ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (Jan 17-23), Divine Wisdom

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, 21 January 2015

Lesson 4 (Jan 17-23), Divine Wisdom

If Satan wins the Great Controversy will the definition of "wisdom" change?

Wisdom Cries Out

How do we hear the call of wisdom? Is it audible or inaudible? How can one know if it is the call of Lady Wisdom or Dame Folly?
Why do so many reject wisdom and follow stupidity?
What can one do to be among those who respond to wisdom?

Wisdom and Creation

Did God exist before Wisdom did?
Did God determine what Wisdom would be or is it independent of God?

Rejoicing in Creation

What was the difference in creation between being declared "good," and being declared "very good?" Was what was declared "very good" better than what was described merely as "good?"
Did God create us for His pleasure? If we do not please God is He justified in destroying us? Why does He want to destroy all the wicked.

Wisdom's Appeal

If there were no such thing as "sin"and "death," would the prescription for happiness change?
Why do some respond to good sense and some not?
Is it wrong to seek happiness?

Either/Or

Why is it that Wisdom has to be pursued, but Folly pursues us?
Why is it easier to be stupid than to be wise?
What makes some people unteachable? How can I know if I am unteachable?
What makes belief in creation smarter than belief in evolution?

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.