ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (July 11-17), The Unlikely

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.

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Lesson 3 (July 11-17), The Unlikely

He Had It All . . . But

Was Namaan a good or bad man?
Why do certain illnesses such as cancer, leprosy, and AIDS evoke stronger reactions than other illnesses that are equally fatal?
Do all illnesses have a higher purpose, such as to bring a person to God?

An Unlikely Witness

What do you think made the captive Israelite girl such a winsome maid?
Why do you think Namaan and his wife believed the captive girl?
Why do you think the Syrian king was convinced by Namaan's report and request?
Why do you think the Israelite king did not think of Elisha when Namaan came with the letter from his king for healing?

Elisha the Prophet

Why do we picture Elisha as inferior to Elijah when he had a double portion of his spirit and performed twice as many miracles?
Did Elisha conjure up the process of healing for Naaman or was he guided by God?
Why do you think Namaan was not healed on the spot by Elisha? Didn't he demonstrate enough faith by coming all the way to Israel?

The Healing of Namaan

Did Namaan have a right to feel insulted when Elisha did not come out to see him but sent his servant to instruct him? Why do you think Elisha chose to do it that way?
Why do you think Naaman's ego was targeted so many times in his quest for healing?
Why do you think Naaman was asked to dip "seven" times for healing?

A New Believer

Should Elisha have given Naaman a Bible study?
Would it have been wrong for Elisha to accept gifts that Naaman was giving?
What would you have done for the captive girl if you were in Naaman's place after the healing?
Is it all right to bow before one god and pray to the true one at the same time?

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.