ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 9 (Aug 19-25), Paul's Pastoral Appeal

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, 24 August 2017

Lesson 9 (Aug 19-25), Paul's Pastoral Appeal

The Heart of Paul

What made Paul so passionate about the salvation of people? Are people born with that passion or can it be cultivated?
Is it appropriate for evangelists to become emotionally involved with people?
Do Christians ever achieve Christ being manifest in them, or is it a never-ending process?

The Challenge to Become

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having humans as examples to follow?
Is it appropriate for converts to imitate dress and culture of missionaries?
What did Paul mean when he said he wanted his converts to become like him?

I have Become as You Are

How can missionaries who try to become like the natives avoid being seen as a wolf in sheep's clothing?
Why should the Galatians become like Paul if he had become like them?
What aspects of Christianity cannot be compromised?

Then and Now

Does God cause missionaries to suffer so that some people may hear the gospel who otherwise would not? If so, what makes it okay?
Would it be permissible for God to keep His evangelists in perfect health for the sake of the spread of the gospel?
Is suffering and sickness a sign of sin?

Speaking the Truth

Is it appropriate to conceal our true identity as a church when we begin to reach out to a people?
How much do we wish people to speak the plain truth to us? Is it better to remain silent on some topics?
Is it possible always to maintain such an attitude that it is possible to speak the truth and still not hurt the person?

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.