ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4, Lord of All Nations (Amos)

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.

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Lesson 4, Lord of All Nations (Amos)

Crimes Against Humanity

How can I know when disciplining those under me whether I am treating them fairly or unjustly?
Why was it okay sometimes for nations to fight and punish other nations and sometimes wrong? How would they know when it was OK?

Justice for the Oppressed

Why doesn't God protect the helpless and innocent instead of punishing the guilty after the injustice is committed?
Is it wrong for one to live in super luxury if one can afford it? Why or why not?

The Peril of Privilege

Is it fair for God to have a chosen nation?
Should favourite children get punished more than their siblings when they do wrong?
Would you like to be privileged and held more responsible and accountable?

Israel's Rendezvous with God.

Why did prophets speak with sarcasm so often? Is it impolite to speak sarcastically?
How can I know if drought, famine, and other disasters are happenings in nature or God's attempts to bring a nation back to Him? If there is a shortage of water does it mean a city has abandoned God?

The Pride that Leads to a Fall

Do proud people fall more than humble people?
Why are brother countries such as Israel and Edom the bitterest enemies?
Why is it important for us to pay heed to what a prophet spoke hundreds of years ago in a different context?
Why do the wealthy ignore the plight of the oppressed?

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.