ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (Jan 14-20), The Divinity of the Spirit

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.

Saturday, 14 January 2017

Lesson 3 (Jan 14-20), The Divinity of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit and God

When Ananias tried to deceive the disciples into believing that he was donating the whole proceeds from the sale of his property, why did Peter accuse him of lying to the Holy Spirit?
Why do you think Ananias and his wife didn't reveal that they were keeping a part back for their own use and donating only a portion?
What could the Holy Spirit be other than "divine?"

The Holy Spirit's Divine Attributes

Can God the Father know something without the Holy Spirit knowing it? Can the Holy Spirit know something which the Father does not know yet?
Does the Holy Spirit go where the Father does not or chooses not to go to?
What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit?

Biblical Hints

When the Israelites rebelled against God, Moses and Aaron after the ten spies brought a discouraging report why did Isaiah equate it with "grieving the Holy Spirit?"
Why do we call the graces that come from God "gifts of the Spirit?"
In our daily lives and experiences how is rejecting God actually rejecting the Holy Spirit?

Divine Work of the Holy Spirit

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the rebirth of an individual? Can a person change his or her life without the help of the Holy Spirit?
Why does God communicate to human beings through the Holy Spirit instead of directly?
What is the significance of Jesus being raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit?

The Importance of His Divinity

Is God three in one by design or circumstance?
What is the necessity of God including the Holy Spirit?
Does the Holy Spirit make it easier for humans to relate to God or does it add one more step?

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.