ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (Nov 1-7), Faith That Works

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.

Sunday, 2 November 2014

Lesson 6 (Nov 1-7), Faith That Works

Dead Faith

Since all sin and must die daily, how much good works must be done in order to demonstrate that one's faith is not dead?
What kind of works demonstrates that our faith is alive?
Is works only in deeds or can it be in the head too?

Saving Faith

If we have to demonstrate our faith through some works does it mean that Christ's atonement was not adequate?
How do we explain that even though we are not saved by works, but we can be lost by the absence of works?

The Faith of Demons

What is the difference between "faith," and "belief?"
Why cannot the demons who believe be allowed to rejoin God's side?

Abraham's Faith

Why did God rescue Abraham and Sarah the times when they failed to exercise faith?
What were the "works" of Abraham that illustrated his faith?
What causes humans who have at times shown remarkable faith, to doubt God at other times?

The Faith of Rahab

Is prostitution sin?
Was it okay for Rahab to lie to the soldiers?
Was Rahab's example as described in the Bible a good model for for us, or do we have to assume that she lived a sanctified life after her rescue, in order to get to heaven?

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.