ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (October 4-10) The Perfecting of Our Faith

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, 4 October 2014

Lesson 2 (October 4-10) The Perfecting of Our Faith

Faith Lasts

What does "not being tempted above what we are able" mean? If we fail does that not mean we were not able?
How is it possible to rejoice in our trials? Why do we trouble ourselves by taking tests that are not compulsory?

Perfection?

Why did God permit the devil to tempt Adam and Eve?
Why do we need to prove that we can resist temptation? Doesn't God know the heart of each person?
What does perfection mean? Was Paul perfect?

Asking in Faith

How did God answer Solomon's prayer for wisdom? Did he raise his IQ?
When we pray for better performance in exams, does God answer? If so, how does he do it?
Does it help to pray for another person?

The Flip Side of Faith

What is worse, presumption or doubt?
If tiny faith like a mustard seed can move mountains, is that all we need? If the mountain does not move, does it mean we had no faith?
Is there no chance for our prayers to be answered if there is an element of doubt in our minds? What is the real connection between faith and answer to prayer?

The Rich and the Poor

Why are church people so negative about rich people? What are the dangers of accumulating wealth? Under what circumstances, if any, is being wealthy healthy?
To what extent are expected to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the homeless?

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.