SEARCH Lesson 078 – What Makes a Hero?

Key Verse

Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
— 1 Timothy 4:12

What Makes a Hero?

Hebrews 11:32-40; 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:21
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As we have studied during the past twelve weeks, we have considered the question: What makes a hero? The answer to that question depends, to a great extent, on who is asking the question. To a child, a hero would be someone entirely different from that of an adult. Similarly, a Christian’s criterion for designating a hero is dramatically different from that of a sinner’s. A person becomes a hero to someone else when a certain quality, ability, or attitude is admired so much that it would be imitated by the admirer.

During this course of study we have seen particular qualities exemplified by the lives of twelve of God’s faithful servants. These people can be considered heroes because all Christians desire the same qualities and attributes that their lives portrayed.

In considering these heroes, we should be challenged to ask ourselves the question: How can I have a greater measure of these Christian qualities? As we assimilate and grow in Christian graces we will be better able to do as the Apostle Paul commanded Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers . . .” (1 Timothy 4:12).

THEME THOUGHTS
What makes a hero? Everyone, no matter what his age, seems to have a hero—someone he looks up to and admires. A great deal of a person’s behavior can be traced to the figure he or she has chosen as a role model. Are you in a period of transition? Are you facing the challenge of growing as a Christian. These lessons have been structured with the thought of helping you face this challenge head-on by giving you examples of people in the Bible who exemplified characteristics that would be good to pattern after.We will be studying about heroes found in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, including our greatest Hero—Jesus.These lessons will cover some of the women in the Bible as well as the men. Elisabeth’s faith, Deborah’s confidence, the self-denial of the widow of Zarephath, and the perseverance of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment are wonderful examples of feminine heroes we will be learning about.The other lessons will cover Zacharias’ faith, the obedience of Joseph (Jesus’ earthly father), John the Baptist’s fearless witnessing, Gideon’s example of courage, Caleb’s determination to wholly follow the Lord, the persecution of Stephen, Ananias’ determination to serve God, and Elisha’s willing service.Our aim is that with the concluding lesson, which summarizes this quarter on choosing the right kind of heroes, you will have learned which character qualities make someone a real hero. We pray that you yourself will want to become a good example for someone else to follow

QUESTIONS

  1. In six words or less describe the Christian character quality that we admire for each of the following people:
    Elisabeth and Zacharias
    Joseph (earthly father of Jesus)
    Jesus
    John the Baptist
    Deborah
    Gideon
    Caleb
    Widow of Zarephath
    Stephen
    Woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment
    Ananias
    Elisha
  2. Must a person have a well-known name to qualify as a hero?
  3. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as “The roll call of the heroes of faith.” Note that verse 36 of our text begins with the words, “And others,” referring to some heroes who were not even named. What one quality was universal among all of these heroes?
  4. Explain the relationship between two phrases found in our text in Hebrews 12:1, “. . . we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses . . .” and “ . . . let us lay aside every weight. . . .”
  5. Who is the leading example, both in this quarter’s study and throughout the Bible? Explain.
  6. Using Psalm 1 as reference, explain why associating with the ungodly more than is necessary can be spiritually dangerous.
  7. What was the most important point you have learned during this quarter?
  8. After studying about several heroes this quarter and looking closely at their lives, read 2 Corinthians 3:2 and explain the responsibility of every Christian concerning the example they portray.

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