Course Content
Conversion to Christ
Section 1: Conversion to Christ Conversion to Christ is the foundation of building biblical character. Before character can be shaped, the heart must first be transformed. Conversion is more than simply changing behavior—it is a change of mind, heart, and direction. It is the decision to turn away from sin and self-rule and fully turn toward Christ in faith and obedience. In this section, you will learn that conversion begins with hearing and understanding the Word of God, developing faith, and responding with repentance. It involves confessing Jesus as Lord and committing to follow Him daily. True conversion produces a new identity—no longer living according to the world’s standards, but according to God’s will. We will emphasize that conversion is both a moment and a lifelong journey. It starts with a decisive commitment, but it continues through daily surrender, growth, and spiritual discipline. When a young person is truly converted, the heart begins to change—desires shift, priorities realign, and obedience becomes an act of love rather than obligation. This section will help you understand that building biblical character does not begin with trying harder—it begins with giving their lives fully to Christ. From that foundation, everything else grows.
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Conversion to Christ
Conversion to Christ: True / False Quiz
Conversion to Christ Discussion
Young People Can Build Bible Character
An Example to Believers 1 Timothy 4:12 • In word (Tit. 2:7-8) • In conduct (1 Pet. 1:11-12) • In love (1 John 4:19-21; John 13:34-35) • In spirit (Rom. 8:5-8) • In faith (1 Thess. 1:3) • In purity (1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22)
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Introduction
The Challenges of Youth
The Possibility of Building Character in Youth
The Choice of Godly Character
True / False
Discussion
Building Biblical Character

Building Bible Character

Our Model for Bible Character Is Jesus

Lesson Three will consider the example of Jesus and how His life helps us build our character. For now, it is important to understand that Jesus is our ultimate model for building Bible character.

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). The goal of every disciple is to learn and live the will of his Master. Every Christian should desire for his character to be like Christ. The gospel forms Christ in us, and we have a sure “hope of glory” (Gal. 4:19; Col. 1:27).

Building Bible Character Begins with Conversion to Christ

To speak of Christ being “in” a person, as well as that person being “in Christ,” is to describe the relationship established when a sinner is saved from his sins.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). When a lost believer repents and is baptized into Christ, he is saved from his sins and enters a saved relationship with Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).

Being in this new relationship with Christ, the Christian becomes a disciple of Christ—a learner and follower of Jesus. Now that he is “in Christ,” he is no longer to live in and for sin, but in Christ and for Christ (Rom. 6:1–11).

Building Bible character begins with becoming a Christian. Disciples train themselves to be like their Master. Since it is Christians who are disciples of Jesus, one must first be a Christian in order to develop character like the Master (Acts 11:26; Luke 6:40). If you want to build Bible character, begin by becoming a Christian—a disciple of Christ.

Building Blocks of Bible Character

Colossians 3:1–17

Colossians 3:1–17 gives us the building blocks needed to develop Christ-like character. This passage teaches us how to build Bible character.

When one is baptized into Christ, he is “raised with Christ” by the power of God—from the death of sin into newness of life (Col. 3:1; 2:12; Rom. 6:4).

To build Bible character, once a person has become a Christian, he must:

  1. Seek the things that are above (Col. 3:1).

  2. Set his mind on heavenly things (Col. 3:2).

  3. Sustain a faithful life with Christ (Col. 3:3).

A new approach to sin is necessary in order to build a new character in Christ. Sin must be put to death (Col. 3:5–11). We cannot continue to live in past sins and expect God to bless us. Whether it is the sensual desires of the flesh (3:5–7) or attitudes and actions that hurt others (3:8–9), we must put off the old man of sin and put on the new man who is like Christ (3:10–11).

A new heart is necessary in order to develop this new approach to sin (Col. 3:12–15). Just as Proverbs 23:7 teaches, the gospel reminds us: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35). Only as we put on a new heart will we also put off sin. Character building involves rebuilding our heart so that we think, feel, and act like Christ.

A new message must dwell in one’s heart to truly build a new heart (Col. 3:16). The word of Christ must be deeply implanted within us in order to develop character like Christ (Jas. 1:21–25).

A new authority must be respected and honored in all we say and do. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col. 3:17).

Building Bible character will also guide our conduct in every relationship (Col. 3:18–4:2).

Here, then, are the building blocks of Bible character:

  • Raised with Christ (Col. 3:1–4)

  • A New Approach to Sin (Col. 3:5–11)

  • A New Heart (Col. 3:12–15)

  • A New Message (Col. 3:16)

  • A New Authority (Col. 3:17)

When the authority of Christ is respected and His word is obeyed, the heart is renewed after the image of Christ. Sin is consistently and consciously put away. As we grow and mature in Christ, we build godly character that pleases God.

The Faithful Endurance of Bible Character

Possessing Bible character is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the inner strength of faith that stands firm in adversity, trial, and temptation. The apostle Paul assures us that when a Christian’s faith is tested and he patiently endures, “approved character” results (Rom. 5:3–4).

When your faith is tested at school, at home, or on the job, remember the words of Solomon:

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Prov. 11:3).

Building Bible character requires endurance—but it produces strength, integrity, and a life that honors God.

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