ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Aug 30-Sept 5), The Law of God

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.

Saturday, 30 August 2014

Lesson 10 (Aug 30-Sept 5), The Law of God

Did the ten commandments exist before creation?

Jesus Did Not Change the Law

How can you harmonize the statements (1) Jesus did not change the law, but fulfilled it. (2) Jesus said "a new commandment give I unto you."
Why did God write the ten commandments on stone? Why didn't He see fit to have the tablets preserved for all time?
If you could change anything in the ten commandments, what would it be?

Jesus Deepened the Meaning of the Law

Could the Scribes and Pharisees have been sincere in the way they tried to keep the law? Why do we look down on them? How much worse were they than we?
Could the rich young ruler have been sincere in the way he tried keeping the commandments? Why was it not enough?

Jesus and the Seventh Commandment

Is it wrong to masturbate? Why or why not? How might Jesus' interpretation of the seventh commandment shed light on this question?
How can one overcome lust? Will plucking out the eyes be a solution?
What are some reasons that some women dress provocatively?

Jesus and the Fifth Commandment

What is the difference in "honouring parents" and "making parents feel honoured," as is commanded?
Why did Jesus' disciples not wash their hands before eating?
Why would anyone dedicate something to God in order to avoid having to use it for parents?

Jesus and the Essence of the Law

Should the way Jesus interpreted the fifth, sixth, and seventh commandments be applied to heighten the intention of all the commandments?
Can you give similar interpretations for the eight, ninth, and tenth commandments? What about the third and fourth?

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.