ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (July 15-21), Justification by Faith Alone

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.

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Lesson 4 (July 15-21), Justification by Faith Alone

How could Paul say on the one hand that "Christ lives in me," and on the other hand say "What I want to do I do not, and what I don't want to do I do?"

The Question of Justification

What does "justification" mean in everyday speech? What does "justification" mean in theological terms? How are they connected?
What made the Jews feel superior to the Gentiles? Were they justified in that opinion?
Can a person be justified by keeping the law in current life? What about in the spiritual realm?

Works of the Law

Why do so many Adventist institutions construct replicas of the ten commandment? What message does it convey?
Why do some of the Ceremonial Laws still apply to us while others don't? Is it a sin to eat pork and shrimp, or are they just bad for health?
How well do Adventists keep the law? Which of the ten commandments do we keep best?

The Basis of our Justification

What made it okay for Jesus to give us His righteousness?
How can Christ's righteousness save more than one person?
In His victorious life did Jesus access any power unavailable to us?

The Obedience of Faith

Can one doubt and have faith at the same time? What is the difference between belief and faith?
How can one who does not faith acquire it?
Why is faith necessary for salvation?

Does Faith Promote Sin?

Do Christians who do not believe in salvation by works break the law more than those who do?
What is the result of trying to keep the law?
What is the gospel?
What is the effect of grace on the recipient?

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.