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CRS • SHS 1Term 3WAEC / WASSCE SyllabusVIP Lesson
Civic Responsibility, Wealth & Stewardship in Christian Ethics
Christian obedience to secular authorities in Romans 13, payment of taxes, biblical stewardship of wealth in 1 Timothy 6, and Christian crusade against corruption.
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Real-World Context & Relevance in Ghana
The Christian Council of Ghana and the Catholic Bishops' Conference regularly issue pastoral letters holding political leaders accountable to transparency and anti-corruption.
Key Syllabus Learning Objectives
- 1Examine Paul's teaching on submission to civil rulers and paying taxes in Romans 13
- 2Analyze the biblical distinction between the possession of money and the destructive "love of money" in 1 Timothy 6
- 3Apply Christian ethical principles of honesty and stewardship to eradicate bribery and corruption in Ghana
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Comprehensive Syllabus Study Notes
• Christian Duty to Secular Civil Authorities (Romans 13:1–7):
- Divine Ordinance: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
- Purpose of Government: The civil ruler is "God's servant for your good" to punish evil-doers and reward righteous conduct.
- Civic Duties: Christians must obey laws not only because of fear of punishment, but for the sake of conscience. Christians must pay taxes and tolls, and give respect and honor to state officials.
- Limits of Obedience: When a civil government orders believers to violate God's moral commandments, "we must obey God rather than human beings" (Acts 5:29).
• Wealth, Money & True Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:6–19):
- Godliness with Contentment: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
- The Danger of Greed: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith." (Note: Money itself is not evil; it is the *love* and obsession with money that causes ruin).
- Charge to the Rich: Do not be arrogant or set hopes on the uncertainty of riches; be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.
• Combating Corruption & Promoting Social Justice in Ghana:
- Christians are called to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13–16), refusing bribes in public office and speaking against injustice.
- Christian Duty to Secular Civil Authorities (Romans 13:1–7):
- Divine Ordinance: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
- Purpose of Government: The civil ruler is "God's servant for your good" to punish evil-doers and reward righteous conduct.
- Civic Duties: Christians must obey laws not only because of fear of punishment, but for the sake of conscience. Christians must pay taxes and tolls, and give respect and honor to state officials.
- Limits of Obedience: When a civil government orders believers to violate God's moral commandments, "we must obey God rather than human beings" (Acts 5:29).
- Wealth, Money & True Stewardship (1 Timothy 6:6–19):
- Godliness with Contentment: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."
- The Danger of Greed: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith." (Note: Money itself is not evil; it is the *love* and obsession with money that causes ruin).
- Charge to the Rich: Do not be arrogant or set hopes on the uncertainty of riches; be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.
- Combating Corruption & Promoting Social Justice in Ghana:
- Christians are called to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13–16), refusing bribes in public office and speaking against injustice.
Practical Example:
The Christian Council of Ghana and the Catholic Bishops' Conference regularly issue pastoral letters holding political leaders accountable to transparency and anti-corruption.
Core Takeaway:
In WASSCE CRS, never misquote 1 Timothy 6:10 as "Money is the root of all evil". The correct biblical phrase is "The LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evils".
WAEC / WASSCE Examiner Tips
- In WASSCE CRS, never misquote 1 Timothy 6:10 as "Money is the root of all evil". The correct biblical phrase is "The LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evils".
Common Candidate Pitfalls & Errors to Avoid
- Teaching that paying taxes is optional for the believer because the kingdom is not of this world
- Quoting the love of money as the curse on money itself and so condemning wages and profit
- Confusing tribute with custom and losing one of the four duties in Romans 13
- Reading the parable of the talents as a lesson in investment without the stewardship of what was entrusted
- Calling stewardship an extra offering rather than the management of the whole of a Christian's income
- Fighting corruption in speech while signing the receipt that the bribe bought
Topic Mastery Checklist
- Examine Paul's teaching on submission to civil rulers and paying taxes in Romans 13
- Analyze the biblical distinction between the possession of money and the destructive "love of money" in 1 Timothy 6
- Apply Christian ethical principles of honesty and stewardship to eradicate bribery and corruption in Ghana
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