ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Dec 2-8), Children of the Promise

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 December 2017

Lesson 10 (Dec 2-8), Children of the Promise

Paul's Burden

What was God's purpose in selecting Israel as his chosen people? How much of God's purposes for them did the Israelites fulfill?
What, if any, are our obligations as heirs of Abraham?

Elected

What made Abel, Jacob and the prodigal son, preferred over their older brother? Is the older brother usually less inclined to religious matters?
What did God mean when he said "Esau I have hated?"Could Esau have been the one through whom the Messiah came?

Mysteries

Why does the Bible say that God hardened Pharaoh's heart? How much choice did the human have in it?
Why does God keep some things hidden from humans?
How are discoveries made, by accident, or by plan of God?

Ammi: "My People"

Why would Father Hosea name his son "Not my people?" Why was his name changed to "my people?'
Would God have had His prophet marry a prostitute or was only an object lesson, a parable?

Stumbling

In what way did Jesus become a stumbling block for the Jews? Why was it difficult for them to accept Him as their Messiah?
What in other people become stumbling blocks for me?
Should I be bothered if I am a stumbling block for someone, or is it their own lookout?

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.