ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (October 11-18),, Enduring Temptation

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, 17 October 2014

Lesson 3 (October 11-18),, Enduring Temptation

What is the purpose of allowing humans to be tempted and then giving them power to overcome it? What might the devil think about this?

The Root of Temptation

Why do we call the devil's work temptation, but not God's?
If we could see the devil when we are tempted would it be easier to resist his temptation?
Can we resist temptation in our own strength? If not, how can we say that we have the power of choice?

When Lust Conceives

We understand that temptation is not sin, but since Jesus said such things as hate and lust were sin, at what point does temptation become sin?
At what point did Eve commit the first sin? What about Adam?

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Does the new birth occur before or after or during baptism?
Why do we take fortunes for granted rather than our misfortunes?

Slow to Speak

Why do you think, God didn't provide an "undo" button for our words and actions?
How is "slow to speak" a Christian virtue?

Saved by Receiving

Why do you think Jesus chose the term "Word," to describe Him and His work?
Do we put Christ' spotless robe over our filthy garments or in exchange for them? What difference does it make?

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.