Lesson Plan for Christian Religious Studies – JSS 2

Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Class: JSS 2
Term: First Term
Week: 10
Age: 12-13 years
Topic: Worldly Possessions
Sub-topic: Attitudes Towards Earthly Possessions
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State the right attitudes of Christians towards earthly possessions.
2. List some worldly possessions.
3. Describe Jesus’ attitude towards worldly possessions.

Keywords:

• Worldly possessions
• Attitude
• Values
• Wealth
• Materialism

Set Induction:

Start with a question: “What are some things we own that make us happy?” Discuss students’ responses briefly and relate them to the topic of worldly possessions.

Entry Behaviour:

Students should have some understanding of material wealth and its significance in life.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Bible (Matthew 16:26; Luke 16:11)
• Posters of worldly possessions
• Flashcards of key terms

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about values and priorities in life. This lesson connects to how Christians should view material wealth.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Moral reasoning
• Communication
• Empathy

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Bible passages (Matthew 16:26; Luke 16:11)
• Flashcards with examples of worldly possessions

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies
• Bible (Matthew 16:26; Luke 16:11)

Instructional Materials:

• Charts showing the importance of valuing spiritual over material wealth
• Illustrative examples of worldly possessions

Content:

I. Right Attitudes of Christians Towards Earthly Possessions:

1. Use Wisely: Christians should use their possessions to serve God and help others.
2. Detachment: They should not be overly attached to material things.
3. Generosity: Sharing with those in need is important.
4. Gratitude: Be thankful for what one has, rather than desiring more.
5. Priority: Focus on spiritual growth over material gain.

II. Some Worldly Possessions:

1. Money
2. Cars
3. Houses
4. Jewelry
5. Gadgets (phones, computers)

III. Jesus’ Attitude Towards Worldly Possessions:

1. Jesus taught that spiritual wealth is more important than material wealth.
2. He emphasized generosity and helping the poor.
3. He warned against the dangers of greed and materialism.
4. Jesus modeled a life of simplicity, focusing on serving others.
5. He encouraged storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Evaluation:

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options:

1. Christians should use their possessions to ________ others. (a. serve, b. ignore, c. waste)
2. Being overly attached to things is known as ________. (a. generosity, b. materialism, c. detachment)
3. Jesus taught that it is harder for a rich man to enter ________. (a. heaven, b. earth, c. water)
4. Sharing with those in need shows ________. (a. greed, b. selfishness, c. generosity)
5. Matthew 16:26 asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the ________?” (a. world, b. land, c. sea)
6. Christians should focus on ________ growth. (a. material, b. spiritual, c. physical)
7. Gratitude for what one has is important for ________. (a. greed, b. contentment, c. desire)
8. Worldly possessions can lead to ________. (a. peace, b. stress, c. joy)
9. Jesus encouraged us to store treasures in ________. (a. earth, b. heaven, c. money)
10. Generosity is an important ________ of Christians. (a. value, b. waste, c. problem)
11. Detachment from material things means not being overly ________. (a. excited, b. attached, c. involved)
12. Christians should use their possessions to glorify ________. (a. themselves, b. God, c. others)
13. Wealth can sometimes distract us from ________. (a. fun, b. worship, c. games)
14. Jesus lived a life of ________. (a. luxury, b. simplicity, c. excess)
15. The right attitude toward possessions includes ________. (a. jealousy, b. thankfulness, c. greed)

Class Activity Discussion:

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers:

1. What does it mean to have the right attitude towards possessions?
   • It means valuing spiritual things over material wealth.
2. Why should Christians share their possessions?
   • To help others and show love.
3. What are examples of worldly possessions?
   • Money, cars, and electronics.
4. What does Jesus teach about wealth?
   • Spiritual wealth is more important than material wealth.
5. How can we use our possessions to serve God?
   • By helping those in need and supporting good causes.
6. What is materialism?
   • An excessive focus on acquiring material possessions.
7. Why is gratitude important?
   • It helps us appreciate what we have rather than wanting more.
8. How can we avoid being greedy?
   • By sharing and being content with what we have.
9. What did Jesus model about possessions?
   • A simple life focused on serving others.
10. How can we prioritize spiritual growth?
    • By praying, studying the Bible, and attending church.
11. What can worldly possessions lead to?
    • Stress, anxiety, and distraction from God.
12. How should we respond to desires for more possessions?
    • Reflect on what truly matters and seek spiritual fulfillment.
13. What is a treasure in heaven?
    • Good deeds and faith that have eternal value.
14. How can we teach others about the right attitudes towards possessions?
    • By being good examples and sharing our values.
15. What is the danger of focusing too much on material things?
    • It can lead to neglecting our spiritual lives.

Presentation:

1. Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, “Christians as Light and Salt of the World.”
2. Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic: “Understanding Worldly Possessions.”
3. Step 3: The teacher discusses the definitions and relevant Bible verses.
4. Step 4: Students share their thoughts on how to have the right attitude towards possessions, with corrections as needed.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the right attitudes towards worldly possessions.
• Read and discuss Matthew 16:26 and Luke 16:11.
• Encourage students to think critically about their own possessions.
• There are two things that people can use to measure their worth – their possessions and their accomplishments. Jesus makes it clear that neither of these things is as important as our relationship with God. In fact, He says that if we focus on accumulating wealth or power, we will lose sight of what is truly valuable.

  It is not wrong to have possessions or to achieve things, but we must not let them become our primary focus. Jesus calls us to seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and He promised that if we do, all these other things will be given to us as well (Matthew 6:33).

  When we put God first in our lives, we will find true satisfaction and contentment. We will also be better able to use our possessions and accomplishments for His glory and to bless others.

  So, let us not be enslaved by the things of this world. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus and His kingdom, which is of eternal value.

  PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to keep my focus on things that are of eternal worth and not be enslaved by the things of this world. I pray that I will use my possessions and accomplishments for Your glory and to bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: We must not let our possessions or accomplishments become our primary focus.

Learners’ Activities:

• Participate in discussions about their views on material wealth.
• Share personal examples related to the lesson.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answer):

1. What are the right attitudes Christians should have towards possessions?
2. Why is gratitude important in our lives?
3. How can we serve God with our worldly possessions?
4. What did Jesus say about the profit of gaining the world?
5. How does focusing on material wealth affect our spiritual life?
6. What is an example of a worldly possession?
7. How can we practice generosity?
8. Why is it important to be detached from material things?
9. What lessons can we learn from Jesus’ life regarding possessions?
10. How can we influence others to value spiritual wealth?
11. If you could own one worldly possession, what would it be?
12.  Why do you think Jesus told His disciples that they could not own possessions?
13. What do you think the Bible means when it talks about “worldly possessions”?
14. How do you think having fewer possessions can make your life better?
15. Can you think of any examples from your own life where having fewer things has been helpful or beneficial?

Conclusion:

The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback, emphasizing the need for the right attitude towards worldly possessions.

CHRISTIANS AS THE SALT AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD