ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (Mar 14-20), The Humility of the Wise

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, 18 March 2015

Lesson 12 (Mar 14-20), The Humility of the Wise

What is the difference, if any, in "humility" and "meekness"? Are they the same thing? Does one precede the other?

Who Do You Think You Are?

Why is pride the foundation of all sins? What was Lucifer's pride a symptom of? Why can God do little to help a proud person?
Is humility a virtue one is born with, or is it cultivated?
Is it wrong to be proud of one's achievements? Is it wrong to be proud of one's children and their achievements?

A Knowledge of God

What was the psalmist's response when he considered the heavens, the work of God's fingers? Why did he feel that way?
What did Job experience at the end of the book that helped him?
Why do many people who consider themselves wise, not believe in God?

Neither Too Much Nor Too Little

Why would the psalmist ask God too neither give him too little or too much? What brings one closest to God, extreme riches, extreme poverty, or a life in between?
What did Jesus mean when he taught us to pray for "daily bread?"

The Actions of the Arrogant

What is difference between "pride" and "arrogance" What is the opposite of each?
Why is it such a sin to curse parents? Since the word curse literally means to belittle, what all does that include?
Why is it necessary to confess before we can be forgiven?

Lessons From Nature

Are we still like Agur who could not understand the way of the eagle in the air, or has that been solved? Do we understand pretty much everything about animal life? Is all that within reach?
What has more mysteries the greatness of the universe or the universe in the tiniest objects?

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.