As students approach their SS 2 examinations for Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in the second term, it is vital to ensure a solid grasp of key biblical events and concepts. This revision covers critical topics from the Old Testament that shape Christian living, focusing on responsibility, obedience, friendship, decision-making, and consequences. The following analysis offers a comprehensive breakdown of each topic with detailed explanations, making it easy for students to understand.
1. Revision of Last Term/Parent Responsibilities: Eli and Samuel
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Samuel 2:12-25
- 1 Samuel 8:1-9
- 1 Samuel 2:27-36
- 1 Samuel 3:1-18
- 1 Samuel 4:10-22
Analysis: In this segment, we look at the failures and responsibilities of Eli, a priest, and his sons, who disregarded God’s commandments. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, behaved irresponsibly, exploiting their priestly roles for personal gain. Despite Eli’s warnings, they persisted in their sinful actions. God’s judgment was pronounced on Eli’s family, signaling the end of his priestly lineage. The consequences of this were realized when the Ark of the Covenant was captured, and Eli’s sons died.
Samuel, who served under Eli, became a pivotal figure, bringing forth God’s message to Israel. Samuel’s role contrasts with Eli’s failure, as Samuel grew in wisdom and helped guide Israel in times of moral and spiritual decay.
Key Questions:
- What were the irresponsible behaviors of Eli’s sons?
- How did Eli try to correct his sons, and why was it ineffective?
- What was God’s judgment against Eli’s family?
- What happened to Eli when the Ark was captured by the Philistines?
- What role did Samuel play during Eli’s downfall?
- How did Samuel respond to God’s calling in 1 Samuel 3?
- What was the significance of God’s message to Samuel?
- What is the relationship between parental responsibility and divine judgment?
- How did Eli’s failure affect the spiritual life of Israel?
- What lessons can parents learn from the story of Eli and his sons?
2. Parental Responsibilities: King Asa and King Jehoshaphat
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Kings 15:9-15
- 1 Kings 22:41-44
Analysis: King Asa of Judah demonstrated his commitment to God by reforming the practices of Israel. He removed idols and encouraged the people to turn back to God. His reign was marked by efforts to obey God’s commands, which brought peace and prosperity to Judah. King Jehoshaphat, Asa’s son, followed in his father’s footsteps by maintaining his father’s spiritual reforms. He continued to lead Judah towards a life of obedience to God, though he faced challenges in his reign.
Both kings show the significance of godly leadership and the impact it can have on a nation. Their examples highlight the importance of parents influencing their children through righteous living.
Key Questions:
- What reforms did King Asa make during his reign?
- How did King Asa’s reforms affect the people of Judah?
- What role did Jehoshaphat play in continuing Asa’s work?
- Why is parental influence significant in the lives of children, as seen with Asa and Jehoshaphat?
- How did King Asa’s obedience to God lead to prosperity for Judah?
- What were the consequences of Asa’s actions against the foreign alliance in 1 Kings 15?
- How did Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Israel affect his kingdom?
- What lessons can parents learn from the leadership of Asa and Jehoshaphat?
- How do the actions of a godly leader influence a nation?
- In what ways can parents model righteousness for their children?
3. Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience: The Rewards and Penalties
Key Scriptures:
- Exodus 20:1-17 (The Ten Commandments)
- Genesis 39:7-12 (Joseph’s Obedience)
- 1 Samuel 26:1-12 (David’s Respect for Civil Rule)
- Daniel 3:1-30 (The Three Hebrew Youths)
Analysis: The Bible emphasizes that obedience to God results in blessings and favor, while disobedience brings consequences. Joseph’s obedience to God’s commandments, even in the face of temptation, led to his rise to power in Egypt. David’s respect for King Saul, despite Saul’s attempts to kill him, resulted in God’s favor. The three Hebrew youths—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were saved from the fiery furnace because they refused to worship idols, demonstrating the consequences of obeying God.
The Ten Commandments serve as a foundational guide for Christian living, and the stories of these individuals highlight the rewards of living according to God’s will.
Key Questions:
- What are the Ten Commandments and why are they significant?
- How did Joseph’s obedience to God affect his life?
- How did David’s respect for Saul impact his future?
- What were the consequences for the three Hebrew youths for obeying God?
- Why is obedience to civil authority important, as shown in David’s respect for Saul?
- What can we learn from Joseph’s temptation and how he overcame it?
- How does obedience lead to spiritual and material rewards?
- Why was God pleased with the three Hebrew youths’ refusal to worship idols?
- How does obedience to God affect our relationship with Him?
- How can you apply the principle of obedience in your daily life?
4. Consequences of Disobedience: Saul’s Rejection as King
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Samuel 15:1-19
- 1 Samuel 16:14-23
- 1 Samuel 31:1-13
Analysis: Saul’s disobedience to God’s command during his battle with the Amalekites led to his rejection as king. Instead of following God’s instructions, Saul spared the Amalekite king and the best livestock. As a result, God withdrew His Spirit from Saul, and his reign ended in tragedy. Saul’s story serves as a powerful reminder that disobedience brings severe consequences.
Key Questions:
- What did Saul do wrong in his encounter with the Amalekites?
- How did Samuel respond to Saul’s disobedience?
- What was the consequence of Saul’s actions for his kingdom?
- How did the Spirit of God leave Saul, and what was its impact?
- What lessons can leaders learn from Saul’s rejection as king?
- Why did God command Saul to destroy everything in the Amalekite city?
- How did Saul’s disobedience affect the future of Israel?
- What happened to Saul and his sons after their defeat?
- How does disobedience hinder God’s blessings?
- How can we ensure we do not follow Saul’s path of disobedience?
5. Friendship: Jesus and His Close Companions
Key Scriptures:
- Luke 10:32-43 (Martha and Mary)
- John 11:1-44 (Jesus and Lazarus)
- 1 Samuel 18:1-9 (David, Saul, and Jonathan)
Analysis: Friendship is an important theme in Christianity, exemplified in the relationships Jesus had with His followers. The bond between Jesus, Martha, and Mary, as well as Jesus’ love for Lazarus, shows deep care, compassion, and mutual support. The friendship between David, Saul, and Jonathan also illustrates the complexity of relationships, with Jonathan’s loyalty to David prevailing even over his father Saul’s jealousy.
Key Questions:
- How did Jesus demonstrate friendship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus?
- What qualities made Jonathan a good friend to David?
- How does Jesus’ friendship with His followers serve as a model for Christian friendships?
- What are the characteristics of good and bad friends as seen in the Bible?
- How does the Bible describe true friendship?
- How did Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus impact their relationship?
- What lessons can we learn from the friendship between David and Jonathan?
- How should Christians approach friendships today?
- How do friendships influence our spiritual walk with God?
- What does the Bible say about loyalty in friendship?