ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 5 (Apr 22-28), Living for God

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, 27 April 2017

Lesson 5 (Apr 22-28), Living for God

Being of "One Mind"

How much can people differ and still be called "like-minded?" Can like-minded people agree to disagree?
How far can we allow our sympathy and compassion to tolerate what we disapprove of in others?
Why does Peter disapprove of "returning evil for evil" when Moses recommended "an eye for an eye?"

To Suffer in the Flesh

Does the Adventist belief of the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary reduce the value of His death on the cross?
How can the death of one person (Jesus) pay the penalty for so many people?
What made Jesus reluctant in the Garden of Gethsemane, the thought of physical suffering or mental agony? Which is worse?

Born Again

In what ways is a Christian born again? Does the new birth come without baptism?
Does the new birth come gradually or do some things change instantly?
Does the new birth come to non-Christians also? How do some non-Christians live such saintly lives?

Sins of the Flesh

Why did God make sex so pleasurable that it causes so much temptation and sin?
Should lust and addictions be controlled by medication?
How do Christians compare with non-Christians in resisting sins of the flesh?

Love Covers All

What is the difference in "love covers all" and "love conquers all?"
To what extent is confession and apology necessary for forgiveness?
To what extent must one "forget" when forgiveness is given?

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.