Rewards of Christian Giving for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Christian Religion 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:

• discuss the rewards of giving

Previous Lesson: Christian Giving, Reasons and Ways
Topic: Christian Giving: Rewards Of Giving Phil. 4
Subject Matter: Rewards of giving Phil. 4

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Discuss the rewards of Christian giving as taught in Philippians 4:14-20.
• Identify key aspects of Paul’s teaching on giving to the Philippians.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the spiritual significance and benefits of generous giving.
• Develop a positive attitude towards supporting God’s work and helping others.

Social Domain

• Participate collaboratively in group discussions about 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
• A suitable Christian Religious Studies textbook for SS 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 (New International Version or King James Version)
• Charts illustrating reasons and ways of Christian giving
• Whiteboard or blackboard
• Markers or chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the biblical principles and spiritual benefits of Christian giving. It encourages generosity and faith by highlighting God’s promises to those who give cheerfully. Understanding these rewards can motivate students to participate actively in supporting the church and helping those in need.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils/students should have a basic understanding of Christian principles and the importance of supporting the church.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Christian Giving: Rewards Of Giving (Philippians 4)

Introduction to Christian Giving

Christian giving is an act of worship and obedience to God, where believers willingly offer their resources (time, talent, and treasure) to support the work of God and help those in need. It reflects God’s generous nature and is a demonstration of faith and love.

Context of Philippians 4:14-20

The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned, wrote to the Philippian church to express his gratitude for their consistent financial support. This passage highlights their generosity and Paul’s perspective on the spiritual implications and rewards of their giving. Their giving was not just a material transfer but a spiritual act.

Rewards of Christian Giving (Philippians 4:14-20)

Based on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Christian giving brings several rewards:

1. God will meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19): Paul assures the Philippians that “my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This promise signifies divine provision for the generous giver.
2. God will credit your account with more fruit (Philippians 4:17): Paul states, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” This implies spiritual dividends and an increase in spiritual fruit for the giver.
3. It is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18): Paul describes their gifts as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” This elevates giving to a spiritual act of worship that brings pleasure to God.
4. It demonstrates partnership in the gospel (Philippians 4:15): The Philippians partnered with Paul in spreading the gospel through their giving. This reward highlights the joy and privilege of being co-labourers with God in His mission.
5. It brings joy and thanksgiving: Although not explicitly stated as a direct reward in this passage, Paul’s expression of joy and gratitude implies that giving fosters positive emotions in both the giver and receiver, leading to thanksgiving to God.
6. It results in spiritual blessings and eternal rewards: The act of giving, when done with a right heart, accumulates spiritual blessings and contributes to eternal rewards in heaven, as implied by the “more be credited to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

Moral and Spiritual Significance of Giving

The act of Christian giving carries profound moral and spiritual significance:

1. It reflects the character of God, who is the ultimate giver (John 3:16).
2. It strengthens faith and trust in God’s ability to provide.
3. It enables the spread of the Gospel and supports missionary work.
4. It fosters unity, love, and care within the Christian community.
5. It helps believers to detach from materialism and focus on eternal values.
6. It is an act of obedience to God’s commands and a demonstration of discipleship.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Questioning

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they understand by “giving” in a general sense. The teacher then introduces the topic, “Christian Giving: Rewards of Giving,” and explains that the lesson will focus on what the Bible, specifically Philippians 4, says about the benefits of giving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions about general giving and listen attentively to the introduction of the lesson.

Learning Point: Introduction to Christian giving

Step 2: Bible Reading and Initial Discussion

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Reading/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to open their Bibles to Philippians 4:14-20. The teacher reads the passage aloud or asks a student to read it. Afterwards, the teacher initiates a brief discussion, asking students what they observe about Paul’s message to the Philippians regarding their giving.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils open their Bibles, listen to the reading, and share their initial observations about the passage.

Learning Point: Understanding Philippians 4:14-20

Step 3: Identifying Rewards of Giving

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Analysis

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the context of Paul’s letter and then guides students to identify specific rewards of giving mentioned or implied in Philippians 4:14-20. The teacher lists these points on the board as students identify them, ensuring all key rewards are covered.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in identifying the rewards of giving from the passage and contribute to the discussion.

Learning Point: Specific rewards of giving

Step 4: Elaboration on Rewards

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on each identified reward, explaining its meaning and spiritual significance in simple terms. For example, explaining “God will meet all your needs” means God’s provision, not necessarily material wealth, but all that is truly needed. The teacher uses questions to check for understanding.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the explanations, ask clarifying questions, and contribute their understanding of each reward.

Learning Point: Deeper understanding of rewards

Step 5: Group Discussion on Reasons and Ways of Giving

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Facilitation/Collaboration

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher divides the class into small groups. Using charts (prepared beforehand or drawn on the board), the teacher guides groups to discuss practical reasons why Christians should give and various ways they can give (e.g., tithes, offerings, helping the needy, supporting missions). The teacher moves around to facilitate discussions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups, discussing reasons and ways of giving, and prepare to share their findings with the class.

Learning Point: Reasons and ways of giving

Step 6: Group Presentations and Consolidation

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Presentation/Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher invites one representative from each group to briefly share their discussion points on reasons and ways of giving. The teacher then consolidates the main points, linking them back to the rewards discussed earlier.

Pupils’ Activity: Group representatives present their findings, and other pupils listen and compare notes.

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. Mention two rewards of Christian giving from Philippians 4:14-20.
2. According to Philippians 4:19, what promise does God give to generous givers?
3. How does Paul describe the Philippians’ gift in Philippians 4:18?
4. Why is Christian giving considered an act of worship?

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, particularly the rewards of giving and their significance, 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: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher concludes the lesson by reiterating that Christian giving is not just about money, but a spiritual act of faith and obedience that God richly blesses. The teacher encourages students to practice generosity in their daily lives.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the concluding remarks and reflect on the importance of Christian giving.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of giving’s importance

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. Identify three additional benefits of cheerful giving found in this passage.
2. In what practical ways can you, as a student, demonstrate Christian giving in your community or church?
3. Write a short paragraph explaining why Paul was so grateful for the Philippians’ gift.

Lesson Keywords

• Giving – The act of offering something voluntarily.
• Christian Giving – Offering resources to God and others as an act of worship and obedience.
• Rewards – Benefits or blessings received as a result of an action.
• Philippians – A book in the New Testament, a letter written by Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi.
• Fragrant Offering – A biblical term for a sacrifice or gift that is pleasing to God.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: The teacher will provide simpler explanations of biblical terms and ensure they participate in group discussions by assigning specific, manageable tasks. Visual aids like simplified charts can be used.
For advanced learners: These students can be encouraged to research other biblical passages on giving (e.g., 2 Corinthians 9, Proverbs 3:9-10) and present their findings on additional rewards or principles of giving. They can also lead group discussions.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of Christian giving and its rewards, search on YouTube for: Christian giving rewards Philippians 4 SS1