Walking in the Light of Jesus: Understanding Social Vices and Abiding in Christ Christian Religious Studies SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2
Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Instructional Materials
- The Holy Bible
Reference Materials
- Scheme of Work
- Online Information
- Textbooks
- Workbooks
- 9-Year Basic Education Curriculum
Previous Knowledge
Students have prior knowledge of Jesus as the Lamb, the Door, and the Good Shepherd.
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Identify Jesus Christ as the living bread and water.
- Explain the significance of water and bread.
- Enumerate values besides food and water necessary for growth and happiness.
- List spiritual food and water Christians should consume for happiness.
Topic: Jesus as the Light of the World
Biblical References: John 3:19; 8:12; 9:4-5, John 12:35-36, 1 John 1:5-7
Content Outline
- The Light of the World (John 3:19; 8:12; 9:4-5)
- Jesus describes Himself as the light of the world in three instances:
- His encounter with Nicodemus: “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
- After forgiving the woman caught in adultery, He teaches: “I am the Light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
- To His disciples regarding the blind man: “As long as I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” (John 9:5)
- Jesus describes Himself as the light of the world in three instances:
Evaluation
- (a) Narrate the event that led to Jesus’ statement, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
- (b) Discuss the lesson in this statement.
- Walking in the Light as a Child of God (John 12:35-36; 1 John 1:5-7)
- Christians are called to walk in the light, living according to the teachings of Jesus.
- Jesus says, “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (John 12:36)
Evaluation
- How does one become subjected to the control of the devil?
- Mention the consequences of walking in darkness.
- The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-8)
- Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, and believers are the branches who must abide in Him to bear fruit.
- Social Vices as Evidence of Walking in Darkness
- Social vices are immoral behaviors contrary to societal norms:
- Social Injustice
- Cultism
- Indiscipline
- Mistrust
- Drug Trafficking
- Drug Addiction
- Nepotism
- Child Abuse
- Fraud
- Examination Malpractice
- Social vices are immoral behaviors contrary to societal norms:
Evaluation
- Define social vices.
- Mention five social vices as evidence of walking in darkness.
- Ways to Walk in the Light (1 John 1:5-7; Eph 5:8-14)
- Obey God’s commandments
- Abide in Christ
- Follow Jesus’ example
- Meditate on God’s word
- Pray always
- Avoid evil
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit
- Faith and Works as a Necessity for Salvation (James 2:14-26)
- Faith without works is dead; works demonstrate faith.
- The Nature and Character of God (1 John 4:7-12,16)
- God’s nature is love, an act of will, not just emotion.
Conclusion
- Emphasis on walking in the light to avoid the control of darkness and following God’s commandments. Faith without works is dead, and God’s character is love.
General Evaluation
- Discuss Jesus’ teaching about Himself as the light of the world.
- State three consequences of not walking in the light.
- How does John portray Jesus as the true vine?
- List five social vices among teenagers.
- What are the consequences for a disciple who fails to bear fruit?
Weekend Assignment
- Jesus Christ as the light means that He (a) illuminates the way of salvation (b) provides electricity (c) cooks for the world (d) supplies power.
- The advantage of walking in the light includes (a) acceptance by God (b) high political office (c) worldly knowledge (d) unhappiness.
- Consequences of walking in darkness include (a) happiness (b) acceptance by God (c) rejection by God (d) heaven.
- Jesus is the —- and God is the —- (a) tree, soil (b) clay, potter (c) vine, vine dresser (d) gold, silver.
- A social vice includes (a) paying tax (b) obeying laws (c) fraud.
Essay Questions
- “I am the Light of the world: he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12)
- (a) Describe the event that led to this statement.
- (b) Explain its meaning.
- (c) List three reasons to follow Jesus Christ.
- “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser”
- (a) What does this mean?
- (b) Who are the branches?
- (c) Conditions for bearing fruit?
Weekend Activity
- Explain Jesus’ teaching of Himself as the living water and bread.
- Discuss the importance of food to the human body.
- Prepare a healthy meal for your family.
- Share your experience with the class.
Presentation
Step 1: Review of previous topics.
Step 2: Introduction of the new topic.
Step 3: Allow students to provide examples and correct any misconceptions.
Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank)
- “I am the ______ of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (a) water (b) bread (c) vine (d) light
- Jesus said, “As long as I am in the world, I am the ______ of the world.” (a) vine (b) light (c) shepherd (d) bread
- In John 3:19, Jesus speaks about men loving ______ rather than light. (a) darkness (b) peace (c) food (d) light
- Jesus told his disciples to believe in the light so that they may become ______ of light. (a) people (b) sons (c) daughters (d) friends
- Walking in the ______ means living according to the teachings of Jesus. (a) spirit (b) light (c) truth (d) grace
- Social vices are acts that show evidence of walking in ______. (a) faith (b) the Spirit (c) love (d) darkness
- According to John 15:1, Jesus is the true ______. (a) vine (b) light (c) shepherd (d) water
- Those who do not abide in Jesus are compared to branches that are ______. (a) watered (b) pruned (c) burnt (d) honored
- In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born ______. (a) sick (b) blind (c) mute (d) poor
- Walking in darkness can lead to ______ by God. (a) favor (b) blessings (c) rejection (d) miracles
- One example of a social vice is ______. (a) kindness (b) drug trafficking (c) prayer (d) generosity
- The opposite of darkness is ______. (a) light (b) sin (c) water (d) hunger
- Jesus is described as the bread of life and the ______ water. (a) running (b) everlasting (c) clear (d) holy
- Abiding in Jesus allows believers to bear ______. (a) leaves (b) fruit (c) burdens (d) roots
- The character of God is ______, which is an act of the will. (a) wisdom (b) knowledge (c) strength (d) love
Class Activity Discussion (FAQs)
- What does Jesus mean by saying He is the “light of the world”?
Jesus means that He provides guidance, truth, and a path to salvation for everyone who believes in Him. - Why do people choose darkness over light according to John 3:19?
People may choose darkness because their deeds are evil, and they do not want their actions exposed. - What does it mean to “walk in the light”?
Walking in the light means living according to God’s truth and teachings, which brings us closer to Him. - What happens if one does not walk in the light?
Failing to walk in the light leads to separation from God, control by sin, and ultimately eternal punishment. - What is the role of social vices in showing one’s distance from God?
Social vices like drug trafficking, cultism, and fraud indicate a life away from God’s light and guidance. - Why did Jesus heal the blind man in John 9?
Jesus healed the blind man to reveal God’s works and to show that He is the light of the world. - What is meant by “abiding in Jesus”?
Abiding in Jesus means staying connected with Him through faith, prayer, and following His teachings. - Why is Jesus called the “vine”?
Jesus is called the vine because, like branches need a vine to live, we need Him to be spiritually alive and fruitful. - How does Jesus’ teaching impact social behavior?
Jesus’ teachings encourage us to avoid social vices and live in a way that reflects God’s love and light. - What are consequences of failing to abide in Jesus?
Those who do not abide in Jesus become spiritually weak and are separated from God. - What does it mean to “bear fruit” as a Christian?
Bearing fruit means producing good works, living in love, and reflecting God’s character. - What is the significance of Jesus as “the light”?
Jesus as the light guides people out of sin and darkness, leading them to truth and salvation. - What actions reflect walking in darkness?
Actions like dishonesty, addiction, and social vices reflect walking in darkness, away from God’s truth. - How does faith relate to works?
Faith is shown through works; true faith in God results in positive actions and good deeds. - What is the “nature of God” as described in 1 John 4:7?
The nature of God is love, and He desires that we love one another as He loves us.
Evaluation Questions (Essay)
- Define “social vices” and explain why they are associated with walking in darkness.
- Describe three reasons why Jesus is referred to as the light of the world.
- Identify and explain three consequences of not abiding in Jesus.
- How does John portray Jesus as the true vine in John 15:1-8?
- List five social vices common among teenagers today.
- What does it mean to “abide in love” according to 1 John 4:16?
- What are the benefits of following Jesus as the light of the world?
- Explain the role of love in a Christian’s relationship with God.
- What is meant by the statement “faith without works is dead”?
- Describe the significance of Jesus’ statement “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser.”
Conclusion
The teacher summarizes the lesson, checks students’ notes, and provides corrections as needed.