ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (July 9-15), Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part I

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, 11 July 2016

Lesson 3 (July 9-15), Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part I

Mercy and Justice

What did Satan do to give humans the idea that God is not just? How does he succeed in perpetrating that concept?
What does Satan accomplish by convincing humans that God is not just?
Was God more merciful to Israelites than to gentiles?
Was the Sabbatical year and the Year of Jubilee unfair to the masters of servants who had to release them?

Universal Concerns

Why are humans responsible for children' rest on Sabbath but not for spouse's rest according to the fourth commandment?
Why are people responsible for allowing rest for their servants and their visitors?
Why is the fourth commandment still binding but not the sabbatical year and the year of jubilee? Should Adventists observe those, or would it be wrong?

Prophetic Voice 1

Is it a sin to ignore social injustice, turning a blind eye when the rights of the poor and needy are trampled?
Do we have the same obligations to single mothers as the do to widows?
Why do the Israelite prophets have so much to say about the "fatherless," but nothing about those that are "motherless?"

Prophetic Voice 2

What is the connection between worshiping God and helping the oppressed? Why does God refuse to accept our worship if we are not helping the needy?
Does all philanthropy stem from a religious faith or can an infidel be helpful and caring to the poor? Will God reward such a one who doesn't believe in Him but helps the poor?
Why does Isaiah end his chapter on helping the poor with an exhortation to keep the Sabbath properly? Is there any connection?

A Force for Good

How much time and effort are we expected to devote to the cause of social justice?
What injustice do we see around us that calls for our intervention?
Should the church get involved as a church or is it better for the members individually to get involved in civic matters?
How does the Adventist church compare with other denominations in community development and organising programs to aid individuals in various needs?

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.