ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (Apr 4-10), Baptism and the Temptations

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, 5 April 2015

Lesson 2 (Apr 4-10), Baptism and the Temptations

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Why do we not hear more "straight" preaching from the pulpit? Does it drive away people? Can it attract more people like John the Baptist's preaching? Do we need a preacher to tell us what in our lives needs changing, or does the Spirit of God do that?
Since baptism is only a symbol, why is "sprinkling"not enough? Can "sprinkling" be used for people who are bedridden? "What about when there is no water available, like in a desert?

"You Are My Beloved Son"

To what extent did Jesus acknowledge that Joseph and Mary were his parents? To what extent could he be accused of denying it?
Since the Bible describes God as our father, why did the Jews take exception to the claims of Jesus to be the "son of God?" Is there a difference in being "a son of God," and "the son of God?"

Not by Bread Alone

Were the temptations of Jesus arranged by God, or did Satan have a free hand?
Why might it have been wrong for Jesus to turn the stones into bread?
Is it a sin to doubt for a while?

"Worship Me"

What would have been wrong if Jesus had redeemed us back from Satan by worshiping him?
Is there always a way out or does one sometimes have to compromise with the devil?
Do the evil angels worship Satan?

Christ the Victor

Is the order of the temptations significant?
Is it wrong to test God, such as Elijah did on Mt Carmel?
What does God mean by "stating that He would not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear?

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.