Lesson Plan: New Life in Christ

Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS 1)

Term: First Term

Week: Week 9

Instructional Materials:

• The Holy Bible

Reference Materials:

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

Previous Knowledge:

The learners have previous knowledge of Christian values and teachings.

Topic: New Life in Christ

Biblical References:

• Romans 6:1-4
• Romans 15:18-19

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Explain the need for change (Romans 6:1-4; 15:18-19).
2. Identify the characteristics of the new life: love, humility, patience, tolerance, patriotism, respect for hard work.
3. Describe the importance of adhering to the new life (Romans 6:12-19; Colossians 3:1-3) for living a fulfilled life.

Content Outline:

WEEK 9

DATE: …………………………….

CONTENTS:

1. Need for Change
   Biblical Reference: Romans 6:1-4; 15:18-19
   • Emphasis on the transformative power of baptism, marking the transition from a life of sin to a life of holiness.
   • Quote: “Do you know that all of us who are baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into His death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:3-4)
2. Characteristics of the New Life
   • New life in Christ is characterized by:
     • Love: A commitment to care for others despite differences.
     • Humility: A recognition of God’s greatness and living in honor of Him.
     • Patience: Trusting in God’s timing during difficult circumstances.
     • Tolerance: Loving others regardless of differing beliefs or values.
     • Patriotism: Respect for one’s country and commitment to its welfare.
     • Respect for Hard Work: Valuing diligence and effort in all endeavors.
3. Need to Stick to the New Life
   Biblical Reference: Romans 6:12-19; Colossians 3:1-3
   • Christians are encouraged to maintain their commitment to new life through:
     • Being Born Again: Embracing the new life and discarding old sinful ways.
     • Living Unquestionable Lifestyles: Setting a positive example for others.
     • Evangelizing: Actively sharing the gospel and winning souls for Christ.
     • Doing Good Works: Helping those in need, including orphans and the underprivileged.
     • Abstaining from Sinful Practices: Avoiding gossip, jealousy, greed, and other vices.

Presentation Steps:

Step 1:
The teacher revises previous topics to connect prior knowledge with the new lesson.

Step 2:
The teacher introduces the new topic, highlighting its importance and relevance to daily life.

Step 3:
Learners are encouraged to share their own examples of living a new life in Christ, with the teacher providing corrections and additional insights where necessary.

Conclusion:

The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of living a new life in Christ. The teacher will circulate around the classroom to ensure that all notes are correctly copied and will make any necessary corrections.

Evaluation:

1. Define new life.
2. Why is there a need for change?
3. Explain baptism by immersion.
4. What does it mean to live a life of righteousness?
5. How can you please God in your daily life?

Possible Answers:

1. New life is a lifestyle that pleases God and is built on the fear of God.
2. There is a need for change because our old life is full of sin, and we need to turn to a new life in Christ.
3. Baptism by immersion symbolizes the death and resurrection of Christ and involves being immersed in water and then raised up.
4. To live a life of righteousness means to live according to God’s laws and commands.
5. You can please God in your daily life by living according to His will, and exhibiting humility, patience, and tolerance towards others.

Characteristics of the New Life:

• Holiness: Living in accordance with God’s laws.
• Love: A commitment to love others, irrespective of their beliefs.
• Kindness: Demonstrating compassion and care towards others.
• Humility: Acknowledging God’s greatness in daily actions.
• Patience: Trusting God’s timing and plan.

Need to Stick to the New Life:

Christians can demonstrate their commitment to the new life through:

1. Born Again Experience: Embracing a new lifestyle away from sin.
2. Exemplary Living: Maintaining high moral standards.
3. Evangelism: Actively sharing the faith and winning souls.
4. Good Works: Engaging in charitable acts.
5. Avoiding Sin: Steering clear of gossip, jealousy, and other negative behaviors.

General Evaluation:

1. Define new life.
2. List five characteristics of the new life.
3. Write brief notes on:
   • a. Humility
   • b. Patience
   • c. Kindness
   • d. Respect for constituted authority
4. Discuss the role of baptism in new life as described by Paul.
5. Distinguish between old life and new life.
6. Identify five ways to manifest new life in Christ.
7. Discuss three of these ways.

Weekend Assignment:

1. According to Paul, what condition did Jesus give for man’s salvation?
   • a) Going to church
   • b) Giving alms and fasting
   • c) Rejoicing in the Lord and paying homage
   • d) Repentance and faith in God
2. Baptism is the physical symbol of ……
   • a) Having undergone pastoral training
   • b) Repentance from sin
   • c) Burial and resurrection with Christ
   • d) Having been ordained a bishop
3. Which of the following is a quality of new life?
   • a) Lying
   • b) Fighting and gossiping
   • c) Malice
   • d) Love
4. The phrase “died to sin,” as used by Paul in his letter to the Romans, means…..
   • a) Living in sin after death
   • b) Dying without repenting
   • c) Complete renewal of life without sin
   • d) Total obedience to the passions of life
5. One way Christians manifest new life in Christ is by
   • a) Living a questionable life
   • b) Going to church
   • c) Paying their tithes
   • d) Being born again and living a Christ-like life.
6. Which of these is not to be seen in the life of a believer?
   • a) Preaching the gospel
   • b) Praying
   • c) Paying tithes
   • d) Cheating
7. The following are fruits of the new life in Christ, except:
   • a) Forgiveness
   • b) Humility
   • c) Impurity
   • d) Kindness.
8. To enjoy the benefits of new life, one must:
   • a) Manifest it in daily life
   • b) Live a holy life
   • c) Preach the gospel
   • d) Have faith in Christ.
9. One way of showing you are not dead to sin is by:
   • a) Being born again
   • b) Living a Christ-like life
   • c) Paying your tithes
   • d) Gossiping and fighting.
10. The following are characteristics of the new life in Christ, except:

• a) Humility
• b) Love for money
• c) Love for God
• d) Forgiveness.

Pre-reading Assignment:

Read about sonship:

1. Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Romans 8:3, 17, 32)
2. Christians as children of God (Romans 8:1-39, 4:6, 7; Ephesians 5:3)

Weekend Activity:

1. Using biblical passages, demonstrate how Jesus portrayed Himself as the Son of God.
2. Describe the event in Gethsemane where Jesus called God His Father.
3. How can someone become a child of God?
4. State the moral lessons that can be drawn from Paul’s teaching on the sonship of believers.

Evaluation Questions

1. New life in Christ is characterized by __________. a) self-centeredness
   b) love
   c) greed
   d) anger
2. According to Romans 6:4, baptism symbolizes __________. a) a public declaration of faith
   b) the death and resurrection of Christ
   c) church membership
   d) personal achievements
3. The need for change in a person’s life is due to __________. a) external pressures
   b) the desire for wealth
   c) the consequences of sin
   d) societal expectations
4. A life that pleases God is one that is lived according to __________. a) personal desires
   b) societal norms
   c) God’s laws and commands
   d) family traditions
5. The characteristics of new life include __________. a) jealousy
   b) patience
   c) hatred
   d) gossip
6. Christians are encouraged to stick to the new life by __________. a) indulging in old habits
   b) avoiding accountability
   c) living unquestionable lifestyles
   d) isolating themselves from others
7. Humility in the new life means __________. a) boasting about achievements
   b) recognizing God’s greatness
   c) competing with others
   d) ignoring others’ needs
8. Romans 6:12 advises believers to __________. a) let sin control them
   b) present their bodies as instruments of righteousness
   c) live a life of indulgence
   d) ignore their responsibilities
9. A quality that should not be seen in the life of a believer is __________. a) kindness
   b) love
   c) malice
   d) patience
10. According to Colossians 3:11, in Christ, there is __________. a) division among believers
    b) equality among all people
    c) favoritism
    d) hierarchy
11. To live a fulfilled life in Christ, one must __________. a) ignore God’s commandments
    b) embrace the old life
    c) reject sinful desires
    d) depend solely on personal strength
12. One of the ways Christians can manifest new life is by __________. a) gossiping about others
    b) living a Christ-like life
    c) following societal trends
    d) criticizing others
13. The sacrament of baptism signifies __________. a) acceptance of church membership
    b) a personal achievement
    c) a public declaration of one’s faith and union with Christ
    d) the completion of religious education
14. The phrase “died to sin” refers to __________. a) living without any moral code
    b) complete renewal of life without sin
    c) remaining indifferent to sin
    d) avoiding responsibility
15. Love is considered the __________ in the characteristics of the new life. a) least important
    b) most essential quality
    c) optional trait
    d) challenging aspect

Class Activity Discussion

1. What does it mean to have a new life in Christ?
   New life in Christ refers to a transformation that occurs when one accepts Jesus as their Savior, leading to a lifestyle characterized by holiness and obedience to God.
2. Why is baptism important in Christian faith?
   Baptism signifies the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life.
3. What are some characteristics of the new life?
   Characteristics include love, humility, kindness, patience, tolerance, and respect for others, which reflect the nature of Christ.
4. How can one show humility in daily life?
   Humility can be shown by acknowledging one’s limitations, being open to feedback, serving others selflessly, and putting others’ needs before one’s own.
5. What does living a life of righteousness entail?
   Living a life of righteousness means making choices that align with God’s commandments, pursuing justice, and exhibiting integrity in all actions.
6. How can Christians maintain their new life?
   Christians can maintain their new life by engaging in prayer, studying the Bible, participating in community worship, and surrounding themselves with fellow believers who encourage their faith.
7. What role does patience play in the new life?
   Patience allows believers to trust God’s timing, endure hardships without complaint, and respond to challenges with a peaceful heart.
8. Why should Christians avoid negative behaviors like gossip or jealousy?
   Such behaviors contradict the teachings of Christ and can harm relationships, create division in the community, and hinder spiritual growth.
9. What is the significance of the statement “seek the things that are above”?
   This encourages believers to focus on spiritual matters and values that align with God’s kingdom rather than being preoccupied with worldly pursuits.
10. What are some practical ways to live out one’s faith in daily life?
    Practical ways include volunteering, being honest in all dealings, showing kindness to strangers, and sharing one’s faith through actions and words.
11. How does one practice tolerance in their community?
    Practicing tolerance involves respecting and accepting people with differing beliefs and values, fostering understanding and peaceful coexistence.
12. What is the relationship between love and unity in the Christian community?
    Love serves as the foundation for unity, as it encourages believers to support, uplift, and care for one another, creating a harmonious community.
13. Why is it important for Christians to evangelize?
    Evangelizing is important because it fulfills the Great Commission, helps others come to know Christ, and reinforces the believer’s commitment to their faith.
14. How can one overcome temptations associated with the old life?
    Overcoming temptations can be achieved through prayer, accountability with fellow believers, avoiding triggers, and focusing on God’s word.
15. What moral lessons can be drawn from Paul’s teachings on new life?
    Moral lessons include the importance of transformation, the necessity of making godly choices, and the commitment to living a life that reflects Christ’s character.

Evaluation

1. Define new life in Christ.
2. List five characteristics of new life.
3. Write short notes on the following characteristics:
   • (a) Humility
   • (b) Patience
   • (c) Kindness
   • (d) Respect for constituted authority
4. Discuss the significance of baptism in the new life.
5. Differentiate between old life and new life.
6. Identify at least five ways to manifest new life in Christ.
7. Explain three of these ways in detail.
8. What does it mean to live a life of righteousness?
9. How can Christians avoid the pitfalls of the old life?
10. Why is love considered the greatest characteristic of the new life?

This lesson plan is designed to help students understand the concept of a new life in Christ and how to embody its principles in daily living.