Old and New Life in Christ and Their Characteristics for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Curriculum Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Focal competence: Demonstrating the virtue of living a transformed life in their interaction with others
Key competencies/values: Communication
Previous Lesson: Benefits of Humility and Consequences of Pride
Topic: New Life In Christ
Subject Matter: Meaning of old life and new life in Christ Gal. 5, Col. 3, John 3, Characteristics of old life Gal. 5, Characteristics of new life in Christ Rom. 6:12-19

Skills:

• define old life and new life in Christ
• discuss the characteristics of old life

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define old life and new life in Christ.
• Discuss the characteristics of old life.
• Explain the characteristics of new life in Christ.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of living a new life in Christ.
• Desire to live a life characterized by humility and other Christian virtues.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify practical ways to demonstrate humility in daily life.

Social Domain

• Discuss how we can demonstrate humility in our daily lives.

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
• The Holy Bible (Galatians, Colossians, 2 Corinthians, John, Romans)
• 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
• Charts showing characteristics of old and new life
• Whiteboard and markers

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the fundamental transformation that occurs when one accepts Christ. It helps them differentiate between a life lived according to worldly desires and a life guided by Christian principles. Understanding these concepts encourages students to strive for a reformed life, fostering positive character development and interaction with others.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of salvation and the person of Jesus Christ.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

New Life In Christ

Meaning of Old Life in Christ

The old life in Christ refers to the life lived before accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. It is a life dominated by sinful desires, worldly passions, and actions contrary to God’s will. It is characterized by following the ways of the flesh and living without spiritual guidance.

1. Galatians 5:19-21: Describes the “works of the flesh” such as sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
2. Colossians 3:5-7: Calls believers to “put to death” earthly desires like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which are idolatry. It states that God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient to these things.

Meaning of New Life in Christ

The new life in Christ is a spiritual transformation that occurs when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It signifies being born again, a spiritual rebirth where old sinful ways are abandoned, and a new nature, aligned with God’s will, is adopted. This new life is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

1. 2 Corinthians 5:17: States, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse emphasizes the radical change and new identity found in Christ.
2. John 3:3: Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” This highlights the necessity of a spiritual rebirth to enter God’s kingdom and live the new life.

Characteristics of Old Life

The characteristics of the old life are primarily the “works of the flesh” as detailed in the Bible. These are actions and attitudes that stem from a sinful nature and are contrary to God’s character.

1. Sexual Immorality: Any sexual activity outside the bounds of marriage, including fornication, adultery, and promiscuity.
2. Impurity: Moral uncleanness, defilement, and unchaste thoughts or actions.
3. Debauchery (Sensuality): Indulgence in excessive sensual pleasures, often leading to shameless and unrestrained behaviour.
4. Idolatry: Worship of anything or anyone other than the one true God, including material possessions, power, or self.
5. Witchcraft (Sorcery): Engaging in occult practices, magic, or seeking power through evil spirits.
6. Hatred: Intense dislike or ill-will towards others.
7. Discord (Strife): Conflict, quarrelling, and contention among people.
8. Jealousy: Resentment or bitterness towards others’ possessions or success.
9. Fits of Rage (Outbursts of Anger): Uncontrolled explosions of anger and violent temper.
10. Selfish Ambition (Rivalries): Self-seeking, competitive desires that lead to division.
11. Dissensions (Divisions): Disagreements that cause factions and splits within groups.
12. Factions (Heresies): Creation of exclusive groups based on differing opinions, often leading to schism.
13. Envy: A feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another’s advantages, success, or possessions.
14. Drunkenness: Intoxication from alcohol, leading to impaired judgment and behaviour.
15. Orgies (Carousing): Wild parties involving excessive drinking and immoral behaviour.

Characteristics of New Life in Christ

The characteristics of the new life are the virtues and attitudes that reflect God’s nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit. These are often referred to as the “fruit of the Spirit” or qualities of a transformed mind.

1. Love: Unconditional affection, benevolence, and goodwill towards God and others (Galatians 5:22).
2. Joy: Deep-seated gladness and delight, independent of circumstances (Galatians 5:22).
3. Peace: Inner tranquility, harmony, and freedom from anxiety (Galatians 5:22).
4. Patience (Longsuffering): Endurance, forbearance, and steadfastness in difficult situations (Galatians 5:22).
5. Kindness: Goodness, tenderness, and benevolence towards others (Galatians 5:22).
6. Goodness: Moral excellence, virtue, and uprightness of character (Galatians 5:22).
7. Faithfulness: Loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability (Galatians 5:22).
8. Gentleness (Meekness): Humility, mildness, and controlled strength (Galatians 5:23).
9. Self-control: Discipline over one’s desires, passions, and impulses (Galatians 5:23).
10. Humility: A modest view of one’s own importance, freedom from pride or arrogance.
11. Tolerance: The ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behaviour that one dislikes or disagrees with.
12. Justice: Fairness and righteousness in dealing with others.
13. Patriotism: Love for one’s country and willingness to support its defence.
14. Respect for Hard Work: Valuing diligence and effort in labour.
15. Respect for Constituted Authority: Honouring and obeying those in positions of leadership.
16. Dignity of Labour: Recognizing the inherent worth and honour in all honest work.

Romans 6:12-19 encourages believers not to let sin reign in their mortal bodies but to offer themselves to God as instruments of righteousness, living under grace, not law.
Colossians 3:1-6 exhorts believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly things, and to put off the old self with its practices.

Memory Verse

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Bible Reading

Galatians 5:19-23, Colossians 3:1-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, John 3:1-7, Romans 6:12-19.

Demonstrating Humility in Daily Life

Humility is a key characteristic of the new life in Christ. It involves having a realistic view of oneself, recognizing one’s dependence on God, and valuing others above oneself.

1. Listening More Than Speaking: Being quick to listen and slow to speak, valuing others’ opinions.
2. Serving Others: Actively looking for ways to help and serve those around us without seeking recognition.
3. Admitting Mistakes: Being willing to acknowledge when we are wrong and apologize sincerely.
4. Seeking Forgiveness: Humbly asking for forgiveness when we have offended someone.
5. Giving Credit to Others: Acknowledging the contributions and achievements of others rather than taking all the glory.
6. Learning from Everyone: Being open to learning from people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
7. Avoiding Boasting: Refraining from excessive self-ppraise or drawing attention to one’s own accomplishments.
8. Considering Others’ Needs: Putting the needs and interests of others before our own.
9. Receiving Correction Gracefully: Accepting constructive criticism without becoming defensive.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they understand by “conversion” or “being born again” from previous lessons. The teacher then introduces the topic: “New Life in Christ.”

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

Learning Point: Concept of conversion

Step 2: Meaning of Old Life in Christ

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Bible Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-7. The teacher explains the meaning of “old life” as a life dominated by sin and worldly desires before conversion, using examples from the passages.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages and listen to the teacher’s explanation, asking questions for clarity.

Learning Point: Definition of old life

Step 3: Meaning of New Life in Christ

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Bible Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and John 3:3. The teacher explains “new life” as a transformed life, a new creation in Christ, born again by the Spirit, free from the dominion of sin.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passages and participate in a class discussion on the meaning of new life in Christ.

Learning Point: Definition of new life

Step 4: Characteristics of Old Life

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Discussion/Chart Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into groups and provides them with charts listing characteristics of old life (from Gal. 5:19-21, Col. 3:5-7). Each group discusses these characteristics and prepares to present their findings.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss in groups, analyze the charts, and prepare their presentations on the characteristics of old life.

Learning Point: Traits of old life

Step 5: Characteristics of New Life in Christ

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Discussion/Presentation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Romans 6:12-19 and Colossians 3:1-6. The teacher then asks groups to identify and discuss the characteristics of new life in Christ, such as love, humility, patience, tolerance, justice, patriotism, etc., from the passages and their general knowledge.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the passages, discuss in groups, and present the characteristics of new life in Christ to the class.

Learning Point: Traits of new life

Step 6: Demonstrating Humility

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Application/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on practical ways students can demonstrate humility in their daily lives, linking it to the characteristics of new life. The teacher provides examples and encourages students to share their own.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing ideas and examples of how to demonstrate humility.

Learning Point: Practicing humility

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. Define “old life” in Christ.
2. Mention three characteristics of the old life.
3. What does it mean to live a “new life” in Christ?
4. State three characteristics of the new life in Christ.
5. How can you demonstrate humility in your school?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding old and new life

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, including the definitions and characteristics of old and new life in Christ, into their notebooks.

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

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarizing/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing that living a new life in Christ involves a conscious decision to abandon sinful ways and embrace righteous living, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The teacher encourages students to apply these principles in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and reflect on the lesson’s implications for their lives.

Learning Point: Living a transformed life

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. List five characteristics of the old life and explain how they manifest in society today.
2. Using examples from your community, describe how a person living a new life in Christ would act differently from someone living an old life.
3. Read Galatians 5:22-23 and write a short paragraph on how the “fruit of the Spirit” relates to the characteristics of new life discussed in class.

Lesson Keywords

• Old Life – A life dominated by sin and worldly desires before spiritual transformation.
• New Life – A transformed life in Christ, characterized by spiritual rebirth and righteousness.
• Works of the Flesh – Sinful actions and attitudes stemming from an unregenerate nature.
• Fruit of the Spirit – Virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, produced by the Holy Spirit in believers.
• Humility – A modest view of one’s own importance, freedom from pride.
• Born Again – A spiritual rebirth or regeneration experienced by those who accept Christ.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: The teacher will provide simplified Bible passages and visual aids, focusing on key terms and their meanings. Group discussions will be structured to ensure all members contribute, with the teacher providing direct prompts.
For advanced learners: These students will be encouraged to research additional Bible passages that describe the old and new life, and to lead discussions on the practical challenges and benefits of living a transformed life in contemporary society. They can also be tasked with creating a short drama illustrating the contrast between the two lives.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: old life new life in christ SS1 CRS