ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (June 25-July 1) The "Restoration of All Things"

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, 27 June 2016

Lesson 1 (June 25-July 1) The "Restoration of All Things"

The Image of God

If humans are in God's image, how far away are chimpanzees?
Why did God make one human and then divide it into two instead of making male and female at the same time like he did for animals?
Why would God desire to make humans in His image rather than something totally new?

The Fall and its Aftermath

Could Satan argue that he didn't tell Eve any lies?
On what grounds could Eve say that the serpent deceived her?
What did the serpent say that made the fruit desirable?
What is the connection between sin and nakedness?
What is common in the curses for the woman and the man?
Why did God select those particular areas that He did for their punishment?

Enmity and Atonement

What did the snake do that a curse fell upon all innocent snakes?
Did God intend to put enmity between biological snakes and humans or only between Satan and humanity?
What kind of enmity is there between the devil and humans?
Is it just for one person to take the penalty and punishment of another person?

Restoration in Jesus

How much remains of the image of God in humans? How much does it vary from one to another?
How much of the restoration of the image of God in humans did Jesus accomplish in his first advent?
Are any aspects of the image of God in humanity lost forever or will we be fully restored?

The Restoring Role of the Church

How much of the lost image can be regained on this earth before Jesus comes again?
What can we do to help restore the lost image in others?
Are we expected to assist others as a church or as individuals?

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.