**Lesson Plan: Justification by Faith**
**Class:** Senior Secondary 1
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Topic:** Justification by Faith
**Scripture:** Romans 3:23, 4:1-5; Galatians 2:16-21; Galatians 4:19-21
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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**Objectives:**
1. **Knowledge:** Students will understand the concept of justification by faith according to the Apostle Paul.
2. **Comprehension:** Students will explain key scriptures that discuss justification by faith.
3. **Application:** Students will relate the principles of justification by faith to their personal lives.
4. **Evaluation:** Students will critically assess how justification by faith impacts their Christian journey.
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**Materials Needed:**
- Bible (preferably NIV or ESV)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Handouts with key scripture passages
- Projector (optional)
- Notebooks and pens for students
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### **Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Begin with an opening prayer.
- Briefly explain what "justification by faith" means.
- Definition: Justification by faith is the Christian doctrine that a person is made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, not by their own works.
- Share the lesson objectives with students.
**2. Scripture Reading and Discussion (20 minutes)**
- Read the key verses aloud, involving different students for each section:
- Romans 3:23: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
- Romans 4:1-5: Exploration of Abraham’s faith being counted as righteousness.
- Galatians 2:16-21: Paul’s argument that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.
- Galatians 4:19-21: Paul’s urgency for believers to embrace faith in Christ.
- After each reading, pause for discussion and interpretation.
- Ask questions like: What does this passage tell us about faith? How does this passage define justification?
**3. In-Depth Study and Group Activity (20 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups and give each group a handout with a different scripture passage.
- Instruct each group to:
- Paraphrase the passage in their own words.
- Discuss how the passage relates to the idea of justification by faith.
- Prepare a brief presentation to share their findings with the class.
- Allow each group to present their insights and encourage questions from other students.
**4. Application (5 minutes)**
- Discuss how the concept of justification by faith applies to our everyday lives.
- Ask students to share personal experiences or examples where they relied on faith rather than their own efforts to navigate challenges.
**5. Summary and Reflection (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points of the lesson.
- Emphasize that we are justified by faith and not by works.
- Highlight the importance of Abraham’s example of faith.
- Reinforce that Paul’s letters encourage believers to depend on faith in Christ.
- Encourage students to reflect on their lives and consider areas where they can live out their faith more fully.
**6. Closing (5 minutes)**
- Allow for any final questions and clarifications.
- Close the session with a prayer, asking for God’s guidance in living out the principles of justification by faith.
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**Assessment:**
- Collect and review students' notes to ensure understanding.
- Observe participation and engagement during discussions and group activities.
- Assign homework: Write a one-page reflection on how understanding justification by faith has impacted their view on Christian living.
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**Extension Activity:**
- Encourage students to read the full chapters of Romans 3 and 4, and Galatians 2 and 4 over the week.
- Ask them to identify other verses that speak of faith and grace and be ready to share in the next class.