ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 9 (Nov 25-Dec 1), No Condemnation

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, 29 November 2017

Lesson 9 (Nov 25-Dec 1), No Condemnation

In Jesus Christ

What, if anything, is the difference between "us being in Christ," and Christ being in us?"
Can a person be neutral in the controversy between God and the Devil? Or does not being on God's side automatically put one on the Devil's side?
Is freedom a feeling?

What the Law Could Not do

Why do so many people emphasize the necessity of keeping the law when they themselves can't keep it?
Does Jesus Christ help us keep the law so we can be saved?
Is salvation by grace an excuse to not keep the law?

The Flesh or the Spirit

In what way can the flesh be blamed for the evil we do?
Are non-Christians greater sinners than Christians? If not what is the benefit of being a Christian?
How does the Spirit overcome the flesh?

Christ in You

Why did Jesus say "He who is not with me is against me?" Is that really true? What about ignorant non-Christians who are trying their best to be good? What about some Adventists? In what way might some Adventists be against Christ?
Why do Adventists discourage re-baptism?
How can I know if Christ is dwelling in me?

The Spirit of Adoption

Is the concept of being adopted by God as real as if we were handed a real adoption certificate? How real is our adoption?
How authentic do adopted children feel as real children?
What actions of the parents make adopted children feel like biological children?

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.