ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (April 11-17), Jesus and the Apostles

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.

Tuesday, 14 April 2020

Lesson 3 (April 11-17), Jesus and the Apostles

It is Written

Why did Satan have no response when Jesus said "It is written?"
Does the Holy Spirit communicate directly to individuals too? How reliable is it?
How important is it to memorize Scripture word for word?

Jesus and the Law

What did the Jews understand by the term "law?"
Can one love who does not observe the ten commandments?
What is meant by the "prophets" on whom also the law hangs?

Jesus and All Scripture

Why were the disciples blind to the OT prophecies which were fulfilled in Jesus?
Why was Jesus so careful to uphold Scripture?
Did Jesus suggest that the Old Testament was outdated when he said ". . . but I say unto you?"

Jesus and the Origin and History

Was Jesus attitude to the historicity of the Old Testament conditioned by the lack of such a question in His day?
Did Jesus know Scripture better than those around Him, or were the others acquainted with His quotations of the Bible?
Why didn't Jesus give the chapter and reference when he quoted Scripture? Do we need to do that?

The Apostles and the Bible

Whom would you expect to doubt the veracity of the Bible more, fishermen or scholars? Why?
Did the apostles appeal to Scripture because they were dealing with Jews?
Is there any use remaining a Christian if we question the reliability of the Bible?

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.