ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Aug 31-Sept 6), Reformation: The Willingness to Grow and Change

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, 1 September 2013

Lesson 10 (Aug 31-Sept 6), Reformation: The Willingness to Grow and Change

The Grace to Grow

Does "sons of thunder" mean that James and John had bad tempers, or did their father?
Is it alright to lose your temper for a good reason (righteous indignation some people call it)?
Is there anything wrong with being very meek?

The Power to Choose

Does sin come with the plan to act or the act? Did Eve sin when she ate the fruit or before that?
Does reformation come with the plan to reform or when change is made?
What does Phil 2:13 mean (God works in you both to will and to do)? Who gets the credit when I repent? Who gets the blame when I sin?

Confidence and Doubt

Who will make it to heaven easier, the ones who show overconfidence or lack of confidence?
Who will make it to heaven easier, the gullible or the doubters?

The Conviction to Return

Why is it easier for the Holy Spirit to reach a person in adversity?
At what point was the prodigal son "saved"?

The Faith to Act

Is there any merit in stating one's intent or desire, such as "I will arise and go," or "Lord heal me?" Doesn't the Lord know our intent or desire?
Why did Jesus say, "Your faith has healed you?"

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.