ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Sept 2-8), Freedom in Christ

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, 7 September 2017

Lesson 11 (Sept 2-8), Freedom in Christ

Christ Has Set Us Free

What does it mean that Christ has set us free? In what way are Christians more free than the Israelites of the Old Testament?
What does Paul mean by "the yoke of the bondage?" How entangled are Adventists with the law?
Why are Adventists so cautious with salvation by grace? Is that caution justified?

The Nature of Christian Freedom

Is it possible for Christians to be free and not know it? How can we know for sure that we are free?
Why did Paul emphasize freedom from the law more than the other disciples?
Does accepting Christ free Christians from having to keep the law?

The Dangerous Consequences of Legalism

Is it wrong to be circumcised? Is it permissible to choose and pick which ceremonial laws one wishes to observe?
Why might satisfaction derived from keeping the law be dangerous?
What is wrong about keeping the law like the rich young ruler did?

Liberty not Licentiousness

How can one know if he or she is abusing grace and indulging in sin?
Should one try to resist temptation, or is that trying to be saved by works?
If love is not the motive for keeping the law, is it being kept in vain?

Fulfilling the Whole Law

How is it that breaking one law we are said to have broken all, when keeping one does not mean keeping them all?
Is it possible to love everyone properly? Did Jesus love the Pharisees and priests?
Which is easier to (1) to keep the letter of the commandments, (2) to bring a sacrifice for each sin for forgiveness, (3) to love everyone?

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.