Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: Christian Religion Studies
Previous Lesson: Unity Among Christians: Impartiality.
Topic: UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS V
Subject Matter: Giving: Philippians 4:14, 19

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define Christian giving.
Explain the context of Philippians 4:14, 19.
State key principles of giving as found in the scripture.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of giving for the unity of Christians.
Show willingness to give cheerfully to support others and the work of God.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify practical ways they can participate in Christian giving.
Apply the principles of giving in their daily lives.

Promote unity among Christians through acts of giving and support.
Encourage fellow pupils to participate in Christian giving.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Christian Religious Studies JSS 3.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Christian Religious Studies JSS 3.
Christian Religious Studies for Junior Secondary Schools Book 3.
Holy Bible (Revised Standard Version).

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A Holy Bible.
Pictures depicting acts of giving.
A chart displaying Philippians 4:19.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the biblical principle of giving as a way to support the work of God and show love to fellow Christians. It enables pupils to see how giving strengthens unity within the Christian community.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of unity among Christians and basic teachings on love and support from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Giving: Philippians 4:14, 19

Introduction to Christian Giving

Christian giving is the act of sharing one’s resources such as money, time, and talents to support the work of God, help those in need, and show love to others, especially fellow believers. It is an expression of faith, obedience to God, and contributes to the unity of the church.

Context of Philippians 4:14, 19

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. The Philippian church was unique because it consistently supported Paul financially in his ministry, even when other churches did not. In these verses, Paul expresses his deep gratitude for their generosity and assures them that God, in turn, will meet all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Key Principles of Giving from Philippians 4:14, 19

Partnership in the Gospel: Giving supports those who spread the Gospel and advance God’s work (Philippians 4:14).
Generosity and Compassion: Giving is an act of love and care for others, especially those serving God or in need.
God’s Provision: God promises to meet the needs of those who give generously and faithfully (Philippians 4:19).
Acceptable Sacrifice: Giving is a spiritual sacrifice that is pleasing to God.

Memory Verse

Philippians 4:19 (NIV): “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Bible Reading

Philippians 4:10-20
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Acts 20:35

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher reviews the previous lesson on Christian unity and introduces the new topic by asking pupils if they know ways Christians can support one another.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recall the previous lesson and share their ideas on supporting fellow Christians.
Learning Point: Pupils connect previous knowledge to the new topic of giving.

Step 2: Explanation of Christian Giving

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines Christian giving, emphasizing that it involves sharing resources (money, time, talents) to support God’s work and help others. The teacher explains its importance for unity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions for clarification, and copy the definition into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what Christian giving means.

Step 3: Context of Philippians 4:14, 19

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the background of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, explaining why Paul was grateful for their financial support as mentioned in Philippians 4:14.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the narrative and ask questions about the context of the scripture.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the historical and biblical context of the verses.

Step 4: Key Principles of Giving

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the key principles of giving derived from Philippians 4:14, 19, such as partnership in the Gospel, generosity, and God’s promise of provision.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, identify the principles, and write them down.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the core principles of Christian giving.

Step 5: Memory Verse and Bible Reading

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recitation/Reading
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads the pupils in reciting the memory verse (Philippians 4:19) and guides them to read other related Bible passages from the board summary.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils recite the memory verse and read the specified Bible passages.
Learning Point: Pupils internalize the memory verse and understand related scriptures.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

What is Christian giving?
Briefly explain the context of Philippians 4:14, 19.
Mention two key principles of giving from the lesson.
State the memory verse for today’s lesson.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the lesson, reiterating the importance of giving for Christian unity and personal blessing. The teacher assigns homework: “List three practical ways you can apply Christian giving in your community.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further application.

Lesson Keywords

Giving – The act of sharing resources with others.
Generosity – The quality of being kind and willing to give.
Provision – The action of providing or supplying something for use.
Partnership – A relationship where two or more parties work together.
Unity – The state of being united or joined as a whole.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research other Bible verses on giving. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and guide them through the Bible passages, ensuring they understand the core message.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should emphasize that Christian giving is not just about money, but also time, talent, and effort. Encourage pupils to find practical ways to give within their capabilities. Use real-life examples of how giving fosters unity and support within the church and community.