ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Mar 11-17), Grieving and Resisting 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.

Tuesday, 14 March 2017

Lesson 11 (Mar 11-17), Grieving and Resisting the Spirit

Resisting the Holy Spirit

What is the equivalent of "un-circumcision in the hearts and ears" in the Christian experience?
Is it possible for the Holy Spirit to force us to be good if he wants?
Would people resist the Holy Spirit if they could see Him? Why doesn't God make Himself visible to us when He speaks to us at least in some veiled form so we won't die?

Grieving the Holy Spirit

In what sense is the Spirit "grieved" when we do not listen to Him?
Is there more on this earth to make the Spirit happy or to make Him sad?
Is the Spirit grieved every time we yield to temptation or are there some special sins that grieve Him?
Why was Christ so concerned about the unity of His followers?
What creates disunity in the church? How can that problem be solved?

Quenching the Holy Spirit

What is the difference between grieving and quenching the Spirit? Does "quenching" suggest an inanimate spirit?
In what ways is the Spirit like a fire?
Why is the Holy Spirit called "Holy?" Are there some unholy spirits?

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Why will the sin against the Spirit not be forgiven?
Does "will not be forgiven" mean the same as "cannot be forgiven?"
What does blaspheme mean? Does it mean to swear against, to abuse and curse, or to resist? Can it be done in the mind or is it only when uttered aloud?
Can one know if one has committed the unpardonable sin?

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.