Christian Religious Studies - Junior Secondary 1 - The call to repentance

TERM: 1^ST TERM

WEEK: 8

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: Christian Religious Knowledge

TOPIC: The Call to repentance

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1.) Define repentance

2.) Give an account of King David’s response to God’s call to repentance as recorded in 2 Sam 12:7-13, Psalm 51:1-19

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Recommended Christian Religious Knowledge textbooks for Junior Secondary School 1

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

NOTE

CALL TO REPENTANCE

Repentance is the act of feeling remorse or regret for one's sins or wrongdoings, accompanied by a sincere desire to change one's behavior and seek forgiveness. It involves a heartfelt acknowledgment of wrongdoing, a turning away from sin, and a commitment to pursue a path of righteousness. In a religious context, repentance is often seen as a necessary step for reconciliation with God and restoration of one’s spiritual state.

King David’s Response to God’s Call to Repentance
King David’s response to God’s call to repentance is poignantly illustrated in the biblical accounts found in 2 Samuel 12:7-13 and Psalm 51.

In 2 Samuel 12:7-13, the prophet Nathan confronts David after his sin with Bathsheba, where he orchestrated the death of her husband, Uriah, to cover up his adultery. Nathan tells David a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb, provoking David's anger. Nathan then reveals that David is the man in the parable, highlighting David's sin. David immediately recognizes his wrongdoing, expressing his guilt by saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan informs him that while the Lord has forgiven his sin, there will still be severe consequences for his actions.

In Psalm 51, which is attributed to David following his confrontation with Nathan, we see a profound expression of repentance. David pleads for mercy and forgiveness, acknowledging his transgressions and the weight of his sin. He cries out for cleansing, stating, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” David recognizes that true repentance involves not just external actions but a sincere heart change. He expresses a deep understanding of his need for God's grace and the restoration of his relationship with God. The psalm concludes with David promising to teach others about God’s ways, illustrating that true repentance leads to a transformative experience that can inspire others.

EVALUATION:   

1. Define repentance in your own words. What are the key components that make up a sincere act of repentance?
2. Summarize the events of 2 Samuel 12:7-13. How did the prophet Nathan help David recognize his sin, and what was David's immediate response?
3. In Psalm 51, what specific requests does David make to God? Discuss how these requests reflect his understanding of true repentance.
4. Analyze the consequences mentioned in Nathan’s message to David. What does this teach us about the nature of sin and its repercussions, even after repentance?
5. Discuss how David's commitment to teach others about God's ways in Psalm 51 illustrates the transformative power of true repentance. Why is this aspect significant in the context of personal change and spiritual growth?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively