Subject: Christian Religious Studies (CRS)
Class: Grade 5
Topic: Temptation and Corruption: Meaning, Sources, and Victory
What are Temptation and Corruption?
Temptation is the strong urge or desire to do something wrong, especially something that displeases God. Temptation itself is not a sin, but giving in to it is.
Corruption is dishonest, selfish, or immoral behavior. It happens when we give in to temptation. For example, when a person is tempted to take money that is not theirs and they actually take it, that is corruption. Corruption destroys our character, ruins our relationship with God, and harms our country, Nigeria.
Sources of Temptation (1 John 2:15-17)
In the Bible, 1 John 2:15-17 warns us not to love the world or the things in it. The Bible lists three main sources of temptation:
- The Lust of the Flesh: This is the desire to satisfy our physical bodies in a wrong way (like laziness or greed).
- The Lust of the Eyes: This is wanting things we see that do not belong to us, which leads to jealousy and stealing.
- The Pride of Life: This is the desire to boast, show off, or think we are better than others.
The Temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)
After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness. He fasted for 40 days and nights and was very hungry. The Devil came to tempt Him in three ways:
- The First Temptation (Hunger): Satan told Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus refused and said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."
- The Second Temptation (Pride): Satan took Jesus to the top of the temple and told Him to jump off, saying God’s angels would catch Him. Jesus replied, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."
- The Third Temptation (Power): Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and promised to give them to Him if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Jesus ordered him away, saying, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only."
Jesus defeated the Devil by quoting the Word of God.
Common Temptations of Young People
As Grade 5 pupils, you face temptations every day. Some common ones include:
- Cheating: The temptation to copy someone else's work during an exam.
- Lying: Telling lies to avoid getting punished by your teachers or parents.
- Stealing: Taking small things like pencils, rulers, or money belonging to your classmates.
- Disobedience: Refusing to do your chores or school homework.
- Peer Pressure: Doing bad things just to fit in or look "cool" to your friends.
We can overcome these temptations by praying to God for strength, reading the Bible daily, and choosing good friends.
Summary
- Temptation is the urge to do wrong, while corruption is the dishonest act that results from giving in to temptation.
- The three sources of temptation according to 1 John 2:16 are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
- Jesus was tempted three times by the Devil in the wilderness, and He defeated Satan by using the Word of God.
- Young people face temptations like cheating, lying, and peer pressure, but we can overcome them through prayer and obedience to God.
Classwork
Answer the following questions in your exercise book:
- Define Temptation and Corruption in your own words.
- State the three sources of temptation mentioned in 1 John 2:16.
- How did Jesus defeat the Devil during His temptation in the wilderness?
- Mention three common temptations that school children face today.
- What was Jesus' reply to the Devil when He was tempted to turn stones into bread?
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