Lesson Note on Christian Living: Christian Living in the Community for JSS 3

Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Unity Among Christians: Giving.
Topic: CHRISTIAN LIVING
Subject Matter: Christian living in the community, Matthew 5: 13, 16 1 Peter 2: 9, 18, Christian attitude to persecution, Matthew 5: 11, 12 1 Peter 3: 13, 17

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Explain the concept of Christian living in the community.
• Identify characteristics of a Christian as the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”.
• Describe the appropriate Christian attitude towards persecution.
• Recall relevant Bible passages on Christian living and persecution.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of living a Christ-like life in their community.
• Develop a positive and resilient attitude when facing challenges or persecution.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Demonstrate practical ways of living out Christian values in their daily interactions.
• Recite key Bible verses related to Christian living and persecution.

Social Domain:

• Interact with others in a manner that reflects Christian values and principles.
• Contribute positively to the well-being and moral uprightness of their community.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religious Studies.
• State Unified Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies JSS 3.
• Christian Religious Knowledge for Junior Secondary Schools Book 3 by T.N.O. Quarcoopome.
• The Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version).
• www.biblegateway.com
• www.crs.org

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• A copy of the Holy Bible.
• Pictures illustrating Christians serving their community or facing challenges.
• Chalkboard/whiteboard and markers/chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand their role as Christians in society and how to live according to biblical principles. It enables them to develop a Christ-like character and respond appropriately to difficulties and opposition they may encounter.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have basic knowledge of Christian teachings, values, and the life of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Christian Living

Christian Living in the Community

Christian living in the community means that believers should reflect the character and teachings of Jesus Christ in all their interactions and activities within society. They are called to be positive influences, making a difference in the lives of others.

Christians are described as the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”:

• Salt of the Earth: This means Christians should preserve moral values, prevent decay in society, and add flavour to life through their good deeds and character.
• Light of the World: This means Christians should shine brightly by living righteously, showing good examples, and guiding others towards God’s truth, helping to expose evil and darkness.

Memory Verse

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Bible Reading

• Matthew 5:13-16
• 1 Peter 2:9-18

Christian Attitude to Persecution

Persecution refers to suffering or hostility experienced because of one’s faith or beliefs. Christians are taught to have a specific attitude when they face persecution.

The following are Christian attitudes towards persecution:

• Rejoice and be glad: Jesus taught that those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are blessed, and they should rejoice because their reward in heaven is great.
• Do not fear: Christians should not be intimidated by those who persecute them, but rather trust in God’s protection and sovereignty.
• Pray for persecutors: Jesus commanded believers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.
• Maintain good conduct: Even under persecution, Christians should live blameless lives, so that those who slander them may be ashamed of their false accusations.
• Endure patiently: It is important to endure suffering patiently, knowing that God uses such experiences to strengthen faith and character.

Memory Verse

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:11)

Bible Reading

• Matthew 5:11-12
• 1 Peter 3:13-17

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids, Bible Reading, Storytelling

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by “living a good life.” The teacher then introduces the topic, “Christian Living,” highlighting its importance for every believer.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.

Step 2: Christian Living in the Community

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what it means for Christians to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” using practical examples. The teacher discusses the characteristics of a Christian living in the community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute ideas on how Christians can be salt and light.
Learning Point: Pupils understand their role as positive influences in their community.

Step 3: Bible Reading and Explanation (Community)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Bible Exposition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read Matthew 5:13-16 and 1 Peter 2:9-18 from their Bibles, explaining the key messages in relation to Christian living in the community.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the assigned Bible passages and listen to the teacher’s explanations.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the lesson content to biblical teachings.

Step 4: Christian Attitude to Persecution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines persecution in the context of Christian faith and discusses the appropriate attitudes Christians should have when facing persecution, such as rejoicing, praying for persecutors, and enduring patiently.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, share their understanding of persecution, and discuss how they would react.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how to respond biblically to challenges and opposition.

Step 5: Bible Reading and Explanation (Persecution)

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Bible Exposition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to read Matthew 5:11-12 and 1 Peter 3:13-17, emphasizing the promises and commands for those who suffer for Christ.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages and participate in a brief discussion on the verses.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the biblical basis for Christian attitudes during persecution.

Step 6: Discussion and Clarification

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates an open discussion, allowing pupils to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspect of Christian living or attitude to persecution. The teacher provides further examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask questions and share their thoughts, seeking deeper understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils’ understanding is reinforced, and misconceptions are clarified.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Explain what it means for Christians to be the “salt of the earth.”
2. Mention two ways Christians can be the “light of the world” in their community.
3. List three appropriate Christian attitudes towards persecution.
4. Quote the memory verse from Matthew 5:16 or Matthew 5:11.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the call to live a life that honors God and influences the community positively, even amidst challenges. The teacher gives pupils an assignment to practice one aspect of Christian living discussed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for continued application.

Lesson Keywords

• Christian – A follower of Jesus Christ.
• Community – A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
• Persecution – Hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs.
• Salt – Symbolizes preservation and flavor in Christian living.
• Light – Symbolizes guidance, truth, and exposure of darkness in Christian living.
• Witness – To give testimony or evidence of one’s faith.

Differentiation

For visual learners, the teacher will use pictures and write key points on the board. Auditory learners will benefit from discussions and Bible readings. Kinesthetic learners will be engaged through practical examples and role-playing scenarios of Christian living. Group activities will allow pupils to support each other’s learning.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share personal experiences (if appropriate) where they have seen or demonstrated Christian living in action. Emphasize that Christian living is not just about avoiding wrong but actively doing good. Use simple, relatable language and real-life examples to explain complex biblical concepts. Ensure that pupils understand the importance of prayer and relying on God’s strength when facing persecution.