Lesson Notes on Christian Religious Studies (CRS) SS1 First Term
Christian religious studies for senior secondary school – Edudelight.com
SCHEME OF WORK CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES SS1
WEEKS TOPICS
1. Jesus as The Lamb of God John 1: 29-34
Jesus as The Door and The Good Shepherd John 10: 1-18
2. Jesus as The Light of the World John 3:19,John9: 4-5, John 12:35-36.
3. Jesus as The Living Bread and Water John 15: 1-11, 1John 1:5-7, John 6:25-40, John 4: 7-15
4. Love.
God’s Love for Man and Man’s Love for One Another
John 4: 7-8, 1Cor.13:1-3, 1John 3 17-19
5. Justification by Faith
- Meaning and Need for Justification(Rom. 3: 23, Gal. 4;19-21)
- Works and Law do not Justify Anybody(Rom. 4: 1-5, Gal. 2: 16-21)
6. (c) Faith in Jesus as Condition for Justification(Rom. 1: 16-17, Rom. 4:1-5)
(d) Fruits of Justification(Gal. 2: 19-21, Gal. 5:22, Rom. 5:1)
7. New Life in Christ
(a) Meaning of Old Life As Living in Sin
(b) Characteristics of Old Life (Gal. 5:19-21, Col. 3:5-7)
(c) Need for Change (Rom.6: 1-4)
8. (d) Characteristics of the New Life (Gal. 5: 22-24
(e) Need to Stick to New Life ( Rom. 6:12-19)
9. Sonship.
(a) Jesus Christ the Son of God Rom. 3: 17, 32.
- Christians are also Children of God Rom. 8: 1-39.
10. Revision of the Term’s Work
11-13. Examination.
REFERENCES
- Essential Christian Religious Knowledge For SS1-3 by Edward Ugochukwu
- Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins Amaechi.
- RSV Bible (Compulsory).
WEEK ONE
TOPIC: JESUS AS THE LAMB OF GOD
CONTENT
- Jesus as The Lamb of God. John 1:29-34.
- Jesus as The Door and The Good Shepherd. John 10:1-18.
JESUS AS THE LAMB OF GOD
When John the Baptist sees Jesus coming towards him he says that Jesus is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He refers to Jesus as the one that comes after him but who comes with more authority than him. He, apart from presenting Jesus as a gentle, humble, and harmless person like a lamb, also points to Him as the sacrificial lamb for the sin of the world. The ewe lamb is animal which is often sacrificed for a sin offering, to atone for the sin of the people. It is regarded as a clean animal recognizing the authority of its owner. Hence John the Baptist is predicting that Jesus will die to atone for their sins.
EVALUATION
- Explain the meaning of Jesus as the Lamb of God.
- Discuss the meaning of atonement of sins.
JESUS AS THE DOOR AND THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Jesus referred to Himself as the door and the Good Shepherd: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. According to John 10: 1-18, Jesus explained that a shepherd should be sympathetic with his flock, brave to protect them from dangers and be resourceful enough to provide for their needs, and also be a good leader for the sheep. He must be observant to identify them individually. The true shepherd enters or leaves through the door but a thief will enter or leave through other means to avoid being seen and apprehended. The true shepherd will also be familiar with the sheep and be recognized by them. They are expected to run away from the thief who appears as a shepherd – the false shepherd.
This means that the people chosen by God can be reached by Him through Jesus Christ while God also can be reached only through Jesus because He is the intermediary between God and man. Hence those who attempt to obtain salvation except through Jesus are thieves and robbers. Jesus is all sufficient for salvation.
EVALUATION
- Explain the meaning of a good shepherd.
- Who does this lesson refer to as “thief or robber”?
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Discuss the roles of pastors in modern churches that signify them as shepherd.
- Who are the sheep?
- Discuss the roles of the sheep to the Shepherd.
- Mention four dangers that can face the sheep when they stray behind the Shepherd
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential C.R.S. for Senior Secondary Schools by Orovwuje B.O. and Okoli E,U.
- The Holy Bible (R.S.V.)
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Who among the following is the Good Shepherd? (a) Moses (b) Jesus (c) Pastor (d) the righteous man.
- All these are robbers except (a) satan(b) demons (c) priests (d) witches.
- Lambs are used as sacred objects for sacrifice because (a) they are domestic animals (b) they are friendly with people (c) they are honoured by God (d) they are meek and tender.
- Jesus as the Lamb of God means (a) sacrifice of heaven (b) sacrifice for all mankind (c) the first sacrifice among many. (d) the sacrifice to the devil.
- Who among these is referred to as the door? (a) Joshua (b) Christians (c) Lucifer (d) Jesus.
THEORY
- Explain how the shepherd relates with sheep.
- What are the expected roles of the sheep?
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WEEK TWO
TOPIC: JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
CONTENT
- JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD: John 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:1-5
- THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Jesus referred to Himself as the light of the world in at least three instances in the book of John. The first instance was during the visit of the Pharisee named Nicodemus. Jesus said, “And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light , because their deeds are evil.” John 3:19. During later discussion, He said, “I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light if life.” John 8:12. Also before He healed the blind man, He said, “We must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day; night comes when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:4-5.
EVALUATION
- Explain the importance of light to man.
- Discuss Jesus as the light of the world.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS AS THE OF THE WORLD
- Jesus as the light means that children of God cannot do anything without Him.
- Jesus is the only mediator and pathfinder between God and man. This means that man can only reach God through Jesus and God also can only reach man through Jesus.
- When Jesus, the light appears evil and all forms of darkness disappear.
- Jesus as light means Jesus is life.
- Jesus as light means that He is a perfect example to all the children of God.
- Jesus as light also means that Jesus is the gospel of the kingdom of God which people must embrace to be saved and inherit the kingdom of God (the eternal life). Anyone who does not embrace the gospel is in darkness and will not inherit eternal life.
EVALUATION
- How does Jesus portray Himself as the light of the world?
- Explain what you know about darkness.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- What does it mean for a child of God to have light in him?
- Explain the functions of light to a Christian journey.
- Mention four functions of light to man in the world.
- What advice do you have for people that are living in darkness?
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential C.R.S. for Senior Secondary Schools by Orovwuje B.O. and Okoli E.U.
- The Holy Bible (R.S.V.)
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Jesus as the light means all these except (a) mediator (b) gospel of God (c) orator (d) advocate.
- Light of God is a direct opposite of (a) power outage (b) power failure (c) darkness (d) blankness.
- Jesus as the light is for (a) the Hebrew (b) the Gentiles (c) All mankind (d) the Christians.
- Jesus as the light mediates between God and (a) the Christians.
- Christians are meant to do all these as followers of Jesus except.
THEORY
- Highlight five significance of Jesus as the light of the world.
- Discuss five features of darkness.
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WEEK THREE
TOPIC: JESUS AS THE LIVING BREAD AND WATER
CONTENT
- JESUS AS THE LIVING BREAD. JOHN 6: 25-40.
- LESSONS FROM THE LIVING BREAD.
- JESUS AS THE LIVING WATER. JOHN 4: 7-15.
- LESSONS FROM THE LIVING WATER.
INTRODUCTION
Bread was the staple food of the Hebrew. Hence “bread” is interpreted simply to mean “food”. “Bread” also refers to our physical needs. Water is used to quench thirst. Hence “bread and water” therefore is expected to satisfy our physical hunger and thirst. Invariably, we can say that the most human need for life is water and food (bread).
JESUS AS THE LIVING BREAD
Jesus discusses with the people about Himself as the bread of life when they found Him on the other side of the sea. They said to Him “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for rhe food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you; for on him has God the father set his seal.” Then they said to Him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them to believe in Him that was sent by God. They further asked for signs to believe that Jesus was sent from God like their forefathers. Jesus explained the difference between the temporal relief which they had before and the lasting relief which He brought to them.
LESSONS FROM THE LIVING BREAD
- Jesus signifies bread to mean an unfailing spiritual supply from eternal life.
- Man should not base his belief on signs and wonders.
- It is wrong to attach our belief to material possession.
- Man should depend only on Jesus as the source of life.
- Spiritual strength is different from physical strength.
- Man should not live by bread alone but by the word of God.
- Christians often take Holy Communion to signify the flesh of Jesus.
EVALUATION
- Identify five importance of the Living bread to Christianity.
- Explain what you know about Jesus as the bread of life.
JESUS AS THE LIVING WATER
There came a woman of Samaria to draw water , Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink” For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to Him “How is it that you a Jew, ask me for a drink, a woman of Samaritans? Jesus answered her, if you knew the gift of God, and the one that is saying to you, “Give me a drink,” you would have asked him, and he would have given you a living water.” The woman further queried Jesus if He was greater than Jacob who gave them that well. In the end the woman submitted to Jesus and asked for the living water.
LESSONS FROM THE LIVING WATER
- The Living Water metaphorically means the word of God.
- The Living Water also means that the word of God stands forever regardless of any situation.
- The Living Water means that Jesus is the salvation of the world.
- This also means that salvation is universal .
- The Living Water also stands for means to eternity.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Discuss the importance of the Living Water to humanity.
- Why is it difficult to understand the metaphor used by Jesus in this lesson.
- Highlight the common uses of ordinary water to man.
- What are the importance of the spiritual food to man?
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential C.R.S. for Senior Secondary Schools by Orovwuje B.O. and Okoli E.U.
- The Holy Bible (R.S.V)
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- The Living Water means (a) spring water (b) living well (c) the word of God (d) food
- The Living Bread means (a) flesh of Jesus (b) Hebrew bread (c) divine food (d) staple food
- The Living Bread and Water is meant for (a) man (b) angels (c) divinity (d) souls
- The Living Bread and Water is important to man because of (a) prosperity (b) abundance (c) eternity (d) poverty
- Which of these represents the lesson above? (a) parable (b) metaphor (c) story (d) fallacy
THEORY
- Write a short note on the importance of spiritual to man.
- State two reason for the lessons of Jesus.
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WEEK FOUR
TOPIC: LOVE
CONTENT
- GOD’S LOVE FOR MAN: JOHN 3: 16-18, JOHN 4:7-8, 1 COR. 13:1-3.
- MAN’S LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER: 1 JOHN 3:11-19.
GOD’S LOVE FOR MAN
Love is a warm, kind feeling or fondness towards another. There are many kinds of love. One is the love which God has for man. Another is the love which man should have for God. Yet another is the love which man should have for fellow man. In the above scripture, God sent His son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever does not believe in Him is condemned but anyone who believes in Him is saved already because he has not believed in the only son of God.
Jesus did not come to condemn either the believer or the non-believer. But the unbeliever who rejects Him has condemned himself by refusing the salvation offered him
.
EVALUATION
- Explain the meaning of love in your words.
- Why did God send His son into this sinful world?
MAN’S LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER
1 John 3:11-19 teaches us to exhibit love for one another. We cannot claim to love God whom we do not see while we are hostile or wicked to our fellow human. God is love and those who claim to love Him must exhibit love to people around them. Hatred must not be found in anyone who truly loves God. This is the first law that we love our fellow men.
EVALUATION
- Why is it wrong to hate fellow man?
- How can we demonstrate love to God?
GENERAL EVALUATION
- Discuss the three types of you know.
- Write a short note on the best kind of love to you.
- Evaluate this quote “love is blind”.
- How can a man n=miss the love of God?
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential C.R.S. for Senior Secondary Schools by Orovwuje B.O. and Okoli E.U.
- The Holy Bible (R.S.V.)
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- God’s love for man is best exhibited through (a) man to man (b) Jesus to man (c) man to to Jesus (d) married couples
- Love exhibits all these except (a) giving (b) fellowship (c) envy (d) kindness
- In whom is love not found among the following? (a) God (b) Jesus (c) Man (d) devil
- Which of these does not demonstrate love in the Bible? (a) Abraham (b) Cain (c) Joshua (d) Paul
- The Holy Bible commands us to love our fellow man as (a) God (b) ourselves (c) it pleases us (d) better than ourselves
THEORY
- List ten fruits of love.
- Can love lead us into trouble? Yes or No! Discuss.
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WEEK FIVE
TOPIC: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH Romans 3: 21-24; 5:1-11
CONTENT
- THE MEANING AND NEED FOR JUSTIFICATION
- WORKS AND LAW DO NOT JUSTIFY ANYBODY: ROMAN 4:1-5, GAL. 2: 16-21.
THE MEANING AND NEED FOR JUSTIFICATION ROM: 3:21-24.
To justify means to prove right or to prove innocent. For example, a person accused of a particular offence is justified by law if at the end of investigation he or she is pronounced innocent. Therefore, justification is a situation whereby someone is declared innocent or set free through the process of law from a charge laid against him or her . Due to the love of God for man, He sent his son, Jesus, to the world for the redemption of man. Therefore any person who believes and has the faith that Jesus died for his/her sins is justified by God.
Justification by faith is righteousness of God acquired through faith in Jesus Christ. Man cannot attain the righteousness of God by his own effort or by keeping the law, it is only by His Grace which is the unmerited favor of God. This grace can only be received by having strong faith in Jesus Christ and the redemption He offers to mankind through the blood he shed on the cross. Therefore, if any man accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, he is justified by faith and once justified he is equally considered righteous.
EVALUATION
- What, according to Paul, are the fruits of the justification?
- What are the conditions of justification?
WORKS AND LAW DO NOT JUSTIFY ANYBODY
St. Paul made us to see clearly that no one can be righteous before God except those that are justify in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul disagreed with the religious practices of old about righteousness. People at the time believe so much in the laws of Moses which had become their religious norms. They so much lay emphasis on what they do as dictated by the laws. Paul made us to see that justification is only accessible through Jesus.
EVALUATION
- What do works and law stand for in the above lesson?
- How can man achieve justification?
GENERAL EVALUATION
- How did Paul explain justification?
- What do the laws of Moses stand for to the Hebrew?
- Compare and contrast the social justice and justification by faith.
- Highlight common laws that contradict the laws of God.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Whose laws do the Hebrew used as guidelines for Justification? (a) David (b) Moses (c) Abraham (d) Jacob
- Justification is achieved through (a) grace of God (b) service to God (c) faith in Jesus (d) praises to God
- Who among the following brought justification to man? (a) Jesus (b) Abraham (c) David (d) Moses
- What is the condition for justification? (a) faith (b) praise (c) worship (d) prayer
- Justification is open to (a) only the Jews (b) the Gentiles (c) all mankind (d) only believers
THEORY
- List five laws of Moses.
- Explain what faith does to Christians as regards justification.
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Christian religious studies for senior secondary school
WEEK SIX
TOPIC: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH (II)
CONTENT
- FAITH IN JESUS AS CONDITION FOR JUSTIFICATION: Roman 1:16-17, Roman 4: 1-5.
- FRUITS OF JUSTIFICATION: GAL 2: 19-21, GAL. 5: 22, ROM. 5: 1
FAITH IN JESUS AS CONDITION FOR JUSTIFICATION
Justification is the expectation that men would be acceptable to God, each not in his own merit but in the provision made available to man in Christ Jesus. God provided a way through which man will be acceptable to Him. By this we see that justification is not based on merit before God but by faith in Jesus Christ, which is offered without distinction to everybody who puts his trust in Jesus. Hence by sheer generosity of God the unacceptable is now acceptable and therefore justified, that is pronounced not guilty.
EVALUATION
- What is justification?
- Explain how God demonstrated His generosity to man
THE FRUITS OF JUSTIFICATION ROM 5:1-11
According to Paul, the fruit of justification is to be at peace with God, and once a person is at peace with God, he is free from eternal condemnation . He also has access to His glory and grace. He can now rejoice even in his sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope.
Justification cannot be attained by man’s effort.
EVALUATION
- Explain the fruits of justification
- Can we receive justification as far as righteousness of the law is concerned? State your reasons.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH
Justification by faith as presented by St. Paul is for Christians to know that they are no longer under the law but under grace. They would only be justified by having strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the redemption He offers mankind through his blood.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- From Paul’s letter to the Romans, explain the term justification?
- State the conditions for its attainment.
- How far are today’s Christians meeting such conditions?
- Examine the fruits of justification.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 By Edmond Ugochukwupg 184 – 186.
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The main condition for justification according to Paul is (a) human merit (b) ability to keep the law (c) faith in Christ redemptive work (d) unmerited favour.
2. According to Paul, all men have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but we have been justified by (a) Jesus becoming a man (b) strict obedience to the law (c) man’s own self effort (d) God’s gifts of grace.
3. According to Paul, in Romans, the law and the prophets bore witness to the righteousness of God but man could not be justified until he (a) learn to be like the Jews (b) had faith in Jesus (c)saw the glory of God (d) made serious personal efforts.
4. All the following are possible conditions for justification by faith except. (a) strict observance of the law (b) having faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus (c) accepting Jesus as personal Lord and saviour (d) having faith in the redemption of his blood.
5. The fruits of justification include the following except
(a) peace (b) endurance (c) character (d) luxuriant life.
THEORY
- What according to Paul are the fruits of justification?
- What are the conditions for ‘justification”?
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WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: NEW LIFE IN CHRIST (1)
CONTENT
- Meaning of Old Life as Living in Sin
- Characteristics of Old Life: Gal. 5: 19-21, Col. 3:5-7
- Need for Change: Rom. 6: 1-4.
THE MEANING OF OLD LIFE AS LIVING IN SIN
The meaning of old life is simply living a sinful life, that is life that is characterized with sins. In other words, it means living a life that does not glorify God or living a life that is not pleasing to God. The Scripture refers to such life as living in darkness. Furthermore the Scripture makes known that whoever is living such life is of the devil. They may claim to be Christians or righteous, yet the Bible refers to them as children of the devil.
EVALUATION
- What is the meaning of old life?
- How does the Scripture describe sinners?
CHARACTERISTICS OF OLD LIFE
The Bible in Galatians 5: 19 –21 lists the following as works or characteristics of old life.
- Adultery 11. Strife
- Fornication 12. Seditions
- Uncleanliness 13. Heresies
- Lasciviousness 14. Envying
- Idolatry 15. Murders
- Witchcraft 16. Drunkenness
- Hatred 17. Revellings
- Variance
- Emulations
- Wrath
EVALUATION
- What can Christians do to avoid all these works of the devil?
- Discuss any five among the works of the flesh extensively.
NEED FOR CHANGE
There is need for every soul to change from this old life to the newness of life in Christ Jesus. The Bible refers to this change as deadness to sin. This means that anyone who has forsaken the old life is dead to sin, and such person is now living a new life in Christ Jesus. It is mandatory for everyone to change in this regard to avoid damnation and eternity in hell. The process of this change is called salvation.
EVALUATION
- Discuss the meaning of salvation.
- What is the meaning of deadness to sin?
GENERAL EVALUATION
- List all the works of flesh and the supposed virtuous attitude in front of each of them.
- Explain how man can achieve salvation.
- Is change compulsory? Yes or No! give reasons to support your answer.
- Salvation is a change of life, Yes on no! examine.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read RSV Bible Romans 6: 1-4, Col:31-17 and Summarize.
.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Old life simply means living in (a) Christ (b) sin (c) fake habits (d) remote habitat
- All these are works of old life except (a) adultery (b) envy (c) playing (d) gossip
- To avoid old life, man needs (a) restitution (b) change (c) salvation (d) seriousness
- Can there be a third way of life after the old and new life (a) Yes (b) No (c) both (d) perhaps
- Which of these is the best example to follow? (a) satan (b) Jesus (c) Paul (d) Pastor
THEORY
- List other five works of the flesh that were not mentioned above.
- Explain the process of transformation from old life to new life.
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WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC: NEW LIFE IN CHRIST ROM 6:1-14
CONTENT
- What New Life in Christ Means
- Characteristics of the New Life.
WHAT NEW LIFE IN CHRIST MEANS:
Paul’s idea of a new life is that some virtues ought to distinguish someone who says he is living such a life. He also lays emphasis on the sacrament of baptism, a rite during which the convert declares publicly his union with Christ. Essentially, this is the implication of baptism to one who now lives a new life in Christ. By immersion one is buried with Christ, and by bringing one up from under water, he resurrects with Christ. This is what baptism by immersion symbolizes.
The new life in Jesus Christ is a life of joy, a life in Jesus Christ. A life of faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God. For the new converts, he should not allow sin to reign in his body neither should he yield to the desires of the flesh which are evil. The new life begins with the mind. It must also involve the creative power of God.
EVALUATION
- List the characteristics of the new life
- What role does baptism play in the new life?
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW LIFE
According to Paul in Colossians 3:1-17, the features of the new life are discussed.These includes:
- One’s mind should be set on things above.
- People should depart from all sinful practices.
- Having acquired a new life, he must rid himself of such vices as anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language, as well as lying.
- The new life requires compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, forgiveness and most importantly love.
- The peace of Christ should be allowed to rule in his heart
- They should be thankful always, teaching others and admonishing them with all wisdom, singing hymns, psalm and spiritual songs with gratitude in his heart to God.
- They should do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the father through Him.
For a person to be administered into new life he has to take the following steps:
- Hear the word of God.
- Confess his or her sins.
- Repent and be baptized.
- Determine to live a Christ- like life and be a full member of Christ’s body.
EVALUATION
- What four necessary steps must a new member take in the Church before initiation into the new Life?
- Explain the characteristics of the new life in Christ with respect to inter- human relationship.
GENERAL EVALUATION
- What is Paul’s teaching on the life in Christ? In what two ways can Christians manifest this?
- In practical terms, what does new life in Christ means to today’s Christians?
- Christianity as a religion is a way of life, do you agree? If yes or no, explain your points.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read RSV Bible Romans 6: 1-4, Col:31-17 and Summarize.
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WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Baptism is the physical symbol of ____(a) repentance from sins (b) confirmation to partake in the communion (c) burial and resurrection with Christ (d) having undergone pastoral training (e) having been ordained a deacon.
2. According to Paul, Christians should not ____
(a) eat with non –Christians (b) eat strange meats (c ) involve themselves in politics (d) yield to desires of the flesh (e) inter-marry with heathens.
3. Which of these according to Paul has an earthly nature?
(a) drunkenness (b) selfishness ( c) stealing (d) covetousness (e) envy.
4. The greatest among the characteristics of the new life is ____
(a) kindness (b) gentleness (c) patience (d) compassion (e) love
5. Sin has dominion over those who are under ____
(a) grace (b) law (c) authority (d) imprisonment (d) judgement
THEORY
- Explain the characteristics of the new life in Christ with respect to inter-human relations.
- What four necessary steps must a new member take in the church before initiation into the New Life?
WEEK NINE
TOPIC: JESUS THE SON OF GOD GAL 3:23-29
CONTENT
- Jesus Christ, the Son of God
- Christians are also Children of God Gal. 4:17
- Duties of Christians as Children of the Same Family.
JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD
Jesus was born by the Virgin Mary, the wife of Joseph, but Joseph was only a legal father to Jesus. He could not claim to be the biological father of Jesus, because Mary conceived the baby Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. This established the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus, being the second personality of the Trinity is God in human body. The Scripture further explains to us that Jesus is God-the Son. He is the mediator between God and man. He sends Holy Spirit to mankind and He redeemed man to regain his position with God and makes us Children of God.
EVALUATION
- Discuss the limits of Joseph as a father over Jesus.
- How did Jesus redeem us back to God?
CHRISTIANS ARE ALSO CHILDREN OF GOD – GAL.4:17
All human beings created by God are literally referred to as children of God as long as such human beings remain obedient to God. However, this status of being called the son of God is lost when the individual starts living in disobedience to God. Due to this disobedience, man literally lost the privilege of being called the child of God.
Through the Galatian Christians, Paul reached out to all Christians on how to be children of God. He said since those that are baptized into Christ have put on Christ, there should be no discrimination among Christians. All Christians are one in Christ Jesus. If one is in Christ, then he is Abraham’s offspring according to promise.
When men were children spiritually, they were slaves to the elemental spirits of the universe . But when the time fully came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman and born under the law so that men might receive adoption as sons. When they became Sons, God sent the spirits of His son into men’s hearts crying “Abba” Father ! “So through God, believers or Christians are no longer slaves but sons and heirs.
EVALUATION
- How, according to Paul can a Christian rightly become a child of God?
- In what two ways, can you show that you a true child of God?
DUTIES OF CHRISTIANS AS CHILDREN OF GOD ROM: 6:12-14.
St Paul’s teaching that Christians are all children of God by faith in Jesus Christ is a pointer that Christians should endeavour to be mature in faith by living exemplary life according to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
A Christian should not allow sin to reign in his body neither should he yield to the desires of the flesh which are evil.
He is not to offer parts of his body to sin as instruments of wickedness, rather they should offer themselves to God, having been brought from death to life.
Christians are to offer parts of his body to God as instruments of righteousness. By so doing, he will be able to subdue sin as one under grace, not law, instead of allowing sin to control him (Romans 6:12-14). The bottom-line here is that, as a Christian , he should be able to discipline his flesh so as to be able to subdue the lust of the flesh like drunkenness, fornication, adultery etc.
By offering his body to God, his life will be distinguished by love, joy, peace, kindness, patience, self-control etc.
The peace of Christ should rule his hearts. He should be thankful always, teaching others and admonishing them with all wisdom.
EVALUATION
- How can a Christian demonstrate the authenticity of his claim to be a child of God?
- In what ways did Paul teach Christians to become true children of God?
GENERAL EVALUATION
- How, according to Paul can a Christian rightly become a child of God?
- Write short notes on: (a) Faith (b) Redemption (c) Law
- Explain the fatherhood of God.
- Why is Jesus called the son of man?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 By Martins I Amaechipag 227-229
RSV Bible Read Gal. 3:23-29, 4:17
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. In which of these events was Jesus declared Son of God? (a) His birth (b) His ascension (c) His baptism (d) His triumphant entry (e) His resurrection.
2. By which of the following are we qualified to be called Sons of God(a) righteousness (b) baptism (c) faith (d) confirmation (e) creation.
3. According to Paul, inside the body of Christ, there is no (a) order (b) authority (c) division (d) circumcision (e) hierarchy.
4. “Abba” is an Aramaic word for (a) Father(b) Lord (c) Christ (d) Messiah (e) Saviour.
5. Before faith came, Christians were held prisoners by ____ (a) law (b) devil (c) sin (d) Jews (e) gospel.
THEORY
1. Write short notes on (a) faith (b) Law
2. How can a Christian rightly become a child of God?
