Lesson Plan

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: Week 4

Instructional Materials:

• The Holy Bible

Reference Materials:

• Scheme of Work
• Online Information
• Textbooks
• Workbooks
• 9 Year Basic Education Curriculum

Previous Knowledge:

The pupils have previous knowledge of Jesus as the Living Bread and Water.

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the types of love.
2. Describe the demonstration of God’s love to human beings.
3. Narrate the importance of responding to God’s love.

Content:

WEEK 4

DATE: …………………………….

TOPIC: God’s Love for Man (Biblical References: John 3:16)

Contents:

1. Types of Love
2. Demonstration of God’s Love to Human Beings
3. The Need for Human Beings to Respond to God’s Love

Love

Love is a profound and strong feeling of affection that one person has for another. It is both natural and complex, embodying qualities such as care, gentleness, kindness, endurance, patience, and the absence of jealousy. God’s love for humanity is immense and real, prompting Him to send His Son for the redemption of mankind after the fall into sin. The Bible articulates this love in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Sub-topic 1: Types of Love

The various types of love include:

1. Platonic Love: Affection between friends without sexual involvement.
2. Philia Love: Love shared among friends who have common interests and opinions.
3. Storge Love: Natural affection found among family members due to familial ties.
4. Erotic Love: Sexual love shared between individuals of the opposite sex.
5. Agape Love: An unconditional love characterized by selflessness; this is the type of love that God has for humanity.

Interactive Questions and Answers

Questions:

1. What is the difference between platonic and philia love?
2. How does storge love differ from erotic love?
3. What is the definition of agape love?
4. Why is agape love referred to as selfless love?
5. How does God’s love for mankind compare to other types of love?

Answers:

1. Platonic love is a non-sexual affection between friends, while philia love involves shared interests and opinions among friends.
2. Storge love is a natural family bond, whereas erotic love involves sexual attraction.
3. Agape love is defined as an unconditional love without attachments.
4. Agape love is selfless because it is given without expecting anything in return.
5. God’s love for mankind is categorized as agape love, which is unconditional and selfless compared to other types of love.

Sub-topic 2: Demonstration of God’s Love to Man

God has demonstrated His love to humanity in several significant ways, including:

1. Sending Jesus Christ: The ultimate demonstration of God’s love, as stated in John 3:16, is sending Jesus to die for humanity’s sins.
2. Forgiveness of Sins: God’s love is reflected in His willingness to forgive. As noted in 1 John 1:9, if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
3. Meeting Our Needs: God shows His love by knowing and providing for our needs even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).
4. Protection: God protects us and serves as our refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
5. Goodness and Mercy: God’s goodness and mercy, which endure forever, are testaments to His love (Psalm 136:1).

Interactive Questions and Answers

Questions:

1. What is the greatest demonstration of God’s love?
2. What does John 3:16 say about God’s love for the world?
3. What does 1 John 1:9 say regarding God’s forgiveness?
4. How does God show His love by meeting our needs?
5. In what ways does God demonstrate His goodness and mercy?

Answers:

1. The greatest demonstration of God’s love is sending Jesus to die for our sins.
2. John 3:16 states that God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, offering eternal life to those who believe.
3. 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, God will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
4. God meets our needs by knowing what we require even before we ask.
5. God shows His love through His enduring goodness and mercy towards us.

Sub-topic 3: The Need for Humans to Respond to God’s Love

In light of God’s love, it is vital for humanity to respond appropriately. Here are several ways to respond to God’s love:

1. Love God with All Our Heart: We are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30).
2. Obey His Commands: Responding to God’s love entails obeying His commands, which are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).
3. Engage in Prayer and Study: Spending time with God through prayer and studying His Word helps deepen our relationship with Him (Proverbs 8:17).
4. Show Love to Others: We should demonstrate love to others just as Christ has loved us (John 15:12).
5. Serve God: Finally, we are encouraged to serve God with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Responding to God’s love enriches our relationship with Him and brings true joy and fulfillment.

Interactive Questions and Answers

Questions:

1. How are we to love the Lord our God?
2. What does Mark 12:30 say about loving God?
3. What is another way to respond to God’s love?
4. How can we grow in our relationship with God?
5. What does John 15:12 say about showing love to others?

Answers:

1. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Mark 12:30 commands us to love God completely, making it the first commandment.
3. Obeying His commands is another essential way to respond to His love.
4. We grow in our relationship with God by regularly engaging in prayer and studying His Word.
5. John 15:12 instructs us to love one another as Christ has loved us.

Conclusion

God embodies love. His love for humanity is demonstrated profoundly through the sending of His Son to die for our sins. John 3:16 and 17 encapsulate this: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him.”

In conclusion, we have explored that God is love, shown through various demonstrations. Our appropriate response includes loving Him and others, obeying His commands, spending time with Him, and serving Him. Through these actions, our relationship with God deepens, leading to true joy and fulfillment.

Weekend Assignment

1. God showed love for man by:
   a) creating man last
   b) giving him dominion over other creatures
   c) giving Jesus Christ
   d) creating man in His own image
   e) creating woman for man
2. Jesus was sent to the world to:
   a) judge it
   b) save it
   c) condemn it
   d) consecrate it
   e) remake it
3. “A man lay down his life for his friends” implies:
   a) we should die for our friends always
   b) our love should be only for our friends
   c) we should be discriminatory while loving
   d) no sacrifice is too great for each other
   e) all of the above
4. Loving one another is a:
   a) proposal
   b) Christian ethic
   c) biblical doctrine
   d) suggestion
   e) commandment
5. By loving one another, men will know that we are:
   a) righteous
   b) kind
   c) real Christians
   d) doers of the word
   e) disciples of Jesus.

Essay Questions:

1. State how God’s love was demonstrated to man.
2. List the types of love.
3. What type of love does God have for man?
4. What is the greatest demonstration of God’s love for man?
5. Why did Jesus come into the world?
6. List and explain five biblical nuggets on love.
7. How can we practically demonstrate love to one another?
8. How can love be a unifying factor among Christians?
9. What would be the consequences if Christians do not love one another?
10. List five benefits of loving one another.

Weekend Activity:

1. List five qualities of love.
2. Mention three ways to demonstrate love for others.
3. How can you practically demonstrate love for God this week?
4. How can you practically demonstrate love for others this week?
5. What are some things you can do to cultivate a more loving attitude?

Answers:

1. The qualities of love are: patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, and does not keep records of wrongs.
2. Three ways to demonstrate love for others: helping those in need, being kind and supportive, and offering forgiveness.
3. To cultivate a loving attitude towards God: praying, reading the Bible, and serving others in His name.
4. To cultivate a loving attitude towards others: offering support, being patient, and helping those in need.
5. Activities that promote love: volunteering, being kind, and showing compassion to others.

Evaluation Questions

1. God’s greatest demonstration of love for humanity is found in __________.
   a) sending angels
   b) sending Jesus Christ
   c) creating the earth
   d) giving the Ten Commandments
2. John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His __________.”
   a) disciples
   b) only begotten Son
   c) prophets
   d) angels
3. Agape love is characterized as __________.
   a) conditional love
   b) selfish love
   c) unconditional love
   d) romantic love
4. Storge love refers to __________.
   a) the love between friends
   b) familial love
   c) romantic love
   d) love for God
5. One way God shows His love for humanity is through __________.
   a) punishing us for our sins
   b) forgiving our sins
   c) ignoring our needs
   d) keeping us in darkness
6. According to 1 John 1:9, God is __________ to forgive us if we confess our sins.
   a) unfaithful
   b) unwilling
   c) faithful
   d) indifferent
7. The type of love shared among friends who have common interests is known as __________.
   a) agape
   b) philia
   c) storge
   d) erotic
8. God’s provision for our needs shows His __________.
   a) indifference
   b) love
   c) anger
   d) weakness
9. We demonstrate our love for God by __________.
   a) disobeying His commands
   b) ignoring His Word
   c) loving others
   d) serving ourselves
10. The command to love one another is found in __________.
    a) Mark 12:30
    b) John 15:12
    c) Exodus 20
    d) Genesis 1:1
11. __________ love is the affection shared between family members.
    a) Platonic
    b) Storge
    c) Philia
    d) Agape
12. The need to respond to God’s love includes __________.
    a) loving Him and others
    b) rejecting His commands
    c) living in fear
    d) focusing on ourselves
13. According to the Bible, God’s love is described as __________.
    a) temporary
    b) conditional
    c) enduring
    d) selective
14. __________ is the ultimate act of love, where one sacrifices oneself for others.
    a) Friendship
    b) Agape
    c) Kindness
    d) Revenge
15. The requirement to love God with all our heart is stated in __________.
    a) John 3:16
    b) Mark 12:30
    c) Matthew 5:16
    d) Luke 6:31

Class Activity Discussion

1. What does John 3:16 teach us about God’s love?
   John 3:16 teaches us that God loves the world so much that He gave His only Son, showing the depth of His love and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.
2. How can we show agape love to others?
   Agape love can be shown by acting selflessly towards others, putting their needs before our own, and being willing to forgive without expecting anything in return.
3. What is the significance of God sending Jesus to die for our sins?
   This act is significant because it demonstrates God’s immense love for humanity, offering redemption and the chance for eternal life despite our sinful nature.
4. Why is it important for us to respond to God’s love?
   Responding to God’s love is important because it deepens our relationship with Him, brings us joy, and allows us to live according to His will.
5. What role does forgiveness play in God’s love for us?
   Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of God’s love, as it allows us to be cleansed from our sins and to restore our relationship with Him.
6. How does God meet our needs?
   God meets our needs by knowing them even before we ask, providing for us in ways that align with His perfect will and timing.
7. What are some practical ways to show love to our neighbors?
   Practical ways to show love include helping those in need, being kind and supportive, and actively listening to others.
8. How can studying the Bible enhance our understanding of God’s love?
   Studying the Bible allows us to learn about God’s character, His promises, and His love for humanity, which helps us to understand and appreciate His love more fully.
9. Why should love be a unifying factor among Christians?
   Love should be a unifying factor because it reflects Christ’s teachings and promotes harmony and support within the community of believers.
10. What are the consequences of not loving one another?
    Not loving one another can lead to division, resentment, and a lack of community, which goes against the teachings of Jesus and weakens the body of Christ.
11. What is the relationship between love and obedience to God’s commands?
    Obedience to God’s commands is an expression of our love for Him, demonstrating our commitment to live according to His teachings.
12. How can prayer enhance our relationship with God?
    Prayer enhances our relationship with God by allowing us to communicate with Him, express our thoughts and feelings, and seek His guidance and strength.
13. What did Jesus mean when He said we should love our enemies?
    Jesus meant that true love extends beyond friendships and family to include even those who oppose us, reflecting God’s unconditional love.
14. How does the concept of love differ across the types mentioned in the lesson?
    Each type of love (agape, philia, storge, erotic) serves a different purpose and is expressed in unique ways, reflecting the various dimensions of human relationships.
15. Why is love considered the greatest commandment?
    Love is considered the greatest commandment because it encapsulates the essence of God’s character and His desires for us, emphasizing the importance of loving God and others above all else.

Evaluation

1. Discuss the implications of John 3:16 in relation to God’s love.
2. Identify and describe the different types of love as discussed in the lesson.
3. Explain the role of Jesus’ sacrifice in demonstrating God’s love.
4. Analyze the importance of responding to God’s love in our daily lives.
5. Describe how forgiveness is a reflection of God’s love.
6. Illustrate ways in which God meets our needs according to biblical teachings.
7. Explain how showing love to others impacts our community and relationships.
8. Evaluate the importance of prayer in cultivating a loving relationship with God.
9. Discuss how love can act as a unifying force among Christians.
10. Reflect on the consequences of failing to show love in our interactions with others.