ABSG Questions for Discussion: Growing in Christ

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Saturday, 27 October 2012

Growing in Christ

The Redemption

Is it sometimes possible for one to be strong enough to resist temptation with human strength or is it always possible only through divine power?
Is it fair or unfair for Christ to suffer in our place?

Slaves Set Free

If we find ourselves powerless to help ourselves at times, who's power is holding us? Does there have to be a power?
We've all seen other people enslaved to something like a bad habit: Have we experienced that helplessness in our own lives?

Principalities and Powers: Part 1

On what grounds could Jesus assist humans in the battle against evil before the cross?
How do Satan and his angels make us do what they want us to do?

Principalities and Powers: Part 2

Is evil a personal or impersonal force? what is the difference?
What are the various means that Satan uses to frustrate human attempts to do good?

A Murderer Revealed

If Jesus gained victory over evil at the cross why is Satan still fooling around with us? Is the victory not complete? If not, what remains?
What are the "weapons" that Satan and Jesus use in their conflict?
Is there any difference in (a) being given strength to resist temptation, and (b) the removal of temptation? Which is preferable

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.