ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (May 9-15), Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Prayer

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.

Saturday, 9 May 2015

Lesson 7 (May 9-15), Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Prayer

Jesus and the Holy Spirit

Since He had retained his divinity why did Jesus need the Holy Spirit?
How can I know if I have been baptized by the Spirit? Does baptism of the Spirit coincide with baptism of water? Are there some who have been baptized of one and not the other? Ideally, which one should come first?
What does it mean that Jesus was "born of the Spirit"?

The Prayer Life of Jesus

How much time did Jesus spend in prayer? Why did He spend so much time in prayer?
What guided Jesus in the selection of His disciples? What did He pray for before the selection?
Why did Jesus pray for His disciples? How much does it help to pray for someone else?

The Model Prayer

Did Jesus intend for us to memorize the prayer he taught or model ours after that one? Is it important for us to repeat it in King James English?
Is there a difference in "hallowing God," and "hallowing His name?"
When does God's kingdom come?
Does daily bread mean hand to mouth?
If we have difficulty forgiving others does it mean that God will not forgive us our sins?
Is temptation necessary or not?

More Lessons on Prayer

Why should we persevere in prayer? Will God relent and grant a petition that He would not have if we did not persist?
Is there a correct posture for prayer?
Does God need to be addressed in King James English?

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.