ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (Jan 7-13), Working Behind the Scenes

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.

Sunday, 8 January 2017

Lesson 2 (Jan 7-13), Working Behind the Scenes

The Elusiveness of the Holy Spirit

Is the image of "wind" the best description of the Holy Spirit or does it diminish the personality of the Spirit?
Does God the Father have a form or is he a Spirit too?
How can we answer those who claim that the Spirit is not a separate person but is God the Father's spirit?

The Holy Spirit at Creation

What was the role of the Holy Spirit at creation? Why was the Spirit hovering over the water?
When God breathed his breath into Adam, was that breath the Holy Spirit?
Is the role of the Spirit in re-creation the same as that in creation?

The Holy Spirit and the Sanctuary

Why is it stated only in the case of Bezalel that he was "filled with the Spirit of God" in the ability to fashion the furniture of the Sanctuary? How is Oholiab, his assistant, for whom no such statement is made, different? How about the other workmen about whom it is said that they were "given ability to make all that they were commanded?"
Would these workmen have exhibited the same skill if they were working on a different project?

The Holy Spirit in Glorifying Jesus Christ

Was the Holy Spirit more active in the New Testament than in the Old Testament?
Is it possible that anyone could elevate the Holy Spirit above Jesus and/or the Father?
Should we address the Holy Spirit in prayer as we do the Father and Jesus?

The Holy Spirit and Christ

How was the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of Jesus? Why would the Spirit not be called the "Father?"
What was the significance of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at his baptism? Did it benefit him or was it for the benefit of the onlookers?
Did the Spirit assist Jesus during his temptations?
Did Jesus depend on the Spirit during his life on this earth as we do or did he manage on his own because he was God?

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.