ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (June 3-9), False Teachers

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, 8 June 2017

Lesson 11 (June 3-9), False Teachers

False Prophets and False Teachers

What do prophets and teachers get out of spreading false teachings?
What do people get out of disseminating fake news? Should those who spread fake news be punished?
How can we protect ourselves from fake teachings?

Freedom in Christ

What are lustful desires of the flesh? How does Satan use modern devices to entice people?
How can one get free from the shackles of bad habits? How can one access the power of Christ for this?
How is the freedom that Christ promises differ from the freedom that the world offers?

A Dog Returns to Its Vomit

What are some of the main reasons why people stop attending church and return to their worldly lifestyle?
What factors keep members active in the church so that they do not leave?
What causes some backsliders to return to church?

Peter and Jude

If two Bible authors write the same thing, what does it mean? Why would they do that?
Why does God who provided a means of escape for the faithful from the flood, from Sodom and Gomorrah, not save the righteous from natural disasters terrorist activities, and accidents today?

More Old Testament Lessons

What, if anything, was wrong about Lot going to live in Sodom? Could it have been possible for Lot to have witnessed better than he did and to have converted some people?
Is it wrong to leave the employ of the church in order to earn more?
What did Balaam do wrong after being so careful not to go against God's will? Why would a follower of God go along with a plan to harm God's people?

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.