NEW LIFE IN CHRIST Lesson Note
This SS1 CRS lesson note covers NEW LIFE IN CHRIST for First Term, Week 2.
Learning Objectives
- By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Explain what new life in Christ means?
- Describe the significance of faith and baptism in Christian life.
- Recognise the need to change from the old way of life to the new way of life .
- Know the importance of Christ filled life
- List the importance of a new life to Christians
Lesson Note
A. INTRODUCTION
MEANING OF NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
New life in Christ means a break from the old nature OR A total change in character from bad to good. It involves turning away from sin and the old sinful nature and living according to the will and teachings of Christ.
Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“If a person is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.”
New life therefore involves repentance, faith, obedience, righteousness, love and a transformed character.
B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FAITH AND BAPTISM IN CHRISTIAN LIFE
Paul stressed the importance of baptism, particularly by immersion, to Christians. He said when person is baptism by immersion, he is dipped into the water so,it is assumed that he has been buried with Christ.When he comes out from water,it symbolises that he has been raised with Christ. After baptism, the convert is expected to stop his old way of life and start a new way of life in Christ .
Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, enjoyed Christians to have faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They should seek things heavenly things and put away Earthy things such as fronication, impurity, Passion,evil desire, covetousness, idolatry,anger,wrath, malice, slander and foul talks.These things are old way of life which they must put off and then put on the new way which is renowed in the knowledge image of God.As God’s chosen people, Christian were advised by Paul to be holy and loving, having compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, patience, forbearance and forgiving heart towards one another as their new character or nature.More importantly, they should put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The peace of Christ should rule in their hearts.Paul , concluded the massage by advising Christian to make the word of God their guiding principle which should dwell richly in them. They should teach and admonish one another as well as sing Psalm, hymns, and spiritual songs with thankfulness to God.And in whatever they do in speech action they should do it in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God through Him.
C. NEED TO CHANGE FROM THE OLD WAYS OF LIFE TO NEW WAYS OF LIFE
A person needs to change because the old sinful way of life separates people from God and produces harmful consequences.
The change is necessary because it:
*Brings a person closer to God.
*Leads to forgiveness of sins.
*Produces a good and Godly character.
*Promotes peace and unity.
*Helps Christians become good examples to others.
*Enables Christians to fulfil God's purpose.
*Gives hope of eternal life.
*Helps a person overcome sinful way of life.
D. IMPORTANCE OF A CHRIST-FILLED LIFE
1. It brings spiritual growth
2. It produces good character
3. It enables Christians to resis son.
4. It brings peace and joy.
5. It promotes love and forgiveness.
E. IMPORTANCE OF NEW LIFE TO CHRISTIAN
1. It gives forgiveness of sin.
2. It brings reconciliation with God.
3. It gives the believer a new identity in Christ.
4. It produces the fruit of the spirit in the believer.
5. It gives Christian hope of enternal life.
Evaluation
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. New life in Christ means ______.
A. continuing in sin
B. living according to Christ's teachings
C. rejecting God
D. returning to the old sinful life
2. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, anyone who is in Christ is a ______.
A. prophet
B. new creation
C. priest
D. king
3. Who taught extensively about new life in Christ in his letters?
A. Peter
B. John
C. Paul
D. James
4. According to Paul, Christians should no longer ______.
A. pray
B. love others
C. continue living in sin
D. worship God
5. Which of the following is a characteristic of the old way of life?
A. Forgiveness
B. Humility
C. Lying
D. Patience
6. Which of the following belongs to the new life in Christ?
A. Hatred
B. Stealing
C. Bitterness
D. Forgiveness
7. Faith means ______.
A. doubt in God
B. complete trust in God
C. rejection of Christ
D. fear of people
8. Baptism symbolises ______.
A. rejection of Christ
B. death to the old life and rising to a new life
C. hatred for sinners
D. worldly success
9. One important reason for changing from the old life to the new life is to ______.
A. become closer to God
B. become richer than others
C. avoid helping people
D. gain political power
10. A Christian living a new life should be guided by ______.
A. sinful desires
B. hatred
C. the Holy Spirit
D. jealousy
Theory Questions
1.Explain what new life in Christ means?
2.Narrate the significance of faith and baptism in Christian life and out give reasons for Christian to change the old ways of life to new ways of life.