ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (October 17-23), Rebuke and Retribution

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, 21 October 2015

Lesson 4 (October 17-23), Rebuke and Retribution

The Two Ways

Why do you think God does not respect a middle, neutral path? Why is it is that one who is not "with Him" is counted as "against Him?"
In the light that there may not be fairness in this life, what could Jeremiah mean when he said that he who is faithful to God is like a tree planted by the water and flourishing? In what ways is that true?
Does God ask us to trust Him blindly?

The Sin of Judah

Is it our duty to point out sin in other people?
Is there such a thing as an unpardonable sin? Is so, what are some examples?
Is it easier to form bad habits or good ones? What makes it so?

The Warning to Jeremiah

Is sinning more fun than being good?
Why do people ignore the warnings of a prophet?
What does silencing a prophet accomplish?

A Lament

What does a prophet get for his/her thankless work? Is it worth being a prophet?
What are things in life that a prophet sacrifices?
Why does a prophet have to lament when he/she is ignored? Can he/she not do the work objectively?

A Desperate Situation

Is a lack of water or famine a deliberate act of God to bring people back to Him?
Does it help to pray for rain?
Does there really come a point in our lives when God will not hear our prayers any more?

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.