ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (May 5-11), The Change of the Law

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.

Monday, 7 May 2018

Lesson 6 (May 5-11), The Change of the Law

The Promise

What does Paul mean when he says "there is no condemnation for those in Jesus?' Is there anything that one needs to do to escape condemnation besides what Jesus did?
What is a greater problem, doing what we know we should not do or not doing what we know we should do? What kinds of temptations would an apostle or pastor encounter, that Paul should make such a lament?
What is "grace?" How does that word give hope?

The Law and Sin

What is the relationship between "law" and "sin?" Can one exist without the other?
What makes laws unpopular? What makes a law easy or hard to obey?
Why do some Christians teach that there is now no obligation to keep the commandments? Why do they only refer to the Sabbath commandment? What about the other commandments?

From Sabbath to Sunday

Why do Christians want to believe that the Sabbath has been changed to Sunday?
How much can the church amend doctrines to suit changing times and place?
How important is it to keep the particular day God appointed? Can a country dictate the day of worship such as in Nepal where every single Christian denomination has to worship only on Saturday?

The Seventh-day in the New Testament

Did Jesus choose to be in the grave on Sabbath or was that a coincidence?
Why was Sabbath-keeping still important to the disciples even when Jesus was dead? Would embalming Jesus the "Lord of the Sabbath" have been excusable on Sabbath?
Is it okay for us to gather by a riverside or meet in homes or rooms for Sabbath worship like the disciples did, instead of going to church?

The Attempted Change of the Sabbath

If you had authority to change a commandment which one would you change, and why?
Why do Protestants who do not believe in the authority of the Pope still observe Sunday as the Sabbath?
Why is the Sabbath commandment such an irritant for Satan? Which other commandments could he hate as much?

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.