ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Sept 1-7), The Third Missionary Journey

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.

Friday, 7 September 2018

Lesson 10 (Sept 1-7), The Third Missionary Journey

Ephesus

What was deficient with the baptism of John that those persons, even if they had been acquainted with Jesus, had to be re-baptized?
Under what circumstances may a person be rebaptized?
How can one know if he or she has been baptized only by water, and not of the Spirit?
Why is Priscilla mentioned along with her husband and other wives not mentioned?
Did God take any risks in healing persons who only touched the apostles' handkerchiefs and aprons?
Why did Paul engage in helping victims of disasters?
In times of calamities why do people reach out to persons of their own religion?
Do idol makers believe in their images?

Troas

Was Paul's night-to dawn-meeting on the first day of the week to "break bread" more likely on Friday night or Saturday night? How does this impact Sunday sacredness?
How important was Sabbath keeping to Paul?
How much should those who sleep during a religious meeting be condemned?

Miletus

Why was Paul not revered in Jerusalem?
How can church members recognize false teachers? What is the objective of false teachers? Why do false teachers seem to have more financial support?
In what ways do false teachers come in sheep's clothing?

Tyre and Ceasarea

Was the prophet Agabus warning Paul not to go to Jerusalem or merely predicting what would happen if he went? How should Paul have reacted to the prophecy?
How did Paul know that it was the Spirit "compelling" him to go to Jerusalem? What Spirit drove the members to restrain Paul from going?
What is accomplished by praying for safety before embarking on a journey?

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.