ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (June 15-21) Christ's Church 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.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Lesson 12 (June 15-21) Christ's Church and the Law

From Adam to Noah

How many of the ten commandments were meaningful to Adam and Eve? Which ones did not apply to them?
Why do you think God named the forbidden tree "knowledge of good and evil?" Did the words good and evil have any meaning for Adam and Eve?
Was it necessary for God to give Adam and Eve a test to check their character?

From Noah to Abraham

Is it possible for God to regret having done something? Do you think God really wished when He looked at humans before the flood, that He had not created humans?
Why do you think the Bible mentions good men marrying evil women and not vice versa?
Which of the ten commandments were the people breaking just before the flood?

From Abraham to Moses
How could such a stalwart of faith like Abraham doubt God's ability to protect him from Pharaoh and again in almost identical circumstances, from Abimelech?
Why was Abraham not punished for telling lies? Is it okay to tell white lies to save ourselves?
How could there be true worshippers of God outside of Israel, God's covenant people? What was special about Israel if there were remnant outside of them?
Are there people outside of the Adventist church who keep the ten commandments?

From Moses to Jesus

is it fair to treat people with favour because their parents or ancestors were good?
Why was Israel chosen even though they proved disobedient so many times?
Did Israel succeed or fail in the mission God had for them?

From Jesus to the Remnant

Was the example of Jesus with reference to the law practical for human beings? Can we emulate His performance? Are we expected to?
What did the life of Christ do for us? What did it prove as far as the law goes?

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.