ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (April 6-12), The Choices We Make

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, 10 April 2019

Lesson 2 (April 6-12), The Choices We Make

Free Will, Free Choice

How much power of choice do animals have? What is the difference of that to the power of choice that humans have?
Are there people who would choose not to accept salvation? If so what are some reasons they might reject it?
Why did God not make creatures who would choose to love Him?

Making the Right Choices

How much are we allowed to change our minds once a choice is made?
How can we consult God in making the right choices? How can we know that He is guiding us?
How can we help other people make right choices in their lives?

Choosing Friends

How do people become friends? What are characteristics of "bad friends?"
What made Jonathan like David?
Was Jonathan correct in maintaining friendship with David against his father's wish? How much should parents guide children in their choice of friends?

Choosing a Life Partner

Is there just one partner that a person can be happily married to, or could there be more than one?
Why is it better to be the "right person" than to find the "right person?"
What advantages or disadvantages did Adam and Eve have in the choice of their partners?

Choosing a Course

Is there more than one career option in which a person can be very happy?
What is the difference between a "job" and a "career?" How can one know when it is time to change to a different job? Might there come a time to change to a different career? How can one sense the time if that is true?
What are the various priorities to consider in choosing a career?

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.