ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (Oct 6-12), Causes of Disunity

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.

Sunday, 7 October 2018

Lesson 2 (Oct 6-12), Causes of Disunity

Return O Backsliding Children

Why did the Israelites keep falling into idol worship when they knew from past experiences that they would suffer consequences
Why did God tolerate their repeated failures for hundreds of years?
Are those who are faithful to God rewarded consistently? Are those who are unfaithful punished regularly?

Right in His Eyes

What was the cause for anarchy and chaos during the period of the judges?
What are the benefits of belonging to a tribe? What are the curses of tribalism?
What are Seventh-day Adventists known for in our community? What should we be known for?

The Division of the Hebrew Nation

Why did God allow the ten tribes to be led by kings so wicked that eventually the kingdom had to be discarded?
How successful was Solomon's reign from God's point of view? Had God granted him the kind of wisdom he needed and asked for?
Why did Rehoboam prefer the advice of his friends?

Schism in Corinth

To what extent can quarrels and disunity in the church be blamed on outstanding characters in the church?
How can a pastor-evangelist or officer keep members of the church from getting too attached to him?
How visible and/or important should a conference or higher unit officer be in a local church?

Wolves Will Come

In today's scenario, who are the wolves who are a threat to the church?
What do we mean by sheep's clothing? What are some examples of wolves in sheep's clothing?
What are some trivial topics that are wasting the time and resources of the church in these days?
If there is disunity in a local church how should it be addressed?

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.