ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Feb 13-19), Comrades in Arms

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, 15 February 2016

Lesson 8 (Feb 13-19), Comrades in Arms

The Call of Peter

What did Jesus see in Peter that He called him to be a disciple?
When impulsive people speak, how sincere are they? In response to the large catch of fish in his net why did Peter say "Depart from me . . . I am a sinful man?"
Would it have been improper for the Peter, James and John to attend that great catch of fish which Jesus had helped them catch, before following him?

"with Him"

Why did Jesus tell Peter to "Fear not," before he promised him he would become fishers of men?"
What qualities were uppermost in the selection of disciples? Could others have followed Jesus if they were not selected?
Was Judas selected by Jesus? Why did Jesus ordain him? Is it appropriate to ordain treasurers and others who will not be involved in ministry?

Jesus' Dominion Over Nature

How much control over nature does Satan have?
How can God have more authority over nature than over persons?
Does the fear of the disciples of the storm at sea indicate their doubt that Jesus was truly the messiah?
How much can we today pray about rain or floods?

Who is the Greatest?

Is it appropriate to want to be a leader?
What is in the "cup" that Jesus drank from, that other leaders of the church must also be prepared to drink?
Can a leader really occupy his/her time with serving rather than leading?

Divine Encounter with the Word

After His resurrection, why did Jesus appear to two men we know nothing about rather than to some of His disciples?
Had Jesus "closed the eyes" of the two companions on the way to Emmaus as He talked with them? What does it mean that "their eyes were opened?"
What does this week's lesson have to do with the great controversy?

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.