ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (Jan 30-Feb 5), Victory in the Wilderness

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.

Monday, 1 February 2016

Lesson 6 (Jan 30-Feb 5), Victory in the Wilderness

Why is it too late for Satan to repent now?

Immanuel to the Rescue

Did Satan know which baby was the Messiah? Why didn't he help Herod know exactly which one?
What did Jesus say and do that exposed the devil?
What did Jesus say and do that showed the people that God was benevolent?

Jesus' Baptism

Why did God pick a relative to be the forerunner of Jesus? Do you think that John knew from childhood that his cousin was the Messiah?
Why did John doubt and send disciples to Jesus to ask if he was truly the Messiah or if they should look for another?
What would have been the effect if Jesus had baptised John instead of John baptising Jesus?

Stones into Bread

Why was it wrong for Jesus to turn the stones into bread?
What does the hunger of Jesus prove? Would it have been wrong for Jesus to use divinity to erase his hunger?
Are humans expected to fast as Jesus did? What does it accomplish?

Another Temptation

How could the idea to jump off the temple wall be tempting? Why did Jesus follow the devil to that point?
What makes bungee jumping not a problem compared with what Jesus was tempted to do?
What is the difference between trust and presumption?

Devil Worship

Was it in Satan's power to give back all the world to Jesus and back off from his claims?
Why was it safe for Jesus to debate with Satan? Can we do the same? Or should we stay as far as possible from the devil's tempting grounds?
What makes scripture such a powerful tool in resisting temptation?

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.