ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (May 4-10), Christ's Death and the Law

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.

Friday, 9 May 2014

Lesson 6 (May 4-10), Christ's Death and the Law

Dead to the Law

If a woman feels frustratingly bound to her husband what should she do?
If a person feels chained to the law what can that person do?
How does a law abiding citizen feel about the law?

The Law of Sin and Death

Why does the law mean different things to different people?
Does obedience to the law or the habit of following/obeying rules, come naturally or does it need to be developed?

The Power of the Law

How would life be without laws?
Will we be under the law in the New Earth?
On the whole is Paul in support of the law or against the law?

The Impotent Law

Why couldn't the rich young ruler be appreciated by Jesus for being a law aboding citizen? Isn't that commendable?
How is the law like a mirror? Which is more impotent--a mirror or the law?
Is a schoolmaster more potent than a mirror?

The Curse of the Law

How fair is it for us all to suffer because of Adam's sin?
Did Enoch and Elijah suffer for Adam's sin? How could sinful humans be taken to heaven? Was Moses' case different?

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.