Fruit of the Spirit, Ways of Bearing Fruit and Works of the Flesh for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion Studies
Curriculum Theme: The Holy Spirit and the Reformed Life
Focal competence: Showing kindness, care and empathy towards peers and others
Key competencies/values: Communication; Collaboration
Skills:

• define the fruit of the Spirit
• discuss ways to bear the fruit of the Spirit

Previous Lesson: Signs and Preparation
Topic: The Fruit Of The Spirit
Subject Matter: Meaning of the fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5, Ways to bear the fruit of the Spirit Acts 2, Romans 10, The works of the flesh Gal. 5

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define the fruit of the Spirit.
• Discuss ways to bear the fruit of the Spirit.
• Explain the works of the flesh.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of living by the Spirit.
• Desire to cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit in their lives.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in group discussions on biblical concepts.
• Communicate their understanding of Christian virtues and vices.

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 (King James Version/New International Version)
• 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 illustrating the Fruit of the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh
• Whiteboard or chalkboard
• Markers or chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the core Christian virtues that should characterise a believer’s life, as opposed to sinful behaviours. It helps students recognise the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and provides practical guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God, fostering positive character development and spiritual growth.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of the Bible, especially the New Testament, and an understanding of what the Holy Spirit represents in Christianity.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Meaning of the Fruit of the Spirit

The “Fruit of the Spirit” refers to the virtues and characteristics that the Holy Spirit produces in the life of a Christian. These are not human efforts but rather the natural outcome of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work within a believer who yields to God’s will. It is a singular “fruit” with nine distinct qualities, showing a unified character.

According to Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV), the Fruit of the Spirit includes:

1. Love: Agape love, unconditional and self-sacrificing.
2. Joy: Inner gladness that is not dependent on circumstances.
3. Peace: Tranquillity and harmony with God and others.
4. Longsuffering (Patience): Endurance and forbearance in difficult situations.
5. Gentleness (Kindness): Compassion and tenderheartedness towards others.
6. Goodness: Moral excellence and uprightness.
7. Faith (Faithfulness): Loyalty, trustworthiness, and steadfastness.
8. Meekness (Gentleness): Humility and submission to God’s will.
9. Temperance (Self-control): Mastery over one’s desires and passions.

Galatians 5:24-25 adds, “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” This emphasises that those who belong to Christ have put to death their sinful nature and should be guided by the Spirit.

Ways to Bear the Fruit of the Spirit

Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit is a process of yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance and allowing Him to work in one’s life. Key ways to bear this fruit include:

1. Repentance and Baptism: As stated in Acts 2:38 (KJV), “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Repentance marks a turning away from sin, and baptism symbolises new life in Christ, leading to receiving the Holy Spirit.
2. Confessing Jesus as Lord and Believing in the Heart: Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) teaches, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” This act of faith and confession opens the door for the Holy Spirit to dwell within.
3. Walking in the Spirit: This means living in obedience to God’s Word, praying regularly, studying the Bible, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide daily decisions and actions.
4. Crucifying the Flesh: Actively resisting sinful desires and choices, choosing instead to follow the promptings of the Spirit.
5. Fellowship with Believers: Being part of a Christian community provides support, encouragement, and accountability for spiritual growth.

The Works of the Flesh

In contrast to the Fruit of the Spirit, the “Works of the Flesh” are sinful behaviours and attitudes that stem from the unredeemed human nature, apart from the influence of the Holy Spirit. These actions are contrary to God’s will and lead to spiritual decay.

According to Galatians 5:19-21 (KJV), the works of the flesh include:

1. Adultery: Sexual intercourse with someone other than one’s spouse.
2. Fornication: Sexual intercourse outside of marriage.
3. Uncleanness: Moral impurity, especially sexual.
4. Lasciviousness: Sensuality, unrestrained sexual desire.
5. Idolatry: Worship of idols or anything other than God.
6. Witchcraft: Sorcery, magic, or occult practices.
7. Hatred: Intense dislike or ill-will.
8. Variance: Discord, strife, or quarrelling.
9. Emulations: Jealousy or envious rivalry.
10. Wrath: Violent anger or rage.
11. Strife: Contentiousness, fighting, or disputes.
12. Seditions: Divisions, rebellions, or stirring up trouble.
13. Heresies: False teachings or doctrines that cause division.
14. Envyings: Resentment of another’s possessions or success.
15. Murders: Unlawful killing of another human being.
16. Drunkenness: Intoxication from alcohol.
17. Revellings: Wild parties, orgies, or excessive celebrations.

Galatians 5:21 warns that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” This highlights the serious consequences of living a life dominated by the works of the flesh.

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 to recall some good character traits they admire in people. The teacher then introduces the topic by stating that Christians are expected to show specific good character traits, which the Bible calls the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

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

Learning Point: Introduction to topic

Step 2: Meaning of the Fruit of the Spirit

Time: 15 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Bible Reading

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to read Galatians 5:22-25 from their Bibles. The teacher then explains the meaning of the “Fruit of the Spirit” as the virtues produced by the Holy Spirit in believers, listing and briefly explaining each of the nine aspects using a chart.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage, participate in class discussion, and ask questions for clarification.

Learning Point: Definition of Fruit of Spirit

Step 3: Group Discussion on Bearing the Fruit

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation/Collaboration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides students into small groups and provides them with charts illustrating ways to bear the Fruit of the Spirit. The teacher instructs them to discuss the Bible passages (Acts 2:38 and Romans 10:9-10) and identify practical ways Christians can cultivate these fruits in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Students work in groups, read the Bible passages, discuss, and identify ways to bear the Fruit of the Spirit.

Learning Point: Ways to bear fruit

Step 4: Presentation of Group Findings

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Communication/Feedback

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks each group to present their findings on ways to bear the Fruit of the Spirit. The teacher provides feedback and summarises the key points, emphasising repentance, faith, and walking in the Spirit.

Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their discussions. Other pupils listen and contribute.

Learning Point: Practical application of fruit

Step 5: Introduction to the Works of the Flesh

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Contrast/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the contrasting concept of the “Works of the Flesh” and guides students to read Galatians 5:19-21. The teacher explains that these are sinful behaviours that oppose the Fruit of the Spirit and lists examples from the passage.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils read the Bible passage and listen to the explanation of the works of the flesh, noting the contrast with the Fruit of the Spirit.

Learning Point: Understanding works of flesh

Step 6: Discussion on Consequences

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Application

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief discussion on the consequences of living by the works of the flesh, referencing Galatians 5:21 (“shall not inherit the kingdom of God”). The teacher encourages students to reflect on the importance of choosing to live by the Spirit.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, sharing their understanding of the consequences and the importance of spiritual living.

Learning Point: Consequences of sinful acts

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 the Fruit of the Spirit?
2. Mention three aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit.
3. State two ways a Christian can bear the Fruit of the Spirit.
4. List three works of the flesh.

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 Fruit of the Spirit, ways to bear it, and the works of the flesh 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: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the lesson by reiterating the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in their lives and avoiding the works of the flesh to live a life pleasing to God. The teacher encourages students to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

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

Learning Point: Reinforcement of key concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Identify five specific situations in your daily life where you can demonstrate one of the Fruit of the Spirit (e.g., patience, kindness).
2. Research and write a short paragraph on why “love” is considered the most important of the Fruit of the Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 13.
3. Discuss with your parents or guardians how they believe the Fruit of the Spirit can help build stronger families and communities.

Lesson Keywords

• Fruit of the Spirit – Virtues produced by the Holy Spirit in believers.
• Works of the Flesh – Sinful behaviours stemming from human nature.
• Galatians 5 – Bible chapter listing the Fruit of the Spirit and Works of the Flesh.
• Repentance – Turning away from sin.
• Self-control – Mastery over one’s desires.

Differentiation

For students who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research other Bible passages that discuss the Fruit of the Spirit or the Works of the Flesh (e.g., Ephesians 5:9, Colossians 3:5-10). For students needing more support, provide simplified charts or visual aids and offer one-on-one guidance during group discussions to ensure they understand the core definitions and distinctions.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search on YouTube for: Fruit of the Spirit explanation SS1 CRS