Introduction
In the second term of JSS 1, students will explore critical topics related to spiritual development and responsibility. The focus is on understanding the importance of repentance, obedience, and service, which are fundamental to Christian faith and living. These lessons are designed to inspire students to deepen their faith, make better choices, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
This article provides a detailed explanation of each topic, along with examples, reading assignments, and evaluation questions that will enhance students’ learning and understanding.
Week 1: Revision of Last Term’s Work
Overview: This week revisits key concepts from the first term, ensuring that students have a clear grasp of foundational spiritual principles before diving into more specific topics related to Christian living.
Key Topics to Revise:
- Understanding Salvation: The significance of accepting Christ and the basics of salvation.
- Christian Behavior: Reviewing the importance of living a life that reflects Christian values, such as kindness, humility, and love.
Example:
- Revisiting the importance of repentance and forgiveness in maintaining a strong relationship with God.
Reading Assignment:
- Review the lessons on salvation and Christian values from the first term. Write a reflection on how repentance plays a role in your spiritual journey.
Evaluation Questions:
- What does salvation mean to a Christian?
- Why is it important to reflect Christian values in everyday life?
- How does repentance help maintain a strong relationship with God?
Week 2: Call to Repentance
Overview: This lesson introduces the concept of repentance, focusing on its importance in Christian life. Repentance is an essential aspect of spiritual growth, involving turning away from sin and returning to God.
Key Concepts:
- Definition of Repentance: Repentance is not just feeling sorry for one’s sins, but a sincere commitment to change one’s behavior and seek forgiveness.
- Biblical Examples: Jesus calls for repentance throughout His ministry. Key examples include the call to the people of Israel and the parable of the prodigal son.
Example:
- A story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) teaches how repentance leads to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Reading Assignment:
- Read Luke 15:11-32 and summarize the story of the prodigal son. Discuss what repentance means in this context.
Evaluation Questions:
- What is the difference between remorse and true repentance?
- Why is repentance important for a Christian?
- How can repentance lead to spiritual renewal?
Week 3: Call to Repentance
Overview: This lesson continues to explore the theme of repentance, deepening students’ understanding of its role in Christian life. Repentance is essential for growth and staying aligned with God’s will.
Key Concepts:
- Repentance in the New Testament: Jesus consistently preached the need for repentance, especially in His interactions with sinners.
- The Role of Confession: Repentance often involves confessing sins, acknowledging wrongdoing, and asking for God’s forgiveness.
Example:
- When Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), He called her to leave her life of sin, exemplifying the power of repentance and forgiveness.
Reading Assignment:
- Read John 8:1-11 and reflect on how repentance was demonstrated by the woman. Write about the importance of confession in the process of repentance.
Evaluation Questions:
- What did Jesus teach about repentance and forgiveness?
- Why is confession important in the process of repentance?
- How does repentance bring freedom and healing?
Week 4: Call to Obedience
Overview: In this lesson, students will learn about the importance of obedience to God’s word. Obedience is central to spiritual growth and understanding God’s will.
Key Concepts:
- Obedience as a Command: Obedience is not just an option but a command for Christians to follow. God’s instructions lead to blessings and fulfillment.
- Examples of Obedience in Scripture: Biblical figures such as Abraham, Noah, and Moses demonstrated obedience to God, even when it required great sacrifices.
Example:
- Abraham’s obedience in the story of his willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) highlights faith and trust in God.
Reading Assignment:
- Read Genesis 22:1-18 and write about the obedience of Abraham. Discuss what obedience to God requires.
Evaluation Questions:
- Why is obedience to God important in the life of a Christian?
- How did Abraham demonstrate obedience to God?
- What are the blessings of obeying God’s commands?
Week 5: Call to Obedience
Overview: This week continues the discussion on obedience, focusing on how students can apply this principle in their daily lives.
Key Concepts:
- Obedience in the Christian Life: Obeying God’s commands helps Christians align their lives with His will and purpose.
- Practical Examples of Obedience: How to obey God in different areas, such as family, school, and relationships.
Example:
- Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan, even when it led to suffering (Luke 22:39-46), shows that obedience to God may require sacrifice but leads to spiritual growth.
Reading Assignment:
- Read Luke 22:39-46 and reflect on the obedience of Jesus. Write about the challenges of obedience and how to overcome them.
Evaluation Questions:
- What challenges can come with obeying God’s commands?
- How did Jesus demonstrate obedience to God’s will?
- What are some practical ways to obey God in everyday life?
Week 6: Call to Service
Overview: Service is a vital part of Christian living. This lesson emphasizes that all Christians are called to serve others, following Jesus’ example.
Key Concepts:
- Service to Others: True service is not about seeking recognition but about helping those in need and demonstrating God’s love.
- Jesus as a Model of Service: Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:1-17) as an example of humble service.
Example:
- The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates how serving others can transcend societal boundaries and reflect God’s love.
Reading Assignment:
- Read Luke 10:25-37 and summarize the story of the Good Samaritan. Write about how we can serve others in our communities.
Evaluation Questions:
- Why is service to others important in the Christian faith?
- How did Jesus exemplify service to others?
- What are some ways you can serve others in your community?
Week 7: Call to Service
Overview: This lesson deepens the understanding of service, with an emphasis on how students can serve God by serving others.
Key Concepts:
- The Joy of Serving: Serving others leads to joy and fulfillment, as it aligns with God’s will for His people.
- Serving God through Action: Service can be in the form of caring for others, sharing resources, and spreading the gospel.
Example:
- The early Christians served one another by sharing their possessions and caring for the poor, as described in Acts 2:42-47.
Reading Assignment:
- Read Acts 2:42-47 and reflect on the importance of serving the community. Write about how you can serve in your church or school.
Evaluation Questions:
- What are the benefits of serving others?
- How did the early Christians serve one another?
- How can you serve in your church or school community?
Week 8: Call to Service
Overview: This lesson concludes the series on service, encouraging students to identify specific ways they can serve God and others in practical terms.
Key Concepts:
- Christian Service in Daily Life: Service is not limited to grand actions but can also be shown in simple, everyday acts of kindness.
- Making Service a Lifestyle: Christians are called to make serving others a regular part of their lives, whether at home, school, or in the wider community.
Example:
- A student can serve their classmates by helping others with their studies, showing kindness, and supporting those in need.
Reading Assignment:
- Write a plan outlining three ways you can serve others in the next month. Share this plan with your class.
Evaluation Questions:
- How can service become a regular part of your life?
- What are some simple ways you can serve others daily?
- Why is it important to make service a lifestyle?
Week 9: Call to Service
Overview: This final lesson on service wraps up the term by reinforcing the importance of serving God and others. Students are encouraged to reflect on their spiritual growth and how they can continue to serve in the future.
Key Concepts:
- Service as a Reflection of Faith: Serving others demonstrates the love of Christ and strengthens faith.
- Long-Term Commitment to Service: Service should be a lifelong commitment, not a one-time action.
Example:
- Mother Teresa is an example of a person who dedicated her life to serving the poor and showing the love of Christ to others.
Reading Assignment:
- Research a Christian figure known for their service, such as Mother Teresa, and write a report on how their life exemplified service.
Evaluation Questions:
- What long-term impact can service have on a person’s faith?
- How did Mother Teresa exemplify the call to service?
- How can you make service a lifelong commitment?
Conclusion
By the end of the second term, JSS 1 students will have a deeper understanding of repentance, obedience, and service. These lessons will inspire students to live according to Christian principles, fostering spiritual growth, and helping them become active participants in their communities.
Reading Assignment (Final):
- Write a reflection on how you plan to implement repentance, obedience, and service in your life moving forward.
Evaluation Questions (Final):
- What have you learned about repentance, obedience, and service?
- How will you apply these lessons in your life?