Transforming from Old Life to New Life in Christ Christian Religious Studies SS 1 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

Lesson Plan for Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Term: First Term

Week: Week 8

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 the concept of sin and its implications in Christian teaching.

Topic: New Life in Christ

Biblical References:

Galatians 5:19-21
Colossians 3:5-7

Behavioral Objectives:

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

Define the meaning of old life as living in sin.
List the characteristics of the old life.
Identify what must be done to live a new life in Christ.

Content:

SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning of Old Life as Living in Sin

Definition: The old life refers to a lifestyle that is contrary to God’s will. It is characterized by sin and a focus on the desires and passions of the flesh.
Characteristics of Living in Sin:
- Living in sin means engaging in behaviors that oppose God’s commandments. Examples include:
  - Fornication: Engaging in sexual relations outside of marriage.
  - Idolatry: Placing anything above God in importance.
  - Anger: Allowing anger to control actions and relationships.
  - Selfishness: Prioritizing one’s own needs over others’.
  - Strife: Creating conflict or discord among people.
  - Homosexuality: Engaging in same-sex relationships contrary to biblical teachings.
  - Fraud: Deceiving others for personal gain.
  - Injustice: Acting unfairly or treating others with bias.
  - Lesbianism: Engaging in same-sex relationships between women.
  - Bribery: Offering or receiving something of value to influence actions.
  - Tax Invasion: Illegally avoiding paying taxes owed.
Consequences of Living in Sin:
- Living in sin separates individuals from God and ultimately leads to eternal damnation. It is crucial to recognize that these actions are not aligned with God’s desires for humanity.
Turning Away from Sin:
- To pursue a relationship with God, one must turn away from sin and embrace righteousness and holiness. This involves repentance, seeking forgiveness, and committing to live in accordance with God’s will.

Discussion Questions for SUB-TOPIC 1:

What does it mean to live in sin?
- Living in sin means living a life that is against God’s will and engaging in actions that do not align with His commandments.
What are some examples of living in sin?
- Examples include fornication, idolatry, anger, selfishness, and various forms of dishonesty and immorality.
Why is it important to avoid a life of sin?
- Avoiding sin is crucial because it fosters a close relationship with God and leads to spiritual fulfillment, while living in sin results in separation from Him.
What are the consequences of living in sin?
- The consequences include spiritual death, eternal separation from God, and a life devoid of true joy and purpose.
How can we turn away from a life of sin and pursue righteousness instead?
- Turning away involves sincere repentance, seeking God’s grace, studying His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit for strength to make righteous choices.

SUB-TOPIC 2: Characteristics of Old Life (Gal. 5:19-21, Col. 3:5-7)

Definition: The old life is characterized by behaviors that are driven by sinful desires and oppose God’s commands.
Examples of Characteristics:
- The characteristics include:
  - Fornication
  - Idolatry
  - Anger
  - Selfishness
  - Strife
  - Homosexuality
  - Fraud
  - Injustice
  - Lesbianism
  - Bribery
  - Tax Invasion
Divine Warning:
- Paul reminds Christians that those who persist in these behaviors will face God’s punishment, emphasizing the importance of renouncing the old life.
Consequences of the Old Life:
- Similar to the previous sub-topic, living according to these characteristics leads to spiritual death and separation from God. A life focused on sin does not yield lasting fulfillment or peace.
The Path to New Life:
- To embrace a new life in Christ, one must reject the old life, seeking transformation through faith, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions for SUB-TOPIC 2:

What is the characteristic of the old life?
- The old life is characterized by sinful behaviors that reflect the desires of the flesh.
What are some examples of the characteristics of old life?
- Examples include fornication, idolatry, anger, and dishonesty, among others.
Why is it important to avoid these characteristics?
- Avoiding these characteristics is vital to maintain a right relationship with God and to live a life that fulfills His purposes.
What are the consequences of living in sin?
- Consequences include spiritual separation from God and eternal damnation.
How can we turn away from a life of sin and pursue righteousness instead?
- We can pursue righteousness through repentance, prayer, and living in accordance with God’s Word.

Evaluation:

Define old life.
List ten characteristics of the old life.
What awaits those who refuse to come out of the old life?

General Evaluation:

What does old life mean?
Outline ten characteristics of the old life.
State the consequences of remaining in the old life.

Weekend Assignment:

A life full of sin is (a) an old life (b) a quality life (c) a pleasant life (d) a new life.
One of these is not a characteristic of old life (a) cheating (b) envy (c) disobedience (d) love.
Those who continue in the old life will be (a) loved by God (b) happy (c) rich (d) eternally separated from God.
People still practicing the old life are under the control of (a) government (b) Satan (c) God (d) pastor.
The only way to get out of the old life is by (a) decision (b) force (c) man’s effort (d) God’s grace.
The first step in coming out of the old life is by (a) giving your life to Jesus Christ (b) repenting (c) confessing your sins (d) stopping sinning.
What should a Christian do with the old life? (a) continue in it (b) forget about it (c) crucify it (d) live it to the full.
One way of crucifying the old life is by (a) yielding to the Holy Spirit (b) studying the Bible (c) going to church (d) all of the above.
Those who have crucified the old life are now in ___________ with Christ. (a) enmity (b) love (c) agreement (d) covenant.
We cannot crucify the old life by ____________. (a) our own power (b) the Holy Spirit’s help (c) God’s grace (d) all of the above.

Essay Questions:

Old life is a life of sin. How true is this statement?
List ten features of the old life.
What will eventually happen to those who continue in the old life?

Pre-Reading Assignment:

Read about new life in Christ and the Need for Change in Romans 6:1-4; 15:18-19. Refer to Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by L. O. Udokporo et al., pages 24-25.

Weekend Activity:

Define new life in Christ.
Mention seven characteristics of the new life.

Reference Texts:

Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1 by L. O. Udokporo et al.
Round-up Christian Religious Knowledge: A Complete Guide for Senior Secondary Certificate, University Matriculation, and PCE Examinations by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

Presentation:

Step 1:

The subject teacher revises previous topics to reinforce understanding.

Step 2:

The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining its significance and relevance.

Step 3:

The teacher encourages students to share their examples, providing corrections and guidance as needed.

Evaluation Questions

The old life refers to a lifestyle that is characterized by __________.
a) righteousness
b) sin
c) holiness
d) peace
According to Galatians 5:19-21, one of the characteristics of the old life is __________.
a) kindness
b) patience
c) fornication
d) generosity
Living in sin separates individuals from __________.
a) happiness
b) friends
c) God
d) wealth
One of the consequences of living in sin is __________.
a) eternal life
b) joy
c) spiritual death
d) fulfillment
To pursue a new life in Christ, one must __________.
a) continue in sin
b) turn away from sin
c) ignore sin
d) embrace sin
The act of turning away from sinful behavior is called __________.
a) repentance
b) happiness
c) satisfaction
d) perseverance
According to Colossians 3:5-7, we must put to death __________.
a) kindness
b) earthly things
c) love
d) patience
Characteristics of the old life include __________.
a) generosity
b) kindness
c) anger
d) forgiveness
Those who continue to live in sin will face __________.
a) blessings
b) happiness
c) God’s punishment
d) wealth
The only way to overcome the old life is through __________.
a) human effort
b) God’s grace
c) friendship
d) personal strength
One of the first steps to living a new life in Christ is __________.
a) avoiding church
b) giving your life to Jesus
c) ignoring the Bible
d) living in sin
A life characterized by self-control and obedience to God is called __________.
a) the old life
b) a new life in Christ
c) a life of chaos
d) a life of confusion
The Holy Spirit helps believers to __________ the old life.
a) ignore
b) embrace
c) crucify
d) enhance
Living in sin leads to __________ from God.
a) closeness
b) separation
c) understanding
d) peace
The goal of a new life in Christ is to live in __________ with God.
a) conflict
b) harmony
c) disobedience
d) rebellion

Class Activity Discussion

What is meant by the term “old life”?
- The term “old life” refers to a lifestyle characterized by sinful behavior and disobedience to God’s commands.
Can you list some behaviors associated with the old life?
- Behaviors include fornication, idolatry, anger, selfishness, fraud, and dishonesty.
Why is it essential to move away from the old life?
- It is essential to move away from the old life to foster a closer relationship with God and to experience true fulfillment.
What are the consequences of living a life of sin?
- The consequences include spiritual separation from God, loss of joy, and eternal punishment.
How can someone turn away from a life of sin?
- Someone can turn away from a life of sin by sincerely repenting, seeking God’s forgiveness, and making a commitment to live according to His will.
What does it mean to crucify the old life?
- To crucify the old life means to completely reject sinful behaviors and embrace a new life in Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How does the Holy Spirit assist believers in overcoming sin?
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist temptation, helps them understand God’s Word, and guides them toward living righteously.
What role does repentance play in starting a new life in Christ?
- Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ.
Why is studying the Bible important for those who want to live a new life?
- Studying the Bible is crucial because it provides guidance on how to live according to God’s will and strengthens the believer’s faith.
Can you explain what a new life in Christ entails?
- A new life in Christ entails living in obedience to God’s commands, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit, and enjoying a personal relationship with God.
What are some characteristics of a new life in Christ?
- Characteristics include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
How does embracing a new life impact personal relationships?
- Embracing a new life positively impacts relationships by fostering love, forgiveness, and understanding among individuals.
What practical steps can one take to ensure they are living a new life in Christ?
- Practical steps include prayer, attending church, fellowship with other believers, reading the Bible, and serving others.
What is the ultimate goal of living a new life in Christ?
- The ultimate goal is to glorify God through one’s life and actions while fulfilling His purposes on Earth.
How can one share their new life experience with others?
- One can share their new life experience through testimonies, personal conversations, and living out their faith in everyday actions.

Evaluation

Define the old life and give examples of its characteristics.
What are the consequences of living in sin?
How can one turn away from the old life?
What does it mean to live a new life in Christ?
List ten characteristics of the old life.
What role does repentance play in the transition to a new life?
How does the Holy Spirit aid believers in living a new life?
What practical actions can individuals take to embrace a new life in Christ?
Describe how a new life in Christ affects relationships with others.
Why is studying the Bible important for someone pursuing a new life in Christ?

Conclusion:

The subject teacher concludes the lesson with a summary of key points. The teacher also ensures that students have copied their notes correctly, making necessary corrections for clarity and comprehension.

This lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching the topic “New Life in Christ,” ensuring students grasp the meaning and significance of moving from an old life of sin to a new life filled with righteousness and purpose in Christ.