Christian Giving, Reasons and Ways for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religious Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Focal competence: Practicing generosity by giving to others and for the work of God
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration

Skills:

• define Christian giving
• outline reasons and ways of giving

Previous Lesson: Christians Attitude Towards Persecution II: Suffering and Christian faith and Christian attitude towards persecution
Topic: Christian Giving
Subject Matter: Meaning of Christian giving, Reasons and ways of giving 2 Cor. 8

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define Christian giving.
• Outline the reasons for Christian giving.
• Identify various ways of Christian giving.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of giving cheerfully and willingly.
• Develop a positive attitude towards supporting God’s work and helping others.

Psychomotor Domain

• Demonstrate a willingness to participate in acts of Christian giving.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group discussions on Christian giving.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• The Holy Bible (especially 2 Corinthians 8 and 9)
• Charts illustrating reasons and ways of giving
• Whiteboard/Chalkboard
• Markers/Chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the biblical foundation and spiritual significance of giving in the Christian faith. It helps them develop a generous spirit and practical ways to contribute to the church and community. Understanding Christian giving fosters a sense of responsibility and love towards God and fellow human beings.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of Christian values and the importance of community in the church.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Christian Giving

Meaning of Christian Giving

Christian giving is the act of cheerfully and willingly donating one’s resources, such as money, time, talents, or possessions, to God and for the benefit of others, out of love and obedience to God’s commands. It is an expression of gratitude to God for His blessings and a commitment to support the work of the church and help those in need. It is not done out of compulsion or for self-gain, but from a sincere heart.

Reasons for Christian Giving

Christian giving is motivated by several biblical principles, as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 and 9:1-15:

1. Out of Willingness and Generosity (2 Cor. 8:3-5): Believers give willingly, even beyond their means, demonstrating a deep desire to participate in the service to the saints. The Macedonian churches, despite their extreme poverty, gave generously.
2. To Follow Christ’s Example (2 Cor. 8:9): Jesus Christ, though rich, became poor for our sakes, so that through His poverty we might become rich. Christian giving reflects this ultimate act of self-sacrifice and generosity.
3. To Show Obedience to God (2 Cor. 9:13): Giving is an act of obedience that demonstrates submission to the gospel of Christ and generosity in sharing with others.
4. To Meet the Needs of Others (2 Cor. 9:12): Giving supplies the needs of God’s people, especially the poor and those in distress. It is a practical way to show love and compassion.
5. To Promote the Work of God (2 Cor. 9:12): Contributions support the ministry of the church, including evangelism, missions, and the upkeep of church facilities.
6. To Receive God’s Blessings (2 Cor. 9:6-8): God promises to bless those who give cheerfully and generously. He is able to make all grace abound to them, so that they will always have all they need and abound in every good work.
7. As an Expression of Gratitude (2 Cor. 9:11): Giving is a way to express thankfulness to God for His immeasurable grace and provision.
8. To Glorify God (2 Cor. 9:13): Through the generosity of believers, God is glorified as others witness their faith and love in action.

Ways of Christian Giving

Christians can give in various ways, as encouraged by biblical teachings:

1. Tithes: Giving a tenth (10%) of one’s income or produce to God, usually through the church. This is often seen as a foundational act of obedience and faith (Malachi 3:10).
2. Offerings: Voluntary gifts given in addition to tithes, often for specific purposes such as church projects, missions, or supporting the needy.
3. Almsgiving: Giving directly to the poor and needy, often outside the regular church collection, as an act of charity and compassion (Matthew 6:2-4).
4. Giving of Time and Talents: Volunteering one’s time, skills, and abilities to serve in the church or community, such as teaching Sunday school, ushering, singing in the choir, or helping with community outreach.
5. Sacrificial Giving: Giving generously even when it involves personal sacrifice, as exemplified by the Macedonian believers (2 Cor. 8:3-5) and the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44).
6. Hospitality: Opening one’s home and resources to welcome and care for others, especially strangers or those in need (Romans 12:13).
7. Gifts to Support Ministers/Missionaries: Providing financial or material support to those who dedicate their lives to full-time ministry or missionary work (Philippians 4:15-16).

Memory Verse

2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 and 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Moral and Spiritual Significance

Christian giving is a spiritual discipline that cultivates a heart of generosity, trust in God’s provision, and love for others. It transforms the giver by aligning their heart with God’s compassionate nature and strengthens the community of believers by meeting needs and advancing the gospel. It is an act of worship that brings glory to God and demonstrates the reality of one’s faith.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Group Work, Question and Answer, Explanation, Bible Reading, Chart Analysis

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating prior knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them what they understand by the word “giving” in a general sense. The teacher then links their responses to the idea of giving in a religious context, introducing the topic: Christian Giving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to giving

Step 2: Meaning of Christian Giving

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to participate in a class discussion on the meaning of Christian giving. The teacher explains that it is a willing and cheerful act of donating resources to God and others, motivated by love and obedience, using examples from the Bible.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils share their thoughts on Christian giving and listen to the teacher’s explanation, taking part in the discussion.

Learning Point: Definition of Christian giving

Step 3: Bible Reading and Group Formation

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Collaboration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into small groups and instructs each group to read 2 Corinthians 8:3-5 and 9:1-15. The teacher distributes charts illustrating potential reasons and ways of giving to each group.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils form groups, read the assigned Bible passages, and receive the charts.

Learning Point: Biblical passages on giving

Step 4: Group Discussion on Reasons for Giving

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitating Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides each group to discuss the reasons for Christian giving based on the Bible passages they read and the charts provided. The teacher moves around, offering assistance and clarification.

Pupils’ Activity: Groups discuss and identify reasons for Christian giving from the Bible passages and charts.

Learning Point: Reasons for Christian giving

Step 5: Group Discussion on Ways of Giving

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Facilitating Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further guides the groups to discuss the various ways Christians can give, again referencing the biblical texts and charts.

Pupils’ Activity: Groups discuss and identify different ways of Christian giving.

Learning Point: Ways of Christian giving

Step 6: Group Presentations and Class Synthesis

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Synthesis/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites one representative from each group to present their findings on reasons and ways of giving. The teacher then synthesizes the points, ensuring all key reasons and ways are highlighted and clarified.

Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their findings. Other pupils listen and contribute to the class discussion.

Learning Point: Consolidated understanding of giving

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. What is Christian giving?
2. Mention three reasons why Christians should give.
3. List two ways Christians can give.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning, reasons, and ways of Christian giving into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarisation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by reiterating that Christian giving is a joyful act of faith and love, reflecting God’s generosity, and encourages students to apply these principles in their lives. The teacher reminds them of the memory verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s message.

Learning Point: Consolidation of Christian giving

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. In your own words, explain the meaning of Christian giving.
2. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8. What blessings are promised to a cheerful giver?
3. Identify one practical way you can demonstrate Christian giving in your school or community.

Lesson Keywords

• Giving – The act of donating or presenting something.
• Christian Giving – Willingly donating resources to God and others out of love and obedience.
• Tithes – A tenth part of one’s income or produce, given to support the church.
• Offerings – Voluntary gifts given to God, often for specific purposes.
• Generosity – The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish, especially in giving.
• Cheerful Giver – Someone who gives willingly and joyfully, not under compulsion.

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concepts quickly, encourage them to research other biblical passages related to giving (e.g., Acts 20:35, Luke 6:38) and present their findings. For students needing more support, provide simplified charts or visual aids and allow them to work with a peer during group discussions.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: Christian Giving 2 Corinthians SS1