ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 9 (May 25-31), Christ, the Law and the Gospel

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, 30 May 2014

Lesson 9 (May 25-31), Christ, the Law and the Gospel

Sin and the Law

Does ignorance of a rule excuse breaking it? Can an institution punish someone for breaking a rule it has not announced?
Did angels in heaven know God had a law? Did Adam and Eve know about the ten commandments or only about the tree?

The Law and Israel

Why did God give the ten commandments only to Israel?
Was Israel more accountable for keeping the law than other nations were?
Did Israel have greater accountability and therefore greater punishment for sin than othe nations?
If God knew the future--that Israel would fail, why did He still select them?

The Law and the Nations

How much of the ten commandments is sensed through conscience without being taught it? How much is revealed through nature?
Do gentiles have a disadvantage in salvation?

Grace and Truth

Why was the entire human race punished for Adam's sin? Is that fair?
How much of that is set right by Christ's sacrifice?
Is grace a "right?" Why is it offered?

The Law and the Gospel

Do we who live after Christ have any advantage over those who lived before Him?
Do we Adventists understand the gospel leas than we should because of our emphasis on the law?

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.