ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (Dec 14-20),The Cosmic Conflict Over God's Character

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.

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Lesson 12 (Dec 14-20),The Cosmic Conflict Over God's Character

Revolt in the Heavenly Sanctuary

Can the origin of evil be explained without excusing it?
Can the fact that a creature sinned in a perfect environment mean that it was imperfect? Is the inability to sin mean a person is perfect or imperfect?
Why is pride such a horrible evil?

The Accusations

Is Satan correct that Job and all of us serve God for His blessings? Would we still serve God if we didn't receive blessings?
Is God's law too difficult for humans to keep?
Is God unfair in saving people who are not keeping the law?

Vindication at the Cross

What is the role of the cross on vindicating God? Humans?
What qualifications are needed to be merciful?
How did the sanctuary and its services teach God's mercy?
How did the cross affect Satan's authority and activity on this earth?

Vindication in the Judgement?

Does God deal justly? Or is whatever He does termed "just?"
If everyone concedes that God is just, can they all be saved?

The Cosmic Spectacle

Why did Jesus tell us to let our lights shine that men may see our good works? Aren't our good works like filthy rags?
How does God help us in the judgement? How do we help God in the judgement?

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.