ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (May 18-24) Trusting God's Goodness (Habakkuk)

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, 18 May 2013

Lesson 8 (May 18-24) Trusting God's Goodness (Habakkuk)

Is it possible to worship God when we have doubts about His justice?

Perplexed Prophet

Why did God not give each of us ability to see into the future so we could live without suspense?
How much does a prophet know about the future?
When you consider world events how much in control does God seem to be?

Living by Faith

Are there degrees of goodness and badness for individuals and nations?
What is the difference in the two statements: "The just shall live by faith;" "The just shall live by faithfulness?" What is meant by "the just?"

For the Earth Shall be Filled

What does "Let all the earth keep silence before Him" mean? Is it speaking about reverence or submission to His will? Are the two related? Can one question God reverently?
Why is it better to share complaints with God rather than other humans

Remembering God's Fame

How meaningful is it to sing a song composed by someone else? How much of the words are we alert to when we sing in church?
Why should we today sing about the exodus from Egypt?
Which is more valuable, to look backward or to look forward?

God is Our Strength

How long should I expect to wait for God to answer my questions, complaints and frustrations? What if His answer is just "Trust Me?"
What is the purpose of faith? Why does God want us to trust Him blindly?

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.