ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 5 (Jan 23-29), The Controversy

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, 26 January 2016

Lesson 5 (Jan 23-29), The Controversy

David, Goliath, and Bathsheba

If humans had known the consequences of sin do you think they would have resisted temptation more easily?
What made David so brave in front of Goliath? What made him so weak in front of Bathsheba?
Which was the most critical moment in the encounter with Bathsheba?
How does know our weaknesses?

To Turn Their Hearts

How could Israelites be confused about who was sending them rain and prosperity?
Why do you think Elijah believed he was the only faithful one left in Israel?
What could make the false prophets of Baal believe they were worshipping the true God?
Why are people swayed by a show of fire and rain?

Words of Defiance

Should Hezekiah have turned to God right in the beginning instead of paying out all the silver in the treasury of the king and the temple? Why is God often only the final recourse?
What is more important to God, the attitude of the king or of the people?
How does a good king arise from a wicked father, and why do his sons sometimes turn out badly?

Death Decree

Was it okay for Esther to participate in the search for a pretty girl? Is it okay for Christian girls to take part in beauty pageants?
Why do you think the book of Esther is found in the Bible even though God is not mentioned in the book?
Does God listen to prayers better when it is accompanied by fasting?

Nehemiah

What do you think gave Nehemiah courage to make a request of the king? What do you think made the king consider his request favourably?
Why is it harder to battle enemies within the church than enemies outside?
Is it okay to carry weapons to defend ourselves as we go about our daily lives?

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.