDY INITIAL DATE
Chapter 1 The Call to Christlike character
Chapter 2 Genuine Love in Action
Chapter 3 Purity of Life
Chapter 4 Purity in Man-Woman Relationship
Chapter 5 integrity in Action
Chapter 6 Walking as a Servant
Chapter 7 Perseverance Through Hardship
Chapter 8 Daniel: A Man of Integrity
SCRIPTURE MEMORY
Christlikeness 2 Corinthians 3:18
Love 1 John 3:18
Purity 2 Timothy 2:22
Relationships 1 Timothy 5:1b-2
Integrity Acts 24:16
Servanthood 2 Corinthians 4:5
Perseverance Romans 5:3-4
Daniel (your choice)
Quote all 8 verses from this book
Quote all verses from Book 3 and 4
QUIET TIME
Have a daily Quiet Time. (Read systematically and mark Bible, and
record highlight in Quiet Time Journal)
Quote books of Old Testament Ezra-Daniel
COMPLETED BOOK 5
Leader’s Signature

CHAPTER 1

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The Call to Christlike Character
INTRODUCTION: Many people measure spiritual maturity – both their own and others’ – by
the quantity of their activities. But the quantity of our spiritual activities does not necessarily
give a true picture of the quality of our lives. It is Christlikeness to which God has called us, not
busyness. What we are is more important than what we do. And, what we are determines what
we do and how we do it. Today the emphasis is placed on doing, but the Bible emphasizes being
like Jesus Christ in our character.

Begin by memorizing 2 Corinthians 3:18.

GOD’S DESIRE FOR YOUR CHARACTER
1. God wants each of us to become like whom, and in what ways?
Romans 8:29 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2 Corinthians 3:18 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 4:22-24 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. The Spirit of Christ works in our lives to produce holy, Christlike qualities in us, as a
fruit tree produces fruits. Read Galatians 5:22-23.
a. What Christlike character qualities are mention? _____________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Describe what growth you have noticed recently in one of these areas in your life.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. Now describe one area where you think you are least like Jesus Christ. Explain.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Does God have a higher standard of character for Christian leaders than He does for
ordinary Christians? Explain your answer from James 3:1.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

BECOMING MORE LIKE CHRIST

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 Christ saves us in a moment. But it takes a lifetime for us to become like Him in our
character. Like a master woodcarver shaping a beautiful sculpture, God uses several tools
to shape us into the image of Christ during our lifetime.
4. Read Romans 12:2 and Colossians 3:1-2.
As you grow in Christ, what should be happening to your mind? (Explain what it means
to be “conformed” and “transformed”.) ________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
How can Scripture memory contribute to this process of character growth?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Study 2 Peter 1:3-8. This part of Scripture deals with growth in Christian character.
a. What has God provided to help you to grow in character? (vs. 3-4) _______________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Does God expect you to become completely Christlike Immediately? If not then what
process of character growth is suggested? (vs. 5-8) ___________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. What will be the end results of this process? (vs. 4 and 8) ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. According to James 1:2-4, how can trials be used to develop our character? Illustrate this
from your life.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. Proverbs 27:17 mentions another character-building tool: people! Describe how God has
used a particular person to develop your character.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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 8. Only the power of God can make us holy, but we also have a part to play. According to
Romans 6:11-13, what is our part in the process of pursuing holiness?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
With God’s help, what steps could you take to become more Christlike? _____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
THE RIGHT MOTIVATION FOR PURSUING GODLINESS
When you think of the changes God still wants to make in your character, do you ever wonder
“What can I get out of it?” or “What do I have to give up?” If so, then you still have much to
learn about God’s character and His desires for you. God wants you to experience the most
abundant life possible – in fact, the same quality of life which Christ Himself experienced.
9. God “chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his
sigh” and adopted us in love as His children. What attitudes will help us pursue holiness?
Psalm 63:1-2 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Habakkuk 3:17-19 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 4:1 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Why is it important for us to live holy and Christlike lives?
2 Corinthians 2:14-15 _____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 2:9-12 ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What is the result when we dishonor God with our lives? Ezekiel 36:17, 20-21
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
DEFINITION: To “profane” means to treat with disrespect, abuse, or contempt something
which should be holy; to dishonor, pollute, or defile something which should be kept clean.

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 11. Read Paul’s goals in Philippians 3:4-14. Make a list of things he boasted in before
knowing Christ (vs. 4-7). Then list what he pursued as a believer (vs. 7-14).
Boasted Before Knowing Christ (vs. 4-7) Pursued After Knowing Christ (vs. 7:14)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What things did you count as very important before you know Christ? What has
changed? _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
EVIDENCE OF CHRISTLIKENESS
12. What areas of your life should reflect Christlikeness? 1 Timothy 4:12 _______________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
13. The Bible tells us that Jesus “grew in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). From James 3:13-18, how
does godly wisdom differ from worldly wisdom? ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
14. Christ also wants His disciples to “bear fruit-fruit that will last” (John 15:16). Read Jesus’
comments about spiritual fruitfulness in John 15:1-5.
What might God “trim” or prune to make you more fruitful spiritually? V. 2
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Explain what “abiding in Christ” means to you. _________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
THE JOY OF CHRISTLIKENESS
Some people imagine that a godly life would be very dull and unhappy, but Jesus said just the
opposite! Jesus was blessed by God and wants us to be blessed too. To be blessed means:
*to enjoy enviable happiness *to be happy and joyous *to be spiritually prosperous
*to have joy and satisfaction in God’s favour regardless of your outward conditions

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 15. According to John 15:11, what is another quality of life Jesus wants us to share with
Him? What evidence or lack of evidence do you see in your life concerning this quality?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16. In His Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus described eight basic
ingredients for living a holy, abundant life. Study the qualities listed below. Then record
the promise Jesus gave for each.
Verse The blessed Man’s Qualities Jesus’ Promise
3 Poor in spirit (recognizes his own
poverty in spiritual things)
4 Bourns (is genuinely sorry for sin)

5 Is meek (submits his will to Christ)

6 Hungers for righteousness (has deep

passion for personal righteousness)
7 Is merciful (forgiving and
compassionate)
8 Is pure in heart (free from moral sin)
9 Is a peacemaker (makes peace by
reconciling others)
10-11 Is persecuted (oppressed for Christ’s
sake)

Assignment
1. Revise 2 Corinthians 3:18 daily
2. Memorise 1 John 3:18 and pray over it daily
3. Revise all of your memory verses from Book 3 daily, using your cards to check for
accuracy.
4. Complete Chapter 2 of this Bible study called “Genuine Love in Action.”
5. Continue to read and mark one chapter a day from the Bible during your Quite Time.
6. Memorise the names of the Old Testament books from Ezra to Daniel.

CHAPTER 2

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Genuine Love in Action
INTRODUCTION: We have heard and read much about loving our neighbor and sacrificing for
others. It is not more information we need – it is more love, or at least a better understanding of
it. On our own we are incapable of loving as Christ wants us to love for others in our heart.

Begin by memorizing 1 John 3:18.

GENUINE LOVE
1. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (in several versions, if possible).
In your own words, describe what love does not do. ______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Now define what love does. _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What command did Jesus give His followers in John 13:34-35? What was “new” about
it? (Compare with Leviticus 19:12.)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Who are we to love? Deuteronomy 6:5 Luke 6:27 1 Thessalonians 3:12
________________________________________________________________________
4. _____ True or False: “Love is not a feeling; it’s an act of the will.” Explain your answer
after reading 1 John 3:16-18 and defining what love is.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
OBSTACLES TO GENUINE LOVE
Genuine love means to care deeply about others from the heart, and to do what needs to be
done to seek their good. But we often engage in a battle to love – a battle between self and
sacrifice. If we are to extend unselfish love to others, we must first get rid of bitterness, rage,
anger, and all forms of malice (Ephesians 4:31), just as Joseph had to do.

5. Read the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis in Genesis 37:3-11 and 19-28.

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 What caused Joseph’s brothers to be jealous of him? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What did their jealousy cause them to do to Joseph? _____________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Years later, Joseph rose to a position of high status and power in Egypt. He held the lives
of his family members in his hand. The stage was set for Joseph to take revenge and
unleash bitterness and resentment. Read Genesis 45:1-7 and describe Joseph’s response
toward his brothers. Why do you suppose he was not resentful?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. There will be times when you too will experience injustice, mistreatment, and violations
of your rights just as Joseph did. What should your response be to such experiences?
Matthew 5:7 _____________________________________________________________
Romans 12:14, 17-21 ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 2:19-25 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Fearing that Joseph still held a grudge against them, his brothers desperately sought his
forgiveness. How did Joseph respond to his brother?. Why do you think he responded this
way? Genesis 50:15-21 ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. From Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18-15, whose responsibility is it to go to the other
and seek forgiveness: the one who was wronged, or the one who did the wrong? What is
the potential danger of “just keeping quiet” when someone wrongs you? Hebrews 12:14-
15 _____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Is there anyone you need to forgive, or seek forgiveness from? ______________ what
steps should you take soon to reconcile and move on to demonstrate genuine love to that
person? _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

LOVE IN SPEECH

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 The world’s smallest but most powerful troublemaker is the human tongue!
With the tongue, we can praise God or pray or preach the Word. But with that
same tongue we can ruin a person’s reputation or break a person’s heart…

11. What do the following verses teach about slander or gossip?

Proverbs 11:13 ___________________________________________________________
Proverbs 16:27-28 ________________________________________________________
Proverbs 26:20 ___________________________________________________________
12. What guidelines are suggested for controlling our tongues?
Psalm 39:1 ______________________________________________________________
Proverbs 10:19 ___________________________________________________________
13. How can we communicate love with our tongues?
Proverbs 12:18 ___________________________________________________________
Proverbs 12:25 ___________________________________________________________
Ephesians 4:15-16, 29 _____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 4:6 ___________________________________________________________
2 Timothy 2:23-25 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
GENUINE LOVE IN ACTION
14. What did love motivate these men and women to do for others?
1 Samuel 18:1-4 Jonathan… ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Ruth 1:15-18 Ruth… ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Hosea 3:1-3 Hosea… ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Romans 5:8 God… _______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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 I am love! I can risk loving you, for the One who knows me best loves
me most!

15. Genuine love is love is love in action whether it is in forgiving, in speaking, in serving or
whatever. Complete the following chart and make it as practical and specific as you can.
These verses about loving one another are all taken from the book of Romans.
Verse What does it tell me to do? How could I apply it, and with whom?
12:9-10

12:13

12:16

14:13

14:19

15:1-2

15:7

Assignment
1. Revise 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 1 John 3:18 daily.
2. Memorise 2 Timothy 2:22 and revise it daily.
3. Revise all of the memory verses from Book 4 daily this week. Be sure to check your
accuracy with the memory cards.
4. Complete the Bible study titled Chapter 3 “Purity of Life.”
5. Continue to read and mark one chapter a day from the Bible. Record one brief highlight
in your Quiet Time Journal.

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CHAPTER 3

Purity of Life
INTRODUCTION: Some things are meant to be 100% pure! But greedy traders sometimes mix
curry powder with posho, or add cassava to baking flour. Engines can be ruined when a little
paraffin is added to diesel fuel. What is wrong
with these practices? Why is it wrong to mix a
little bit of immorality with an otherwise pure THINK ABOUT IT: What
life? In this chapter you will discover why God is wrong with those
calls His children to a life of Christlike purity. practices? What is wrong
with mixing a little
immorality with an
Begin by memorizing 2 Timothy 2:22
otherwise good life?
GOD’S STANDARDS FOR PURITY
1. From Leviticus 20:26, what is God’s standard for purity? Why is His standard so high?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Read 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1.
What should motivate us to be pure? __________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What are some things and behaviours that would contaminate …
…our bodies? ____________________________________________________________
…our spirit? _____________________________________________________________
3. Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:23. What do the words “through and through” and
“whole” contribute to the thought of this verse?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. The world’s standards differ greatly from God’s. from 1 John 2:15-16, identify and
define the three foundations for the world’s standards
(1) _____________________________________________________________________
(2) _____________________________________________________________________
(3) _____________________________________________________________________
5. How does God describe those who practice impurity? Ephesians 4:17-19 _____________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL PURITY
6. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
List several reasons why we should pursue purity and avoid immorality.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
How does immoral behavior affect our relationship with God? _____________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. What are some of the effects of giving in to our impure desires?
Galatians 5:17 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 2:11 _____________________________________________________________
8. In what specific areas of our lives is purity important? Ephesians 5:3-5
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Can we do pure things from impure motives? Answer form Philippians 1:18 and James
4:3. ____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
PAUSE TO PRAY… God will not only judge our outward deeds, but also “will expose the
motives of men’s hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Stop now and prayerfully ask God to reaveal
any things you do (even good things) for the wrong reasons. Confess these to the Lord.
10. From 1 Corinthians 7:35, how does God want us to live? (Define “devotion” in your
answer.) ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
How does God feel when we “double-deal” by mixing our worship of Him with worship
of other gods or spirits? Jeremiah 44:3-6 _______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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11. The following are some excuses people might use for wrong moral behavior. What does
the Bible say about each of these excuses?
“Since everyone does it, is Proverb 14:12
must be alright.”

“As long as I do not hurt Leviticus 5:17

anyone else, it is okay.”

“Nobody will ever find out Hebrews 4:13

that I did it.”

“I’ll stop after this one Galatians 6:7-8

time.”

“It is impossible to remain Ephesians 1:4

pure. Why should I cry”

(Another excuses?) Vs?

12. Go back and tick any excuse above that you have used to excuse your own impure
thoughts or deed. What do you think God is saying to you now? ____________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
THE PATH TO PURITY
13. What steps take place between temptation and sin? James 1:14-15

Lured
Death
&
entice
14. Compare the stories of Eve and Achan in the passages below. Then tell what physical
sense was stimulated? What feeling resulted? What act resulted? What was done with the
evidence?
Eve (Genesis 3:6, 8) Achan (Joshua 7:21)
Physical sense? ___________________________________________________________
Feeling? ________________________________________________________________
Act? ___________________________________________________________________
Evidence? _______________________________________________________________

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 Do you think every act of sin follows this pattern? Why or why not? ________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
15. While temptation usually appeals to one of our physical senses at first, the battle for
purity is fought in the mind. Read Romans 8:5-8.
What two types of people are mentioned in this passage? __________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What are the results of each “mind-set”? _______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16. Explain three important principles for living a pure life from 2 Timothy 2:22
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
17. After studying each vers, complete this statement: “in order to live a clean life pleasing to
God, I could/should…”
Psalm 119:9,11 ___________________________________________________________
Proverbs 4:25-27 _________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:16 ___________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:1-2 __________________________________________________________
Titus 2:11-12 ____________________________________________________________
POINT TO PONDER ... Try to forget the number 13. When you have forgotten it, tick this
book: Can you do it? This is how some people try to avoid immorality: they think they
can just just make themselves not think about it. It is impossible to eliminate a wrong thought
from your mind unless you substitute something good in its place. Paul probably had this
substitution principle in mind when he told us to “put off” the old nature and to “put on” the new
nature (Ephesians 4:22-24).
18. Explain how Scripture memory and meditation can improve your thought life, in light of
the substitution principle. ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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19. Read 2 Corinthians 10:5. Identify one or two recurring impure thoughts or behaviours
which God wants you as a believer to “take captive … and make it obedient to Christ.”
Impure thought or Behaviour ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
After prayerfully reviewing the principles of purity which you discovered in this section,
write a paragraph telling what things you could do to become and remain pure in that
area. ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
20. What does God promise to those who are pure in heart? Psalm 24:3-5 and Matthew 5:8
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Assignment
1. Revise your last three verses daily: 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:18, and 2 Timothy
22. Also memorise 1 Timothy 5:1b-2.
2. Revise all of the verses from book 3.
3. During your daily time of Scripture memory revision, use your cards to help you be
work perfect. Also meditate on the meaning of each verse, and pray it into your life.
4. Do the next Bible study called Chapter 4 “Purity in Man-Woman Relationships.”
Allow extra time for this study, perhaps spreading it over 2-3 sessions
5. Read and mark one chapter a day from the Bible. Record one highlight in your
Journal.

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CHAPTER 4

Purity in Man-Woman Relationships

INTRODUCTION: For many people, personal purity is most severely tested in the area of
man-woman relationships. What are God’s expectations? Is it really possible to reamian pure
toward members of the opposite sex? If so, how?
Below are some question commonly asked by Christian booking forward to marriage. As you
meditate on each verse, summarise any principles and guideline, which you discover, as well as
personal applications which you want to make in your relationships. At the end of each section,
summarise what your own convictions are regarding that area.

Begin by memorizing 1 Timothy 5:1b-2

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SEXUALITY
1. How does God want you to view your manhood/womanhood and your sexuality?
Genesis 1:27, 31 __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Genesis 2:25 _____________________________________________________________
Psalm 139:13-16 _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Summary Convictions about your Sexuality
(HINT: When you come to Summary Convictions in each section, do not simply
summarise what you ought to believe. Instead, write what you are truly convinced of in
your heart for your own life – what you will or will not do in a particular area, by God’s
grace. A conviction statement usually begins with the words “I will…” A sample
conviction statement is given to get you started.)
“I will rejoice in my womanhood (not be ashamed of it), and
will use God’s good gift of sexuality only as He directs.
Your conviction statements about your sexuality: ________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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CONTROLLING YOUR DESIRES
3. What behaviours regarding the opposite sex does God forbid you to indulge in? (see the
definitions below) What will happen if you disobey?
Leviticus 28:6 ____________________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 22:25-26 ____________________________________________________
Mark 10:19 ______________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:19-20 _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Romans 1:24-27 __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 ______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 5 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

DEFINITIONS
Adultery ………………………… sex between a married person and someone other than
his/her partner, thus violating the marriage now
Defilement ……………………… Sex with a child
Defraud ………………………… To excite desires in yourself or others which you
know you cannot righteously satisfy
Fornication …………………….. Sex between unmarried people
Homosexuality ……………….... Sex between two men, or between two woman; also
called sodomy
Lust ……………………………. Imagining sexual relations with someone other than
your marriage partner
Prostitution ……………………. Offering to have sex in exchange for money or
favours
Rape …………………………… demanding sex with force or threats, without a

4. Summary Convictions about Forbidden Behaviours:

I will … ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. In your attitudes and behaviour toward men/women, what guidelines and precautions
should you follow?
Song of Song 3:5 _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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 Ecclesiastes 3:1,5 _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Acts 24:16 and 1 Timothy 1:5 _______________________________________________
Romans 13:14 ___________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 6:12 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Philippians 2:4 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
1 Timothy 5:1-2 __________________________________________________________
2 Timothy 2:22 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Titus 2:4-7 ______________________________________________________________
6. Summary Convictions about Your Attitude and Behaviour:
I will … ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
GOD’S STANDARDS FOR YOUR MARRIAGE PARTNER
7. What is the most important standard that God insists upon when you are considering a
marriage partner? What is God’s reason for insisting on it?
Deuteronomy 7:3-4 (also Judges 3:5-6) ________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:39 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2 Corinthians 6:14-15 _____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Summary Convictions about Your Marriage Partner:
I will… _________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. In addition to genuine commitments to Christ, what other character qualities should both
you and any potential marriage partner have in order to build a Christ – centred marriage?
How much are you growing in these vital qualities?

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 1 Samuel 16:7 ___________________________________________________________
Ephesians 5:21-33 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 3:1-4, 7 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Summary Convictions about You and Any Potential Marriage Partner:
I will … ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
EXPERIENCING CONTENTED SINGLENESS
11. Until God brings into your life a partner with these non-negotiable qualities, how should
you deal with your own singleness?
Psalm 68:6 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 73:23-26 __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 43:1-4 _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Isaiah 64:4-5 _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:1, 7-9 _____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Corinthians 7:25-35 _____________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2 Corinthians 7:1 _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 3:3-4 _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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 12. Summary Convictions about Your years as an Unmarried Person:
I will … ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
THINK ABOUT IT… No matter how hard you look, the Bible will not tell you the
name of the person you are to marry. So on what basis will you decide? When you are
seriously considering marriage to a particular person, what criteria or guidelines should
you use in order to experience God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will” for you is this
most crucial and irreversible of life choice? Chapter 6 in Book 4 identified several
principles for discerning God’s will in specific situations. Prayerfully applying them will
help you make a wise and God-honouring marriage decision.

LEARNING FROM OTHERS

13. Study the two stories in Genesis 39:7-12 and 2 Samuel 11:1-4. They describe a time of
temptation in the lives of Joseph and David. For each man answer these questions.
Questions Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12 David (2 Samuel 11:1-4
What were the
surrounding
circumstances
What attitude did each
of them have?
What were their
resulting actions
Why did these two men respond differently in similar situations? ___________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

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14. Read in 1 king 11:1-11 the tragic story of “wise” King Solomon, who foolishly ignored
God’s command not to marry an unbeliever. Why do you think he disobeyed this clear
command about marriage? What excuses might he have used?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Trace the destructive effects that his disobedience had on Solomon’s spiritual life.
v.3 ________________________________ v.6 _________________________________
v.4 ________________________________ v.7 _________________________________
v.5 ________________________________ v.9 _________________________________
___________________________________ _________________________________

THINK ABOUT IT… The end result was that Solomon destroyed his own fellowhip
with God, and God was set against Solomon for the rest of his life. God also took the
kingdom away from Solomon. Instead of promoting and building up God’s kingdom,
Solomon’s choice of non-believing wives disqualified him for the rest of his life from
any real usefulness to God.

15. Do you know of any relationship of yours that needs to conform more closely to the
standards of purity you have discovered in this chapter? What can you do to change this?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16. What did Job do to help him remain pure in his relationships with women? Job 31:1
________________________________________________________________________
17. Application: are you willing to make a “covenant” with God concerning your purity in
relation to men/women? If so, prayerfully review right now the conviction statements you
wrote throughout this chapter. Do they truly reflect your heart’s sincere convictions? If
so, you might want to pray something like this in your own words, and then sign below.
“In light of God’s many clear commands and gracious promises, I promise Him that I
will abide by these standards of purity in my man – woman relationships. By His
strength.”
(Your name) __________________________________ (Date) _____________________

23
If you want to learn more about God’s design for married couples:
 Book 6 of this series contains a chapter devoted to the topic of marriage
 Married and engaged couples will especially enjoy the in-depth Bible study book
called Husbands and wives which is published by The Navigators. In its chapters
you will explore such topics as:
What is Marriage? Becoming One Communication in Marriage
Resolving Conflict Love and Loving Roles and Responsibilities
Sexual Intimacy Self-image Traditional vs. Biblical marriage
Assignment
1. Continue to spend Quite Time daily with God, reading and marking one chapter
each day. When you finish reading one book of the Bible, select another until you
have read the entire New Testament.
2. Memorise Acts 24:16, while revising the first 4 verses in this book.
3. Revise all memory verses from Book 4, asking someone to check your accuracy.
4. Revise daily the Old Testament books from Ezra – Daniel.
5. Complete the next Bible study called Chapter 5 “Integrity in Action.”

24
CHAPTER 5

Integrity in Action
INTRODUCTION: We struggle each day with issues of right and wrong, good and evil we
often excuse our behavior and compromise God’s standard of integrity. We may explain away or
ignore these sins. These are the “vices of the virtuous” – sins that even believers have accepted
as normal practice. But God is holy, and we must not allow any compromise with sin to infiltrate
our lives.
Begin by memorizing Acts 24:16.

THE STRUGGLE FOR INTEGRITY

What is “integrity”? The dictionary defines integrity as “firmness of character which causes one
to live in a consistently upright, honest, and sincere way.” A person of integrity lives an
integrated life: what he believes and how he behaves is the same.
1. From Jeremiah 17:9, what fact in your life makes the struggle for honest living so
difficult?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. From Leviticus 19:11, identify three things that God forbids a person of integrity to do.
Then describe what wrong attitude or thinking might lead someone to disobey.
Do not __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do not __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Do not __________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Most compromises of integrity begin with deception. In what ways can we be deceived?
Romans 16:17-18 _________________________________________________________
2 Corinthians 11:3-4 ______________________________________________________
Ephesians 4:14 ___________________________________________________________
James 1:22 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 John 1:8 _______________________________________________________________
4. Saul, Israel’s first king, was a man who lacked personal integrity. Read 1 Samuel 15:1-
23.
a. What was Saul commanded to do? Vs. 1-3 __________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

25
 b. What did he do instead? V. 9 _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. How did he try to justify his disobedience? Vs. 13-21 _________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
d. How did God view the situation? __________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. A hypocrite is a person who pretends to be what he is not. Study Mark 7:6-8 to discover
several things Jesus said about hypocrites.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Even today sincere non-Christians are often put off by the hypocrisy they see in
Christians’ lives. What are some examples of hypocrisy that you have noticed among
Christians? ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. Our lives should be able to withstand close examination by other people. We should live
honestly – not pretending to be something we are not or trying to create a false
impression. Smmarise what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 1:12 and 1 Thess. 2:10.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Could this also be said about your life, if you were examined closely? Explain. ________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
DISHONESTY EXPOSED
7. Integrity need to be displayed in all aspects of our lives. From these verses, what are
some areas of everyday life where integrity tends to be neglected?
Luke 16:10 ______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Romans 13:6-7 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:22-23 ________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 2:13-14 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

26
 There are rare times when integrity before God may require us to refuse to obey those in
authority over us. Study the actions of the Apostles in Acts 4:18-20 and 5:27-29. What
can we learn from their example that will help us in similar situations?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. List the qualities of a person of integrity from Psalm 15.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Ultimately what is true of all decisions we make and things we do here on earth? Rea
Matthew 12:36, Luke 12:1-3, Romans 14:12, and Hebrews 4:13.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. Since we are so easily deceived, even by ourselves, what are some ways God can use to
expose our dishonesty to us?
Psalm 139:23-24 _________________________________________________________
Hebrews 4:12 ____________________________________________________________
Romans 2:15 ____________________________________________________________
Romans 9:1 _____________________________________________________________
11. Read the story about the deception of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5:1-11.
a. In what ways were they deceitful or dishonest? ______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Why were they deceitful? (Note Acts 4:26-37 as a possible influence on them.)
_____________________________________________________________________
c. Why was this an act of dishonesty toward the Holy Spirit? V. 3 _________________
_____________________________________________________________________
d. What effect did the death of Ananias and Sapphira have on the believers in
Jerusalem? ___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
12. Has there been a recent example when some dishonest act on your part led you to lie?
What do you think God wants you to do about it now?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

27
THE CONSCIENCE: AID TO HONESTY
DEFINATION: The term “conscience” refers to “an inner sense that knows the difference
between right and wrong, judges one’s actions according to moral laws, and makes one feel
guilty, good, evil, etc.”
13. From these passage, describe the various states that your conscience can be in .
1 Corinthians 8:9-10 ______________________________________________________
1 Timothy 4:2 ____________________________________________________________
Titus 1:15 _______________________________________________________________
Hebrews 10:22 ___________________________________________________________
1 Peter 3:16, 21 __________________________________________________________
14. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:3-12. How did Paul demonstrate a life of integrity …
… by his speech? _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
… by his deeds? __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
… through his motives? ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
15. How did Paul’s conscience help him lives a live a life of consistent integrity and honesty?
Acts 24:16
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
16. As he approached the end of his life, Samuel still maintained a lifelong testimony for
personal integrity and honesty. Read about it in 1 Samuel 12:1-5. If you want to reach the
end of your life with a clear conscience, as both Paul and Samuel did, what specifically
would need to change in the way you live your life today?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Assignment
1. Meet with God daily as you read, and mark a chapter from the Bible. Don’t neglect
the practice of writing a brief highlight in your Quiet Time Journal
2. Memorise your new verse 2 Corinthians 4:5.
3. Revise the following things daily this week, using memory cards for accuracy
 New verse 2 Corinthians 4:5
 Book 5 verses
 Book 3 verses
 Book of the Bible Ezra-Daniel
4. Complete the next Bible study called Chapter 6 “Walking as a Servant.”

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CHAPTER 6

Walking as a Servant
INTRODUCTION: Serving others is one of the greatest challenges in the life of a disciple. A
life of Christlike service demands from each of us “my soul, my life, my all.” It is terribly costly.
But the rewards here on earth and the privilege of identifying with Christ, the suffering Servant,
are great! You will never be sorry that you truly served someone for the sake of Christ.

Begin by memorizing 2 Corinthians 4:5.

CHRIST: OUR EXAMPLE OF A SERVANT

1. What was Christ’s purpose in coming? Mark 10:45 ______________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What are some of the ways in which Jesus served people?
Matthew was Jesus’ attitude toward serving? ___________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Read about Jesus – the greatest Servant of all – in Philippians 2:3-8.
What was Jesus’ attitude toward serving? ______________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
How did Christ demonstrate His servanthood? __________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Jesus’ life was always an example of servanthood. Meditate on John 13:1-17
a. Feet-washing was a task usually assigned to the lowest household servant. How did
knowing His origin and His destiny (v. 5) help Jesus to serve in such a humble way?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. What was Jesus’ purpose for washing the disciples’ feet? ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

29
 c. How can your status in society sometimes hinder you from serving others?
_____________________________________________________________________
d. Apart from Christ we are all hopeless, lost, and enslaved to sin. But in Christ our
destiny is eternity with God in heaven! How do these truths influence your
willingness to serve others? ______________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
e. List any other lessons you learn from Jesus’ service in these verses. ______________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
5. Even the disciples were conscious of status and position, and were reluctant to serve.
Read Luke 22:24-27
a. What were they arguing about, and why? ___________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. What is Jesus’ desire for His followers? ____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. How does this contrast with the world’s attitude toward serving? ________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
6. Read 2 Corinthians 4:5 and 5:15. Then explain why these statements are true:
To live others is to live for Christ …To live for Christ is to live for others.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. Philippians 2:5 says “Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ” toward
serving. Can you think of any recent situation in which your attitude toward serving has
been different? What can you do to correct this?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
SERVING IS GIVING
8. What practical ways to serve others are mentioned in these verses?
Proverbs 3:27 ____________________________________________________________
Romans 12:13 ___________________________________________________________
1 John 3:17 ______________________________________________________________

30
 9. From Paul’s example, what else can we give to others? 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
________________________________________________________________________
10. Some of the needs of others can be met by sharing our money with them. In your own
words summarise any principles for giving which you find in 2 Corinthians 9:6-14.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What happens when we serve others by giving? (vs. 11:14) ________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
11. Why is it important to serve in the “little” things? Luke 16:10-12
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
KEYS TO BECOMING A SERVANT
Servanthood involves both identifying a need and taking the effort to meet it. Therefore, a
servant needs to be observant. Proverbs 20:12 says, “Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord
has made them both.” God wants you to use what He has given you to contribute to the needs of
others. People do not mind being called servants, but sometimes they do mind being treated as
servants. The mature Christian is marked by what he will do for others without expecting
anything (even appreciation!) in return.
12. Serving others can be very costly.
a. What did it cost the “Good Samaritan” to serve the “Jericho man”?
Luke 10:30-35 ________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. What did Paul give up in order to serve the Corinthians? 1 Corinthians 9:1-12
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. Are you clinging to any “rights” that are hindering your service? Explain. _________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

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13. Even the humblest act of service can be ruined by a proud attitude, which is revealed by
thinking either too highly or too lowly of yourself. Either way you are focusing your
attention on “self” rather than others. Do you recognize any attitude of yours on this
chart?
PRIDE

Thinking very highly of self: Thinking very lowly of self:

“It is always me who serves them.” “There is no way 1 could serve (help)
“That would lower my dignity. I them.”
couldn’t do it.” “What difference would it make
“They should appreciate my serving anyway?”
more.” After all, nobody would notice.”

a. Would you say that you tend to overestimate yourself, or underestimate yourself? In
light of Romans 12:3, what should you do? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Name several things that you feel you would never lower yourself to do?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. What should we think after we have served? Luke 17:10 _______________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
14. What does the Word of God teach about humility in 1 Peter 5:5-6? Why does God place
such high value on the quality of humility in a person’s life?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

32
15. Imagine that you read this job advertisement in your local newspaper today, placed there
by your heavenly Father.

VACANCY THINK ABOUT IT… would you apply

SERVANT NEEDED. Someone to do for this job? Why, or why not? Which of
often undesirable work for the sake of the qualification mentioned in the advert
others. Need strong sense of self-worth in still need strengthening in your life?
God’s eyes and true compassion for other. ___________________________________
Must be personally acquainted with the ___________________________________
greatest Servant of all in order to continue ___________________________________
his training. Work requires being on call ___________________________________
24 hours a day to meet needs of family, ___________________________________
friends, and even strangers. Must be ___________________________________
willing to give up his rights and receive no ___________________________________
tangible salary. No experience necessary. ___________________________________
Job begins today right where you are. ___________________________________
__________________

16. APPLICATION: Spend some time in prayer over the call to Christlike servanthood that
you have a studied in this lesson. Write down two or three things that have challenged
you the most. ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Assignment
1. You are almost finished with Book 5! Complete any memory or Bible study work
that you have missed.
2. Memorise your new verse Romans 5:3-4, revising it and praying over it daily.
3. Using your cards, revise all verses from this book. Test your accuracy by writing
out your verses from memory.
4. Revise the verses from Book 4 daily.
5. Complete the next Bible study called Chapter 7 “Perseverance through Hardship.”
6. NEW! This week during your Quiet Time, do not read the New Testament. Instead,
read and mark these chapters: Daniel 1:6, 9. This reading will prepare you for the
last Bible study in this book.

33
CHAPTER 7
Perseverance through Hardship
INTRODUCTION: The Christian is not immune to the realities of human life. Sickness,
sorrow, death, and other forms of pain and suffering are experienced by all men. But for the
Christian, suffering carries with it the promise that God’s sovereign purpose is shaping the inner
qualities of life. Jesus Himself was “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering” (Isaiah 53:3).
He did not promise His followers escape from pain until we reach heaven, but He does promise
faithfully to be with us and to help us in the midst of our pain.

Begin by memorizing Romans 5:3-4.

REALITY OF AFFLICTIONS
1. Read Habakkuk 1:1-4.
a. Describe the condition of society during Habakkuk’s time. _____________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. What emotions might Habakkuk have experienced then? What questions did He ask?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. Describe the last time you felt as Habakkuk did. ______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. What was God’s response to Habakkuk’s question? Habakkuk 1:5-6.
________________________________________________________________________
3. Describe the character of the Babylonians and how God was going to use them in the life
of the Jewish nation. Habakkuk 1:6-12
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. After learning of God’s plan to use the Babylonians, Habakkuk’s twice asked God,
“Why?! What made it difficult for Habakkuk to understand God’s plan? Habakkuk 1:13
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
THE SOVEREIGNITY OF GOD
When do we need God the most? Probably when we are wounded and hurting, or when our
world seems to be falling apart. We must persevere in spite of a hurting heart. One of the keys to
persevering is focusing on God’s character.

34
 5. Habakkuk grieved over the suffering caused by famine and injustice, just as we do today.
Even though Habakkuk and the whole nation of Judah were about to enter a time of
Hardship, death, and destruction, Habakkuk had an amazing response. Read about it in
Habakkuk 2: 20 and 3:17-19. Then summarise Habakkuk’s response and why he
responded in this way.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Personalize Habakkuk 3:17 by mentioning real hardships you are facing now. Your
paraphrase of Habakkuk 3:17: “Through _______________________________________
And there are no __________________________________________________________
Through ________________________________________________________________
And though ______________________________________________________________
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God’s my savior.”
THINK ABOUT IT… Can you sincerely rejoice in the midst of these difficulties?
6. What do the following verses teach us about God’s sovereign control?
Jeremiah 32:17 ___________________________________________________________
Job 42:2 ________________________________________________________________
2 Chronicles 14:11 ________________________________________________________
7. From God’s point-of-view, what “good” can come out of suffering? Romans 8:28-29 and
Genesis 50:20.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

FRUIT OF HARDSHIP
A second thing that will cause us to persevere is to consider God’s purpose in suffering. When
tragedy or hardships come, the natural questions that arise are “Why me? Why now? Why this?”
God is the only one who can answer all of our why’s. there may be many reasons why we go
through hardship, but let’s look at a few of them mentioned in God’s word.
8. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 as you answer these questions.
a. What important word is used nearly ten times? Define this word. ________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Who is the source of comfort? ____________________________________________
c. What is true about God, even in the midst of hardship? ________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
d. According to verse 4, what is one positive fruit of suffering? ____________________
_____________________________________________________________________

35
 9. Meditate on Paul’s response to difficulties as told in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11.
a. Describe some difficult circumstances that Paul faced.
(Also 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
b. Why did Paul want to inform the Corinthians of his desperate situation? ___________
_____________________________________________________________________
c. What “good” did Paul see for his suffering? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

THINK ABOUT IT… “Difficulties, limitations, hindrances, bereavements and losses though
we shrink exceedingly from them, are the very agencies that God uses to cause us to grow. As an
infant has its limbs developed by means of exercise and nourishment … so, in a spiritual sense,
is the Christian made strong by adversity.” --- George Mueller
10. What other purposes might suffering have in our lives?
John 15:2 _______________________________________________________________
1 Peter 1:6-7 _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
11. As you look back, what are three circumstances or events, which have caused you the
deepest suffering in your life? Tick any that still cause you pain. What “good” has God
brought (or might He still bring) out of that event?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
RESPONSE TO HARDSHIP
Do not doubt for a moment that circumstances of suffering are used by God to shape you and
conform you into the image of Jesus. Nothing enters your life accidentally. Behind every
experience is your loving, sovereign Lord. With this thought in mind, look at some godly
responses to suffering.
12. What are the benefits of persevering under a trial?
James 1:12 ______________________________________________________________
Deuteronomy 8:2 _________________________________________________________

36
13. How did the following men respond to difficult situations?
Job (Job 1:20-22) _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
David (Psalm 13) _________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Stephen (Acts 7:59-60) ____________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The Apostle (Acts 5:40-41) _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Paul (Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:8-9) ____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
14. Complete this chart to discover the responses to hardship which God desires all of us to
have.

Verses Response and the Reason for That Response

Romans 5:3-5 ____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ___________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
James 1:2-4 _____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
1 Peter 4:12-16 ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
15. What will help us respond to difficulties in a godly way? Hebrews 12:2-3?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

37
16. In conclusion, what one current difficulty is causing you the most pain? What fruit or
lesson might God want you to learn? In the meanwhile, how do you think you should
respond?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

THROUGH IT ALL
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I thank God for the mountains
I’ve had questions for tomorrow; and I thank Him for the valleys,
There’ve been times I didn’t know right I thank Him for the storms He’s brought
from wrong. me through.
But in every situation, god gave blessed for if I’d never had a problem
Consolation I wouldn’t know that He’s could solve
that my trials only come to make me them,
strong. I’d never know what faith in God could do.
I’ve been to lots of places,
And I’ve seen a lot of faces; Through it all, through it all,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone, oh, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
But in my lonely hours, I’ve learned to trust in God.
Yes, those precious, lonely hours through it all, through it all,
Jesus let me know that I wash his Own. I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
- Song by Andrae Crouch-

Assignment
1. Devote several extra hours this week so that you can complete all work assigned for this
book. This includes extra time for revising memory verses and for Bible study.
2. Revise all memory verses from Books 3, 4, and 5 until you can say them word perfectly.
Meet with another group member during the week to complete this.
3. Revise all the Old Testament books from Genesis – Daniel.
4. NEW! Next week’s Bible study called “Daniel-A Man of Integrity” is different from
previous studies. It invites you to study a person in the Bible rather than a topic. Since
you will be studying chapters 1-6, 9 from the book of Daniel, why not read them during
your Quiet Time as you did last week? You may want to use your Quiet Time each day to
complete a portion of this study.
5. Select your favourite verse from this study to memorise, writing it on a card.

38
Chapter 8
Daniel – A Man of Integrity.
INTRODUCTION: In this book you have studied several aspects of a Christlike character. But
you may still wonder, “Is it really possible for a person like me to live a Christlike life in the
mids of today’s corrupt and wicked society?” Yes, it is possible! Perhaps nobody in the Bible
better demonstrates this than Daniel.
In this chapter you will examine the life of Daniel in a new form of Bible study called a
“Character Study.” The purpose of a character study is to learn the spiritual reasons behind a
character’s existence in the Word of God. Later you may like to study about other people in the
Bible using the same format. For now, focus on those chapters that tell us about his life and
character (Daniel chapters 1-6 and 9:1-17 only). In the end you should be able to describe why
Daniel is known as a man of godliness and integrity.
I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT DANIEL
[You could use a Bible dictionary or commentary to discover background information
about whatever character you are studying. For now, this information about Daniel
and his environment is provided to get you started.]
Defeat: Daniel grew up during the terrible years when the divided nations of Israel and
Judah had fallen into widespread idolatry and unfaithfulness toward God. a century earlier,
Daniel’s great-grandparents’ generation had been taken captive by the Assyrians, just as Amos,
Hosea, Jeremiah, and Hezekiah had prophesied. By Daniel’s time the Jews were still corrupt and
wicked, so God raised up the Babylonians to repeat the painful lesson again. In 605 BC King
Nebuchadnezzar besieged and captured Jerusalem, removing King Jehoiakim from Judah. Many
sacred temple objects (like gold cups and goblets) were looted from God’s temple and taken to
the capital city called Babylon. They were stored in the temple of Nebuchadnezzar’s favourite
pagan god, Nabu. Sixty-six years later these objects sacred to God would be desecrated in a
drunken feast, which would lead to the downfall of Nebuchadnezzar’s successor.
Brain Drain: Daniel was just a youth when these terrible events occurred. Babylon’s
political strategy for treating the people they conquered was to deport their best young leaders
and groom them for a lifetime in exile serving in the Babylonian royal court. It was forced “brain
drain.” So in 605 BC Daniel and a few other young Jewish men were carefully selected by
Ashpenaz, King Nebuchadnezzar’s chief of personnel. This chief official had very high standards
for those he selected – standards that Daniel and his three friends met (see Daniel Chapter 1 for
details).
Studies: This handpicked group of exiles began an intensive three-year course of study to
prepare them to be the King’s counselors. Their task was to master the language and scholarly
literature of the Babylonian culture. The common trade language used in this vast multi-racial
empire was Aramaic. But the scholarly records were written in the much more difficult Sumerian
writing system called cuneiform. So Daniel had to learn this difficult foreign language as he was
educated. What subjects did Daniel and his friends study? They probably learned mathematics,
astronomy, history, astrology, along with alchemy (chemistry), magic, and divination by dreams.
Name Change: The Babylonian strategy was to destroy all traces of their Jewish culture
and force them to identify with the Babylonian culture. They did this by moving their captives
into permanent exile, changing their language and clothing style, indoctrinating them in their
new culture, even changing their names to Babylonians names appealing to pagan gods.

39
 For instance, the Jewish name Daniel meant “El(God) is my judge.” His new Babylonian
name Belteshazzar meant “Bel (another name for the pagan god Marduk) protect his life!”
Conclusion: but when the Babylonians tried to change their eating habits, Daniel and his
friends decided to take a stand for their personal convictions. They were convinced that they
should not eat the King’s food or drink his wine. Why not? Perhaps because the first portion was
offered to idols or poured out on a pagan alter, and the food itself was ceremonially unclean and
forbidden for Jews to eat. Although the other exiles did not share this conviction, Daniel and his
three friends asked to be allowed not to defile themselves. Their strategy was not refusal or
rebellion or going on a hunger strike, but rather a gracious request to try a creative alternative: a
vegetarian diet. This event from Daniel’s first year in exile illustrates three aspects of his
character: (1) sincere desire to meet the goals of his pagan superiors. (2) Strong convictions in
spiritual matters and personal purity, and (3) Discernment and good judgment in how to please
his superiors without compromising his convictions! Daniel can teach us how to live” in the
world” without being “of the world.”
Pass with Merit: when Daniel took his final oral exam from King Nebuchadnezzar himself,
he and his friends performed best! Not only were they better than all the other students, but ten
times better than their instructors – better than all the magicians and enchanters in the whole
kingdom. Thus began Daniel’s lifelong career as a civil servant and counselor to many kings and
rulers. Daniel lifelong career as a civil servant and counselor to many kings and rulers. Daniel’s
contributions to God’s plan was played out in the civil service of a pagan empire.

II. KEY VERSES

[As you study, select 2-3 key verses about Daniel which best express his character or
his contribution to God’s purposes for him. Copy them here. At the end of your study
choose one of these verses to memorise.]
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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III. VERSE-BY-VERSE STUDY
[On the next pages you should take notes on Daniel’s life as described in chapter 1-6
and 9:1-17 of the book of Daniel.]
In the Observations column: Record the most significant facts you observe about
Daniel’s life, accomplishments, decisions, etc. limit yourself to 4-8 facts only from
each chapter.
In the Character column: Record important things you notice about Daniel’s
character, such as his beliefs, relationship with God, moral standards, personal
convictions, prayer life, integrity, response to mistreatments, etc.
In the Application column: Write specific ways in which you see a possible
application to life today and your own life in particular. You could also write down
questions that you want to find answers for, definitions of important words, or ideas
for further study.

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 In all columns: For each note you make in any column also include the verse which
inspired it. Record only the highlights; do not try to be exhaustive. A few notes are
given as examples.
Verse Observation
Chapter 1: Daniel’s Education in Exile
2 The Lord Himself delivered the King of Judah into
exile: he was in control even in bad times
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Chapter 2 Daniel’s Rise to Power
2 The King turned to magic, sorcery, and astrology
to solve his problem, but they all failed (v.
10)_____________
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Verse Character Application

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 Chapter 1: Daniel’s Education in Exile

2-4 The young exiles came 3-4 good models for

from high status in Judah refugees who have
to lifelong exile very had to flee from their
difficult home

Chapter 2: Daniel’s Rise to Power

Verse Observations

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 Chapters 3: Daniels Friends Refuse to Compromise

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Chapter 4: Daniel’s Political Influence

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Verse Character Application

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Chapter 1: Daniel’s Education in Exile

Chapter 2: Daniel’s Political Influence

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Verse Observations

Chapters 5: Daniels Leadership as an Elder Statesman

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Chapter 6: Daniel’s Test

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Chapter 6: Daniel’s Relationship with God

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Verse Character Application
Chapter 1: Daniel’s Leadership as an Elder Statesman

Chapter 1: Daniel’s Test

Chapter 1: Daniel’s Relationship with God

46
After reviewing your notes, answer these summary questions.

IV. What was Daniel’s primary contribution(s) to God’s purposes and Kingdom?
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V. What are the most important lessons you have learned from Daniel’s life and
example?
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VI. Personal application: in what way can you identify with Daniel? What needs in your
life has God spoken to you about through Daniel? What do you plan to do about it?
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Optional Parts of a Character Study:

1. Cross-references: find other Bible verses about this person, or about his notable
character qualities.
2. Strengths/weaknesses: Discover what his strengths and weaknesses were.
3. Difficulties and Questions: Write down any difficulties or questions that come to mind
during your study. Or do further study on a related topic.
4. Title: Write a title for your Bible study, or for your character.
5. Biography: Write a 1-2 page “biography” of your character.
6. Scripture Memory: select 1-2 verses that best reflect your character and memorise them.

47
Growing in Discipleship…

Congratulations on completing Book 5 in this series designed to help you grow spiritually. Now
is the time to invite a friend to begin the same studies. Pray and ask God if He wants you to lead
or co-lead a small group through the Growing in Discipleship process. The people you have in
your small group can be from your church, your place of work or your neighbourhood.

Would you like to learn more? The next book in this series is called Book 6 Building in God’s
Family. Going through this book will help you build good relationships with people who do not
yet know Christ, people in your church and small group, as well as your marriage partner. This
book will also show you how to minister effectively to another person by evangelizing,
establishing, and equipping. The studies and memory verses will increase your confidence in
these vital areas:

 The Process of Spiritual Growth

 The Gospel – Simply!
 Helping others Find Christ
 Follow – up
 Reproducing Disciples one-by-one
 Responsible Stewardship
 Good Things Happen in Small Groups
 The Church
 Marriage

48
 NIV NIV
integrity Christlikeness
Acts 24:16 2 Corinthians 3:18
So I strive always to keep my conscience And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect
clear before God and man. the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into
Acts 24:16 his likeness with every increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Growing in discipleship Book 5 2 Corinthians 3:18
Growing in discipleship Book 5

NIV NIV
Servanthood Love
2 Corinthians 4:5 1 John 3:18
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus
Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants Dear children, let us not love with words or
for Jesus’ sake. tongue but with actions and in truth.
2 Corinthians 4:5
Growing in discipleship Book 5 1 John 3:18
Growing in discipleship Book 5

Perseverance NIV Purity NIV

Romans 5:3-4 2 Timothy 2:22
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue
sufferings, because we know that suffering righteousness, faith, love and peace, along
produces perseverance; perseverance, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure
character; and character, hope. heart.
Romans 5:3-4 2 Timothy 2:22
Growing in discipleship Book 5
Growing in discipleship Book 5

NIV NIV
Daniel: A Man of Integrity Man-Woman Relationship
1 Timothy 5:1b-2
Treat younger men as brother, older women as
mothers, and younger women as sisters, with
absolute purity.
1 Timothy 5:1b-2
Growing in discipleship Book 5
Growing in discipleship Book 5

49
 NIV NIV
integrity Christlikeness
Acts 24:16 2 Corinthians 3:18
So I strive always to keep my conscience And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect
clear before God and man. the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into
Acts 24:16 his likeness with every increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Growing in discipleship Book 5 2 Corinthians 3:18
Growing in discipleship Book 5

NIV NIV
Servanthood Love
2 Corinthians 4:5 1 John 3:18
For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus
Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants Dear children, let us not love with words or
for Jesus’ sake. tongue but with actions and in truth.
2 Corinthians 4:5
Growing in discipleship Book 5 1 John 3:18
Growing in discipleship Book 5

Perseverance NIV Purity NIV

Romans 5:3-4 2 Timothy 2:22
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue
sufferings, because we know that suffering righteousness, faith, love and peace, along
produces perseverance; perseverance, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure
character; and character, hope. heart.
Romans 5:3-4 2 Timothy 2:22
Growing in discipleship Book 5
Growing in discipleship Book 5

NIV NIV
Daniel: A Man of Integrity Man-Woman Relationship
1 Timothy 5:1b-2
Treat younger men as brother, older women as
mothers, and younger women as sisters, with
absolute purity.
1 Timothy 5:1b-2
Growing in discipleship Book 5
Growing in discipleship Book 5

50