ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (Feb 11-17), The Holy Spirit and the Fruit 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, 11 February 2017

Lesson 7 (Feb 11-17), The Holy Spirit and the Fruit of the Spirit

The Condition of Fruitfulness

Is it possible to keep the ten commandments without the help of God? Was the rich young ruler keeping the commandments as he claimed?
To what extent should a Christian be concerned about the manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit in his/her life?
How can one ensure that his/her branch is connected to the vine?

The Fruit of Love

Why is love the most important fruit ("the greatest") of the Spirit?
Does the parable of the sheep and the goats indicate that love (deeds of mercy) are the sole basis on which one is selected for heaven?
Are there some people who are unlovable? Is toleration of such people enough or must we progress to actually loving even such people?

Joy, Peace, and Patience

What value, if any, does stress have in the lives of humans? Is it desirable to have stress totally removed from one's life?
What causes impatience? Is it selfishness?
What is the difference between happiness and joy?
Is stress an indication of a lack of the Spirit in one's life? How can the Spirit remove stress?

Kindness, Goodness, and Faithfulness

If one were to make a list of what Adventists were known for where would "good and kind people," rank?
Why is it not enough to just avoid being unkind? Why must one actually demonstrate deeds of kindness?
Can one be good and kind without love? How does the Spirit help one become loving?

Gentleness and Self-Control

Doesn't a meek person get taken advantage of? To what extent should one be meek?
Which bible characters can be described as meek?
Is meekness inherited or cultivated?
Should we not fight for our rights?
What kinds of trouble can we get into if we lose control of self? How can the Spirit help me control self?

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.