SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE
CLASS: SS 1
DATE:
TERM: 3rd TERM
REFERENCES
- Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi
- Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu
- RSV Bible (compulsory)
- WAEC Pack
WEEK THREE
TOPIC: CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY
CONTENT
- Christians Living Among Non- Christian
- Roles of Christians in the Community
- The Roles of Christian Leaders and the Duties of the Followers
- Warning Against Demonic Forces
Christians Living Among Non- Christians
In times of inter – personal human relations in the community what characteristics should distinguish a Christian brother. Again with regards to attitude to work and performance of civic responsibility what makes him different?Having acquired new life in Jesus, the Christian now has an obligation to demonstrate his new life in the community. Peter reminds Christians of the circumstances surrounding their redemption as former enemies of God and slaves to darkness who were doomed for destruction. They were now redeemed through God’s mercy in Jesus Christ. By God’s grace they have received redemption to God’s humanity and now bonafide members of the royal priesthood.Their duty therefore, is to proclaim ‘’the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into the marvellous light ‘’ (1 peter 2:19) so how should they make this proclamation, Invariably, these will be reflected in their conduct in the community.
EVALUATION
- With reference to I peter, what are the characteristics of Christian life in the community?
- How can Christians live amicably among non- Christians in the community?
Roles of Christians in the Community
- They should stand against the passions of the flesh such as immorality, idolatry, drunkenness, selfishness etc.By that unification of Christ, they are now heavenly citizens, hence they can no longer afford to be ruled by the passions of this world.
- They should maintain good conduct among gentiles so that even if they speak against them as evil doers, they might see their good works and glorify God on the day of judgement.
- Christians are also expected to honour all men, love the brotherhood, honour the emperor and fear God. They should submit to the authority.
- They are equally expected to fulfil their civic responsibilities in the community, this includes, being law- abiding, paying their taxes and refraining from crime. They should also vote during elections, even when their masters are being harsh. They should bear such pains even as Christ suffered unjust humiliation. The issue is that Christians should be faithful in carrying out their duties.
- Peter advices Christian servants to be loyal to their masters in everything whether they are gentiles or not.
EVALUATION
- How far are today’s Christians manifesting the characteristics of Christians living among non – Christians?
- Explain the various roles of Christians in the community?
THE ROLES OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS AND THE DUTIES OF THE FOLLOWERS
Here, Peter focuses his message on the type of inter personal relationship, that exist among fellow Christians. The Christian community of the church is a society made up of leaders, elders and youths with each having its own duties and obligation.
The church leaders according to Peter are to take care of the flock of Christ in their care, not with constraint but willingly. He told them not to engage in shameful gain or act autocratically, but they should present themselves as example to the flock. They are urged to follow the footsteps of Jesus portrayed as the ‘’ chief shepherd ‘’who is sure to reward each of them at his coming.
The young ones must be subject to the elders, being humble enough to listen to the wise advice of the elders and tapping from their experience as the words of wisdom. They should cast their anxieties on God, for He cares for them.
EVALUATION
- State the behavioural pattern which Peter recommended for Christian servants living among non – Christians.
- What is the special warning giving to Christians as a whole?
WARNING AGAINST DEMONIC FORCES
Peter concludes his teaching on Christian’s relationship with others by reminding Christians
about the reality of demonic forces and the need for Christians to counter such with divine power.
The Christian is here warned to cast all his cares upon God who cares about him; as well as be watchful, standing firm in his faith in God, for this is the only way to be able to resist the devil. A Christian has to be very vigilant and prayerful. This is so because the devil is always out to attack Christians from their weak points.
Paul also warns that those who think they are upright should beware lest they fall. Christian today must be watchful and must resist Satan etc. This means that every Christian has available to him spiritually resources to overcome temptation if he is careful. A Christian that falls should not put the blame on the devil but on himself.
EVALUATION
- Against the background of I Peter 5;8-9, is there any justification for a Christian to blame the devil over his failures?
- What are the duties of the elders in the Christian community?
GENERAL EVALUATION/REVISIONAL QESTIONS
- State the different roles of Christian leaders in the church.
- What role are the youths expected to play in the Church
- Discuss Paul’s warning against demonic forces.
- How are Christians admonished to live among Non-Christians
- Explain the inter personal relationship that should exists among Christians
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential Christian religious knowledge for ss1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu
- RSV Bible read I Peter 5; 1-11
- Comprehensive Christian religious knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 279-280
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- According to peter, the genuiness of faith is tested through (a) work (b) trials (c) miracle (d) mission
- The effect of suffering on the Christian is to --- (a) strengthen his faith (b) tempt his faith (c) destroy his faith (d) see God
- Which of the following, according to Peter, is not a sign of Christian freedom? (a) giving honour to all men (b) using freedom as a pretext for evil (c) love the brotherhood. (d) attacking the devil
- ‘’As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passion of your former ignorance’’. This statement in I peter implies (a) holiness (b) soberness (c) alertness (d) cleverness
- What reward does God have for the humble youth? (a) They live long on earth (b) They will be rich (c) They will receive grace (d) money
THEORY
- According to Peter, what type of inter –personal relationship should exist between Christians
- What is the special warning given to Christians as a whole?
- Outline the teaching of James on prayer
- Mention any four factors that can hinder the effectiveness of prayer.
