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THIRD TERM E-LEARNING NOTE
SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE CLASS: SS 2
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC
- The Supremacy of God
- Elijah at Mount Carmel.
- Religious Reforms.
- Concern for One’s nation.
- Faith and Courage in God.
- Faith in God.
- Social Justice.
- True Religion.
- Divine Love.
- Man’s Response to God’s Love.
- Revision.
- Examination.
REFERENCE
- Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3. By Edmond Ugochukwu.
- Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3. By Martins I. Amaechi, RSV Bible (Compulsory)
WEEK ONE
TOPIC: The Supremacy of God
CONTENT
- Religious Tension In Israel I Kings 16;29-34;17;1-18;19;1-8
- Elijah Predicts Drought in Israel I kings 17;1-16
God is a spirit and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.God is Omnipotent- He is all powerful. He is greater than every problem we have.In most difficult times, God always proves Himself. Heis the Greatest, the Highest, and the Ultimate.
- Religious Tension in Israel 1 kings 16:29-34;17:1-18;19:1-8
Ahab is being described as the king who” did evil in the sight of God more than all before him”. This is essentially owing to his marriage to the Sidonian princess-Jezebel, who infested Israel with the worship of Baal,
to extent that the worship of the real God was almost scrapped. Ahab even erected an altar for Baal.
Consequently, there arose a religious tension in Israel, as Baalism almost supplanted or overthrew the worship of God. Jezebel waxed stronger by the day, with no regard for the God of Israel, killing prophets of God with reckless abandon and chasing the rest into hiding. This is to enforce the worship of Baal.
- Elijah predicts drought in Israel I Kings 17;1-16
This was the picture of things in Israel when God sent Elijah to Ahab to proclaim a three year drought,apparently as punishment for Israel for abandoning their God. God divinely directed Elijah to stay where God had provided for him away from Ahab and Jezebel. God fed him regularly in several places.First was the Brook Cherith. He drank from the brook while the raven fed him with bread and meat.Elijah was also sent to the widow at Zarephath when the brook dried up.
For the King and his people however, they were thrown into chaos and tension as the drought took his tollon the nation. Obadiah, a man who feared God greatly, hid and fed a hundred prophets of God in a cave.
He saved them from Jezebel’s sword throughout the drought.
EVALUATION
- Discuss the religious tension in Israel and relate it to the religious tension in your own country
- What lessons can be learnt from the religious tensions in Israel?
Why Elijah pronounced drought:Ahab’s response and Supremacy
God sent Elijah to proclaim the three year drought as punishment for both Ahab and the entire people of Israel for forsaking Him, the Almighty and worshipping Baal.
The following episodes show the supremacy of God.
- As the Supreme Being, He with-held rain for three consecutive years to teach the Israelites a bitter lesson as a result of their unfaithfulness to God.
- While the drought lasted, God made provisions for Elijah.
- God used Obadiah to protect all his prophets throughout the duration of the drought.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- Good leaders should not allow their conduct to bring punishment and frustration to those they are leading.
- Those in position of authority should obey the rules and abide by the laws in order to command good followership.
- Leaders should avoid being derailed by those close to them.In time of crisis, God always protects His own people. This was the case with Elijah and the 100 prophets hidden by Obadiah.
EVALUATION
- Why did Elijah pronounce drought on Israel and how did Ahab react to it?
- What lessons about the supremacy of God do we learn from this event?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Discuss the religious tension in Israel and relate it to the religious tension in your own country
- What lessons can be learnt from the religious tensions in Israel?
- Give an account of the first creation.
- Narrate the second account of creation.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1- 3 By Edmond Ugochukwu.
RSV Bible Read I Kings 17:1-18; 19:1-8.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Ahab sinned against God by building an altar for Baal at___. A. Jerusalem B. Bethel C. Samaria
D.Tabor
- Baal was a mere title meaning A. god B. lord C. wood D. log
- Elijah was fed by a raven at A. Brook KishonB. Brook CherithC.Zarephath D. Kidron
- The servant of Ahab who saved one hundred prophets of God was A.GehaziB. Obadiah C.Amaziah
D. Nimshi
- Jezebel was a princess from the land of ———- A. Moab B. Sidon C. Israel D. Samaria
THEORY
- Describe the religious tension during the reign of Ahab.
- Discuss the role of Obadiah during the religious tension?
WEEK TWO
TOPIC: ELIJAH AT MOUNT CARMEL I Kings 18:17-41
CONTENT
The Mount Carmel contest.
- How Mount Carmel proved the supremacy of God.
- Lessons to learn.
- The Mount Carmel contest.
God, being merciful, decided to end the suffering of the people. He manifested this through the contest on Mount Carmel where He established His supremacy through Prophet Elijah. This episode on Mount Carmel is significant in two way: it was an opportunity for natural repentance, as well as opportunity to demonstrate God’s supremacy over Baal, as exemplified in the following.
Thus, the stage was set to know the true God. All the prophets of Baal were present, numbering four hundred and fifty. Elijah ordered that two bulls be provided, one for the prophets of Baal and one for him as a prophet of God. The prophets of Baal prayed from morning till evening calling on their god, but no fire came down.Elijah, having made the prophets of Baal confirm that they were tired, re- prepared the altar with pieces of stones; placed the bull on it and called on God to send fire down to consume everything as a proof of his supremacy. At once, fire came from heavenand consume everything. The prophets of Baal were filled with awe and the children of Israel fell on their faces covered with shame.They confessed –”The Lord, He is God”.
Elijah did not spare the prophets of Baal,he killed all of them and then announced the coming of
rain, invariably, to end the drought.Elijah went to end the drought.Elijah went to the top of Mount Carmel to pray andGod answered with a heavy rainfall. This was how Elijah demonstrated the supremacy of God over all false gods.
EVALUATION
- Show how the contest on Mount Carmel illustrated the supremacy of God.
- What lesson can be drawn from this?
HOW MOUNT CARMEL EPISODE PROVED THE SUPREMACY OF GOD.
- The contest at Mount Carmel proved the supremacy of God over Baal.
- The killing of 450 prophets of Baal brought to light God’s Supremacy as it brought to end the worship of Baal in Israel.
- The Mount Carmel episode stampede out Baalism totally as all her prophets were killed thereafter. It was an act of God to flush out Baalism.
- It shows God as consuming fire. He is slow to anger. He always gives sinners long time to repent.
EVALUATION
- Narrate the contest on Mount Carmel.
- How did this contest demonstrate the Supremacy of God.
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Narrate the contest on Mount Carmel.
- How did this contest demonstrate the Supremacy of God.
- Discuss God as the controller of the universe.
- Describe the uniqueness of man among the creations of God.
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu. Pages 50-54.
- Read RSV Bible I Kings 16;29-34;17;1-7 18;1-19 19;1-18.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- After the contest on mount carmel, Elijah killed — prophets A. 400 B. 450 C. 500 D.350
- During the reign of Ahab, the supremacy of God was championed by A. Elisha B. Hazeel C. Elijah
D. Jothan
- Elijah demonstrated the supremacy of God to the people of Israel by A. ordering fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice B. prophesying the death of Ahab C. slaying all the worshippers of Baal D. make the sun to stand still
- —- was the number of baal prophets that contested on Mount Carmel with Elijah A. 400 B. 450 C. 350 D. 500
- Baal worship was introduced in Israel by — A. Omri B. Jezebel C. Jehu D. Joab
THEORY
- Discuss the religious tensions in Israel and relate it to the religious tensions in your own country today.
- What lessons can be learnt from the religious tensions in Israel.
WEEK THREE
TOPIC: Religious Reforms
CONTENT
- Josiah’s religious reforms II King 22
- Reconstrution of the temple
Josiah’s religious reform II Kings22
Josiah was the grandson of King Manasseh of Judah who was notorious for hisintroduction of many other
religious beliefs and doctrines into the orthodox mode of worship. Manasseh was succeeded by his son Amon who walked in the ways of his father by serving idols. After his death, his eight year old son, Josiah was crowned King. Unlike his father, Josiah is rated one of the best kings of Judah as he served God, putting away his father and grandfather’s gods. When he was twenty- six years, he embarked on a repair of the temple so as to put in a better focus, the true worship of God.He reigned for thirty—one years in Jerusalem. At twelve years of his reign, he began to purge Judah of idolatry. The book of the law was found by Hilkiah, the prophet and this was read to the king. Prophetess Huldah told him that God will surely bring judgment upon the land because of their sin of idolatry. Josiah summoned all the people after this was revealed to him. He renewed his covenant with God promising to be faithful as all the people joined him in pledging their readiness to serve God.
ASPECTS OF JOSIAH’S REFORMS
- He ordered the removal and burning of all vessels and ritual objects installed by his fore- father king Manasseh.
- Priest of all the foreign gods were demoted; their idols destroyed and their altars pulled down.
- The houses of cult prostitutes were destroyed.
- Josiah restored the feast of Passover which was abandoned prior to Josiah’s time.
- He abolished witchcraft, sorcery, sooth- saying and divination and banished their practitioners.
- He extended his reform to the Northern kingdom. In Samaria and Bethel, he destroyed the shrines built by Jeroboam, son of Nebat; as well as slaughtered their priest.
- He brought out the Asherah from the temple and burnt it.
EVALUATION
- Discuss the various religious reforms carried out by Josiah.
- State four ways by which Christians can maintain the purity of their religion.
Reconstruction Of The temple
Part of the religious reforms carried out by Josiah was the repair of the temple so as to put is
a better focus, the true worship of God.He began to purge Judah of idolatry. Later, when the book of the law was found in the temple by Hilkiah, the high priest, Josiah engaged in other reforms. The book was read to the king and when he heard the content, he rent his clothes as a sign of repentance because he knew they transgressed.His reforms were geared towards streamlining the real paths to worship God as well as rid this path of distortions.However, since the king had repented, his eyes would not see the punishment. He would die peacefully and be buried in peace.
SIGNIFICANCE OF JOSIAH’S REFORMS
- Josiah’s reforms brought about spiritual revival in Israel.The temple in Jerusalem was repaired and established as the centre of worship in Israel.
- The reforms made the people re- dedicate themselves to God.
- The ordinances and the statutes were now made clearer to the people.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- We should endeavour to obey God’s laws and his words no matter how hard it may seem to be.
- There is need to change our ways, cleanse our heart, etc so that we can worship God in purity.
EVALUATION
- How was the book of the law discovered in during the reign of king Josiah?
- What religious reforms did king Josiah execute during his tenure?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Discuss the various religious reforms carried out by Josiah.
- State four ways by which Christians can maintain the purity of their religion.
- Describe the life of Joseph in Portiphar’s house.
- Describe the skills of Joseph as governor of Egypt.
READING ASSIGNMENT
- Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 77- 81
- RSV Bible Read II Kings 22;23;1-3
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- How old was Josiah when he began to rule? A. 8years B. 9 years C.10 years D.7 years
- The high priest in the temple who discovered the book of the law was –. A.Ahikam B. Acbar
C.Hilkiah D. Jehu
- The prophetess through whom God delivered his message to Judah during the reign of Josiah was —.
AHuldah B. Deborah C.Jael D. Nasra
- Which of this was not an aspect of Josiah’s reforms? A. Restoration of the Passover’s festival
B. Changing of the days of worship C. Burning of vessels and ritual objects. D. He puts away the mediums and the wizards
- Reading the contents of the book of the law books and discovering the extents of Judah’s transgression, Josiah’s immediate reaction was —.A. Summon all the people B. Proclaim a fast C. Declare a day of mourning D.he rent his clothes in anger
THEORY
- Discuss the various religious reforms carried out by Josiah?
- Explain the significance of Josiah’s religious reforms?
WEEK FOUR
TOPIC: CONCERN FOR ONE’S NATION
CONTENT
A. The condition of the nation II Kings 24; 25;1-17
B. Response to the state of the nation Neh 1;1-11,20;9-20,4;1-23,Ezra 1;1-11
- The condition of the nation II Kings 24; 25;1-17
A nation at times undergoes some difficult periods.It may be political, economic or social.People that love their nation identify themselves with these problems and offer possible solutions to the problems. These type of people can be described as being “Patriotic”. Such was the situation in Israel when some people exhibited noticeable acts of patriotism. These were Ezra, Zerubbabeland Nehemiah. This occasion was the exile of Judah and the destruction of the temple and walls of Jerusalem.
Jehoiakim was twenty- five years old when he began to rule Judah in Jerusalem. He was formerly called Eliakim.King Neco changed his name to Jehoiakim when he (Neco) conquered Israel.Jehoiakim was the son of Josiah, the man who carried out various reforms in Israel.Jehoiakim was very lax in attitude, carefree and non – challant.
Meanwhile, by this time,(605BC) Egypt had been defeated by Babylon under king Nebuchadnezzar. Consequently, Judah automatically transferred its allegiance to Babylon.King Jehoiakim rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar . Nebuchadnezzar reacted by sending a powerful contingency of the Chaldeans, Syrians, Moabites, and Ammonites to destroy Judah. Jehoiakim died that same year before the arrival of the invaders, and was replaced by Jehoiachin,his eighteen year old son. Nebuchadnezzar, in (598BC) invaded Judah and took men of Judah, the mighty men of valor,as well as craftsmen and smiths. Also, the temple was looted as well as the king’s house, only the poorest and the aged were spared.
To make matters worse, Nebuchadnezzar made Mattaniah – Jehoiachin’s uncle, King in his stead and changed his name to Zedekiah. It was not long before Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar invaded Judah again, Zedekiah fled with his men, but was captured and tortured and his two sons were killed before him just before his two eyes plucked out. He was taken to Babylon, where he eventually died. Nebuchadnezzar sent his men to burn down Jerusalem including the temple walls. This time another batch of captives were taken to Babylon.
EVALUATION
- Narrate the series of factors that led to the disintegration of Israel as a nation.
- What are the qualities of a patriotic leader?
RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF A NATION AND NEHEMIAH’S ROLE IN
RECONSTRUCTING THE NATION. NEH. 1;1-11, 2;9-20, 4;1-23.
Following the conquest of Israel by Babylon, Israel did not exist again as a nation. Most of the people were taken as captives to Babylon, though they were not enslaved and they settled in a particular area. Later Persia defeated Babylon, and became world super power. Babylon and all his empire were now under Persia. Cyrus, king of Persia stirred by the spirit of God, called on all Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of God. He equally called on people to assist them financially. He also returned five thousand four hundred and sixty- nine vesselsof gold and silver which king Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple.
Following this decree, various patriots rose up to the occasion and played various roles which finally saw the establishment of Israel as a nation. Remarkable among them were Zerubabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah who led five thousand Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple of God. Some people ( Samaritans) tried to oppose what these men were doing : they were Bishlam, Mithreadath, and Tabeel. God was with these men and the work was completed.
Nehemiah being the cupbearer to the king used this position to seek permission to build the temple. His request was granted. Some people tried to frustrate their efforts, they were Samballat, and Tobiah, but despite the opposition, the work was completed in fifty two days.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- Their actions showed strong concern and commitment to God and their nation which are acts of patriotism.
- We should not forget our responsibilities to others simply because we are in comfortable position. Even as Nehemiah was a top ranking officer under Arxtaxerxes, he never forgot his duty.
- Even in the midst of danger, we should not be afraid to perform our responsibilities. Nehemiah at the risk of the death from armed opposition was not deterred in the service of his people.
EVALUATION
- Narrate how Nehemiah, Zerubabbel and Ezra contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
- What lessons could be learnt from the concern shown by the three men above for their nations?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Narrate the series of factors that led to the disintegration of Israel as a nation.
- What are the qualities of a patriotic leader?
- What advice did Paul give on the use of individual talents in his epistle?
- Identify any two ways of applying your talents.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Ugochukwu Pages 58- 62
RSV Bible Read II Kings 24; 25;1- 17, Neh.1;1-11, 2;9-20 ,4;1-23.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Which of these kings of Judah died one month before his nation was invaded by Nebuchadnezzar?
A. JehoiakimB.JehoiachimC. Zedekiah D. Nimshi
- Which of these kings did Nebuchadnezzar change his name A.Jehoiakim B.Jehoiachim C.Mattaniah D. Jeshron
- What was the city of Riblah to Babylon? A. Acentre of worship B. The city for refugees C. The headquarter D. An annex
- The Persian king who decreed that all Jews can go was___.A.Artaxerxes B. Nebuchadnezzar C. Cyrus D. Nathan
- During the rebuilding of the temple, the greatest opposition came from the____. A. Ammonites
B. Masses C. Samaritans D. Tishbites
THEORY
- What are the qualities of a patriotic Leader?
WEEK FIVE
TOPIC: The Three Hebrews in Exile
CONTENT
- The Three Hebrew Children
- The Test of their Faith
Three Hebrew Children
In 598 B.C, when Nebuchadnezzar over- ran Judah and took the people to exile in Babylon, among the young men taken to Babylon were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego whose faith and confidence in God were second to none. These men were Jews who were brought into captivity in Babylon. While in captivity, they still dedicated themselves to the worship of their God and strict observance to the ordinances and statutes of the God of Israel.Due to the outstanding qualities in these men, they were appointed officials in the Babylonian kingdom.
EVALUATION
1.Who were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
2. Describe the incidence that brought these three men to Babylon?
The Test of their Faith
A situationcame when Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image and invited all the officials in the provinces of Babylon to come for the dedication of the image. He ordered that when they heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe and all kinds of music, all the officials from various provinces should fall down and worship the golden image which he had made. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the image and this made certain Chaldeans accuse and report them to the king.
Nebuchadnezzar quickly summoned them and queried why they refused to worship the god he made. The reply the men gave him made him furious. He ordered that the furnace be heated seven times more than its normal heat. These men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) were cast into the fiery burning furnace. The king was astonished when he discovered that the men were not hurt and although, they had been bound but were loosed. Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth person with them in the furnace; he acknowledged Him to be the Son of God.
The expression of boldness, courage and faith by these Jews gave king Nebuchadnezzar the true picture of God and his authority as the God of Israel. The king therefore decreed that any person that would ever speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, should together with his household be put to death. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were promoted in the provinces. This was the profit of great faith, courage and confidence in God.
EVALUATION
1. Trace the incidence that led to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the heated fiery furnace.
2. What three lessons can be drawn from these?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Who were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
- Describe the incidence that brought these three men to Babylon?
- Mention three leadership qualities of Joshua.
- Describe the faith of Joshua.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 87-88
RSV Bible Daniel 3: 1-30
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- For refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were___.
A. executed publicly B. thrown into the fire C. demoted from serving the king D. shot at their legs
- The faith and courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made Nebuchadnezzar issue a decree that____. A. All men must worship his golden image B. unbelievers must be thrown into the fiery furnace C. anyone who spoke against God should be destroyed D. the furnace would be hotter than normal
- The people that reported Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to king Nebuchadnezzar were____. A. the Jews B. the Chaldeans C. the Satraps D. the Publicans
Answer True / false for the following:
- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were promoted in the province as a result of their faith and courage.
- The furnace was so hot that it consumed those men who cast the Jews into the furnace.
THEORY
- Trace theincidence that led to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the heated fiery furnace
- What three lessons can be drawn from it?
WEEK SIX
TOPIC: Faith in God
CONTENT
- Faith and Courage Daniel 3:1-20
- Faith and Power Daniel 6:1-28
Faith and Courage
Faith and trust are inter- changeable. Both imply confidence in God’s ability to solve any problem one encounters, abandoning self- interest, self- reliance, arrogance, pride and self- trust. Faith implies firmness in one’s confidence in God in the midst of unfavorable situations.
Faith and Power Daniel 6:1- 28
King Darius of Persia divided his kingdom into a hundred and twenty (120) satraps ( governors) with only three presidents appointed to oversee all. Daniel, by divine act was one of the presidents. Besides, he was the most favored of the three presidents. As a result,his colleagues were full of jealousy and plotted to destroy him. Finding nothing on which to pin Daniel down, they moved to the king and compelled him to make a law that no one, for thirty days should request anything from God or man, except from the king . The penalty was casting the culprit into the Lions’ den.
King Darius obliged them and made the decree, not knowing their plot was to rope someone in of and reported to the king . The King looked for a way to release Daniel when he realized what he did, but the enemies reminded him that right from time immemorial, the laws of Medes and Persia were unchangeable.
Against his wish therefore the King cast Daniel into the den of lions, but prayed for Daniel for God to deliver him. The King could not sleep all night. Early the following morning, the king rose and came to the den to see if Daniel was dead or alive. Daniel was alive and told him that his God had sent his angels and shut the mouth of the lions and they could not harm him. The King was happy. He ordered that Daniel be brought out and those men who accused Daniel together with their families were cast into the den of lions. He also decreed that throughout his kingdom, everyone should worship the God of Daniel.
EVALUATION
Discuss the accusation brought against Daniel.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- God always delivers his people from their enemies.
- False accusers will never go unpunished. Daniel’s false accusers die eventually.
- Our faith in God can effect a change on others around us. The faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego makes all Babylon to begin to worship God. The same goes for Daniel, Darius recommends the God of Daniel to all his provinces.
- For God to rise to our protection, we must have absolute faith in him as well as be upright like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
EVALUATION
- Narrate the story of Daniel in which faith was put to test
- What two suggestions will you give to a present day priest who faces opposition in his work of evangelism?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Narrate the story of Daniel in which faith was put to test
- What two suggestions will you give to a present day priest who faces opposition in his work of evangelism?
- Describe how Deborah led her people to victory.
- Mention various ways women are contributing to the development of the society today.
READING ASSIGMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 87-92
RSV Bible Read Daniel 3:1-30,6:1-28
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Darius did not want to kill Daniel because he (a) knew that Daniel was blameless (b) was afraid of the people’s reaction (c) was afraid of God’s punishment (d) was a responsible person
- Daniel was one of the three____. (a)presidents (b) chairmen (c) securities (d) council members
- Daniel was cast into the lion’s den because (a) he was a Jew (b) he prayed to his God (c) he raped the king’s wife (d) he was by the window
- The lions could not hurt Daniel because (a) he had some magical powers (b) the demons were scared of him (c) he trusted in God (d) he was a shepherd
- People were to pray to the king for — (a) twenty days (b) thirty days (c) ten weeks (d) fifty days
THEORY
- Discuss Daniel’s lion’s den episode?
- What three lessons can you learn from it?
WEEK SEVEN
TOPIC: SOCIAL JUSTICE Amos 2:6-8, 4, 5: 1-29, 9: 10-17, 8: 1-14
CONTENT
- Areas of Social Decay which Amos Attacked.
- Nature of God’s Punishment.
At the time Amos prophesied in Israel, his focus was on two aspects of Israel’s life. Social justice and true religion. The true worship of God had given way to immorality and hypocrisy in the worship of God. The Israelites had forsaken the laws of Moses. God was very annoyed and sent his prophet Amos to warn the people.
AREAS OF SOCIAL DECAY WHICH AMOS ATTACKED
- The judges themselves who were supposed to be custodian of justice were totally corrupt.
- As a result of the judges’ corruption the poor could not seek redress in the courts. They were instead robbed of justice and justice was given to the highest bidder- the wealthy.
- The poor were occasionally robbed of their properties when they could not fulfill their pledges.
- The poor were exploited by the rich. The rich became richer by using false weights and measures while selling to the poor.
- The rich built store houses and lived in luxury with money gotten from cheating of the poor.
- In spite of various forms of punishment like famine, drought, blight and mildew, locust infestation, depopulation, they still persisted.
- The poor were humiliated and made to suffer unnecessarily.
- Sexual immorality pervaded the social life of the people as there was indiscriminate sex. A man and his
father could go into the same woman.
- The rich slept on the garments taken in pledge from the poor. This was wrong because whatever was in pledge was supposed to be left untampered with until it was reclaimed. The same goes to the wine of those fined. But the rich drank such wine, in the house of God for that matter
- Their women fed fat on the proceed of their husband’s oppression of the poor. They drank wines from bowls; hence they are referred to as ”cows of Bashan”.
- Israel has turned into a nation that hates those who speak the truth and those who rebuke evil doers.
EVALUATION
- Describe any three practices which Amos condemned during his time?
- Indicate three things he recommended in their place
NATURE OF GOD’S PUNISHMENT
While Amos was busy warning the people to desist from their evil ways, he also pronounced to them unequivocally God’s punishment if they failed to repent. Amos therefore warned them that they should prepared for total doom . God would punish them as follows:
- The women of Samaria must go into exile ”with hooks” i.e fish hook. This means they would be exiled in a painful and humiliating manner.
- There will be wailing in the street squares and vineyards, signifying a very outrageous calamity which God will bring upon Israel.
- A nation will be raised by God that will conquer Israel and carry her into exile.
- Those who extort money from the poor will never live in the houses they built, neither shall they rear their vineyards.
- The hope of those exploiting the poor will be shattered and their feast turned to mourning.
NOTE: WE are to teach on Amos’ encounter with Amaziah at Bethel.
EVALUATION
- Compare the moral and religious atrocities committed during Amos’ days and the ones committed today in Nigeria
- Enumerate the punishment God lined up for Israel?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Describe any three practices which Amos condemned during his time?
- Indicate three things he recommended in their place
- Mention four ways that God leads people.
- Narrate the crossing of the Red Sea event.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- According to Amos, Israel sold the righteous for – (a) gold (b) silver (c) a pair of shoes (d) pearls
- Amos described the women of Samaria as__. (a) harlot (b) cows (c) adulterers (d) fornicators
- ___ was the home country of Amos. (a) Bethel (b) Bashan (c) Tekoa (d) Iconium
- According to Amos the people of Israel were guilty of (a) murder (b) witchcraft (c) fornication
(d) maltreatment
- The main theme of Amos prophecy in Israel was justice and — (a) mercy (b) charity (c) righteousness (d)chastity
THEORY
- Enumerate the various social vices in Israel?
WEEK EIGHT
TOPIC:-TRUE RELIGION AMOS 5:12-24
CONTENT
- Areas of false religion which Amos attacked.
- What Amos required from Israel.
Alongside social justice which God demanded from Israel, was true religion because at that period, the worship of God had been adulterated with the worship of baal.
AREAS OF FALSE RELIGION WHICH AMOS ATTACKED
- The people’s worship of God was ineffective, shallow and amounted to lip- service.
- The two places of worship – Bethel and Gilgal were defiled.
- Although the people fulfilled the physical obligation of worship – sacrifice, payment of tithes and others. These were not accepted by God because the land had been polluted by sin – The people were only hypocritical.
- Israel mis-behaved by thinking that because they were God’s people, God would over –look their atrocities.
- They wallowed in ignorance by thinking that those obligations of covenant which they made with God could be fulfilled by mere sacrifices.
Invariably, God was very angry, rejecting and turning his face away from their sacrifices Amos reiterated that for Israel, there was no future.
EVALUATION
- How can religion contribute to sanitizing the society morally?
- What four lessons can we learn from the punishment lined up against Israel?
WHAT AMOS REQUIRED FROM ISRAEL
However, in spite of the irrevocability of God’s punishment, Amos offered a ray of hope – saying that if the people repented genuinely, God might show some grace.
- Israel should seek God so they will live. (Amos 5:4)
- They should not seek Bethel or Gilgal or Beersheba since all these places of worship will be brought to ruins worshipping God should be within and not outwardly.
- Those who turn judgment to wormwood should desist from it.
- They should hate evil and love good.
- Justice should be established in the gate .
- Righteousness should be allowed to reign like “an ever flowing steam”.
- The people should repent and go back to God for he may still forgive them .
- True religion demands purity of heart, honest desires and faithfulness to God.
LESSONS TO LEARN
- People should worship the Lord in Spirit and not mere outward expression of morality.
- Payment of tithes and offering is meaningless if Christians do not live upright
- Too much love of luxuryand pleasure drags people into all kinds of evil and social vices.
EVALUATION
- What areas of false religion did Amos condemn.
- What lessons can we learn from the punishment lined up against Israel?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- How can religion contribute to sanitizing the society morally?
- What four lessons can we learn from the punishment lined up against Israel?
- Narrate the provision of water for the Israelites.
- Mention at least, three parables that describe the kingdom of God
READING ASSIGNMENT
Essential Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Edmond Ugochukwu pages 71-74
RSV Bible Amos 5: 21-24 ,7:10-17
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- For Amaziah, Amos prophesied that he would – (a) be killed in a war (b) be dethroned (c) die in an unclean land (d) die in the gallows
- Amos described true religion as – (a) engaging in sacrifices (b) being just and righteous (c) engaging in holy feast and assemblies (d) attending church services
- Amos condemned the people of Israel for all the following sins except____. (a) selling the righteous for silver (b) trampling the head of the poor (c) upholding the way of the afflicted (d) unholy lifestyle
- According to Amos, true religion is described as one in which (a) feast and solemn assembly play important roles (b) fasting and praying (c) being just and righteous (d) sacrifices are made
- Amaziah was a —— in Bethel (a) prophet (b)priest (c) king (d) monk
THEORY
- Explain Amos encounter with Amaziah
- What two lessons can we learn from this encounter?
WEEK NINE
TOPIC: DIVINE LOVE
CONTENT
(a) The love of God
(b) Lessons to learn from Hosea’s marital experience, the Divine love of God and the significance of Hosea’s marital experience.
THE LOVE OF GOD HOSEA 1,2,3 AND 4
God instructed Hosea to go and marry a harlot by name Gomer this was to show the unfaithfulness of Israel to God. Hosea’s experience in the marriage was horrible. Gomer gave birth to a son and named him ”Jezreel”meaning God will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel. Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter named ”Not pitied” which meant God will no longer have pity on Israel. The third child Gomer gave birth to was a son named ”Not my people” meaning God had rejected Israel as his people just as they had rejected him as their God. It was after giving birth to these three children that Gomer went away leaving Hosea with the children and ran after her lovers. She was unfaithful. All attempts made by Hosea to plead with her and bring her back failed. Hosea sent her children to plead with her but she refused to come back home.
At last, Hosea not knowing what else to do divorced her. Eventually, however, he reclaimed her back to himself. At this period, just like the days of Amos, the worship of baal thrived in Israel. Several times God pleaded with Israel to forsake baal and worship him: they still refused. God had the hope of bringing them back one day to himself.
Hence, Gomer’s adultery is a symbol of Israel’s adultery. They were making sacrifices to Baal. The messages of Hosea portrayed God as Israel’s husband and Israel as the unfaithful wife Just as Gomer refused to come back to her husband and her husband decided to divorce her, Israel would as well face total ruin if they failed to repent. As a husband, God expects Israel to show that faithfulness which a wife owes her husband, failure of which, she will be divorced finally (she will be ruined).
One striking similarity in the message of both Amos and Hosea is God’s willingness and readiness to accept his people back, if they repent genuinely.
EVALUATION
- Describe Hosea’s marital experience?
- How does it demonstrates the love of God for Israel?
LESSONS TO LEARN
- Hosea’s message emphasizes the love of God for Israel when she forsook the Lord. As Hosea tries to win his wife back, God also tries to win Israel to himself.
- God’s punishment for Israel is meant to be corrective or to serve as a disciplinary measure.
- God’s covenant with Israel is unchangeable. No matter how much they sin, once they repent, God will surely forgive them. He is a covenant keeping God.
- Hosea’s marital experience symbolizes God’s love for Israel. God is like a husband and He expects his wife (Israel) to be faithful to him.
- The God we serve is a merciful God in spite of our sins today, He is still willing to take us back if we repent.
EVALUATION
- According to Hosea, what should be the nature of Israel’s true response to God’s love?
- Outline the various ways some Nigerians respond to God’s love today?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- Describe Hosea’s marital experience?
- How does it demonstrate the love of God for Israel?
- Describe the protection of God over the Israelites.
- Discuss the effect of the Red Sea event on the Israelites.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 102-104
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Gomer’s second child was named – (a) Icabod (b) Jezreel (c) Not my people (d) Nimshi
- According to Hosea, Israel’s response to God was (a) a very genuine repentance (b) a very non- challant
repentance (c) a brief repentance (d) true love
- Hosea divorced his wife because___. (a) she was a harlot (b) she refused to come back (c) she was unfaithful (d) she was wasteful
- Gomer was the daughter of – (a) Isaiah (b) Amaziah (c) Diblaim (d) Ammon
- Hosea’s wife was a (a) diviner (b) harlot (c) prophetess (d) witch
THEORY
- How does the story of Hosea and Gomer in respect of Israel portray the nature of God?
- What lessons can we learn from the story of Hosea and Gomer?
WEEK TEN
TOPIC: Man’s response to God’s love Hosea 6:1-11,14
CONTENT
- What God requires from man
- Lessons to learn
- WHAT GOD REQUIRES FROM MAN
God genuinely loves man. He is faithful to man in all forms. He makes provisions for man to enjoy. Man, on his part is not faithful. Many people pretend as if they love God, but their relationship with God is questionable. They only go to God when they feel they have a problem just to know whether God will solve the problem or not. Some even make vows and pledges to God once God solves the problem, they will not only default in paying the vow, they willgo back to their sinful life. This was the case with the Israelites. Many of them do not have genuine love in their mind.
No man can trick God. God is a spirit and whoever worships him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Apparently, God knows the wickedness of their heart. This is the reason why He makes it clear what He needs from them. He says He desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. The people think they can win God by their numerous sacrifices without holiness and righteousness.
EVALUATION
- How can Christians respond to God’s love today?
- What according to Hosea does God require from man?
- LESSONS TO LEARN
- Many Christians today, in their relationship with God, play the role of a harlot. God is faithful to them but they are not faithful to God.
- Many are in the church, not because they love God, but because of material gain. Once they get it they forsake God.
- Once people forsake God, God forsakes them and calamity takes over their life, just as the Israelites go into captivity because they forsake God.
- Christians cannot use tithes and offering to appease God. What God requires from his children is steadfast love and faithfulness.
EVALUATION
- Outline the various ways Nigerians respond to God’s love today?
- According to Hosea, what should be the nature of Israel’s true respond to God’s love?
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
- How can Christians respond to God’s love today?
- What according to Hosea does God require from man?
- Why should a Christian perform civic responsibilities?
- How far are today’s Christians obeying Paul’s injunction of civic responsibility?
READING ASSIGNMENT
Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS1-3 by Martins I Amaechi pages 105- 107
RSV Bible Read Hosea 6: 11; 14
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
- Hosea came to his vocation as a prophet through (a) personal love (b) frequent calls from God (c) a message he received in a dream (d)a trance from God
- The main message of Hosea is that God desires –(a) love and sacrifice (b) sacrifice and thanksgiving (c)steadfast love and not sacrifice (d) feasting
- Hosea described Israel relationship with God as that of (a) faithful wife and faithless husband (b) loving wife and her faithful (c) faithless wife and loving husband (d) worthless husband and faithless wife
- God commanded Hosea to take for himself a harlot as a wife to – (a) enjoy a good married wife (b) have children from the harlot wife (c) experience the harlotry Israel committed against God (d) be fruitful
- What was the name of the last child born by Gomer for Hosea? (a) Jezreel (b) Not my people (c) Not pitied (d) Obadiah
THEORY
- In what ways did the action of the Israelites show unfaithfulness to God?
- In what ways do many Christians in Nigeria respond to God’s love?
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