ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (Jan 31-Feb 6), What You Get is Not What You See

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, 4 February 2015

Lesson 6 (Jan 31-Feb 6), What You Get is Not What You See

How much can we trust our senses?

The Assurance of the Fool

What can one do to train one's self from talking too much?
Do rules always have to be followed or does wisdom sometimes direct towards making exceptions?
How can one know when to trust and when not to?

The Fear of the Wise

Should one always seek to avoid controversy or does Wisdom sometimes require conflict?
Why is humility more conducive to learning? What can be done to cultivate humility?
What has more stress, the wise person or the fool? Why?

The Eyes of the Lord

Is Prov 15:3 (Yahweh keeping watch on the evil and the good people), meant to comfort us or to warn us?
Why does God let wicked people get away with evil? What benefit is it to God to have the good people wonder if God sees what is happening?

The Joy of the Lord

What is the difference between joy, happiness, and merriment?
What is the basis for joy? Can one have joy even in sorrow?

The Sovereignty of God

Is ambition evil?
Is it wrong to decline a call to service that comes from a church unit? Is a church committee decision the voice of God?
Can we know God's will through casting lots or asking for a sign? What is the best way to determine God's will when faced with a choice?

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.