ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (Apr 8-14), A Royal Priesthood

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.

Thursday, 13 April 2017

Lesson 3 (Apr 8-14), A Royal Priesthood

Living as a Christian

What evidence is there that even the disciples of Jesus were guilty of malice, envy, deceit, hypocrisy, and slander?
Does a Christian have to get rid of the above vices before seeking spiritual nourishment, or do Christians need the strength first in order to get rid of these?
Do all of the above (malice, envy, deceit, hypocrisy, slander) involve other people or can one have a problem with any of them even in isolation? Why is it easier to sin because of other people, than by ourselves?

The Living Stone

What is one's role as part of the "priesthood of all believers?" Why are lay-members in churches restricted from performing certain duties that pastors are tasked with?
What does it mean for one to personally be a part of the structure of his/her local church? Just as a building may suffer damage if a an important part is removed, should my local church suffer if I leave? Would that be an indication that I was performing a crucial role?

God's Covenant People

What value does a covenant have if one party is going to default, and the other party knows it? What was the point of making the covenant?
Why did God choose the Israelites who failed Him in the end? Couldn't God have retained a faithful remnant while rejecting the majority of the nation? Which group was more faithful--the group left behind or the group taken to Babylon?

A Royal Priesthood

In what way were the Israelites a "kingdom of priests?"
If Melchizedek could be a priest, why were only sons of Aaron allowed to function as priests in Israel?
Why were women excluded from the priesthood in Israel?

Proclaiming the Praises

Did the Israelites understand that they were to be a witness to other nations? Were there any specific instructions to them to evangelise the world? Weren't they just supposed to annihilate all the nations around them?
What does it mean for a Christian today who is not a clergyman, to be part of a royal priesthood?
Do Adventists tend too much to live in their own communities taking the "not of this world" too literally? What is the reason that Adventists fail to witness adequately?

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.