ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Feb 28-Mar 6), Behind the Mask

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, 1 March 2015

Lesson 10 (Feb 28-Mar 6), Behind the Mask

Is it wrong to wear a mask?

The Mystery of God

Is the injustice in this world one of God's mysteries?
Does the need for faith imply that life will be unfair?
Where would we stand if life were absolutely fair?

The Fool as Wise

Why did God give us a sense of what is right if we cannot be sure it is really right?
What can we do to make sure that something is really right?
How can we be guided when the Bible is silent on a particular issue?

The Sluggard

Is it a sin to be lazy?
Is it enough to avoid doing bad in order to go to heaven, or must one be active doing good?
Are people born lazy or do they become that way?

The Friend as the Enemy

Are we guilty if we do not rebuke a friend?
How can one know if the rebuke is motivated properly?
Would you like another to rebuke you when you know already for yourself what you are doing is wrong?

The Enemy as Friend

Is it worth listening to what an enemy has to say about you?
How can I know if I have the right motives in criticizing a person? Should I try to correct my enemy or will it be misunderstood?
How does flattery from a friend differ from an enemy? Should I compliment a person if I am not sincere?

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.