ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (Apr 9-15), The Sermon on the Mount

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.

Thursday, 14 April 2016

Lesson 3 (Apr 9-15), The Sermon on the Mount

Principles and Standards

Does God expect us to live up to the standards in the Beatitudes or are those just ideals?
Was Jesus merely describing the Kingdom of heaven or expecting us to replicate it on earth?

The Sermon Versus the Law

Is the Sermon on the Mount compatible with the Ten Commandments?
Was there any salvation by grace in the Old Testament or only by works?
Is salvation by grace unique to Christianity?

The Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees

Why do we doubt that Scribes and Pharisees will make it to heaven?
How much could sin and guilt offerings in the Old Testament accomplish if the spirit was not right?
What do Old Testament authors imply by referring to such thing as circumcision of the heart?

The Principle of the Kingdom

What did Jesus mean when he instructed humans to be perfect as His Father is? Does "perfect" mean sinless?
Is it really possible to actually love one's enemies?
Is it practical to turn the other cheek to one who slaps you?

Receiving the Words of the Kingdom

Why is the discourse known by the location (sermon on the mount) rather than by the theme?
Why did Jesus teach so much about the kingdom of heaven in earthly terms? Couldn't that limit our understanding?
How can I know if my foundation is on a rock or sand?

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.