ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (Aug 8-14), Sharing the Word

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, 9 August 2020

Lesson 7 (Aug 8-14), Sharing the Word

Symbols of God's Word

In what ways is the Bible like a light?
Why did Jeremiah liken the Word to a fire and hammer? In what ways do the serve the same function?
After narrating His parable when Jesus explained that the seed was the Word of God, what did He mean by "Word of God?"
When Jesus said "Man shall not live by bread alone?" what did He mean?

The Creative Power of God's Word

Did God have to say "Let there be . . . " or would just thinking have been enough?" What does the psalmist mean when he wrote that the heavens were created by the "word of the Lord?"
In what ways is Jesus like the Bible? Why are they both called the "Word?"
How can it be said that God sustains the world in the same way He created it?

The Benefits of Studying God's Word

Can a person know enough of God's word for salvation from listening in church?
Does the Bible have instruction for each dilemma? Can one open the Bible at "random" with prayer and get an answer?
How much time should one spend studying the Bible?

Applying God's Word

How does God actually help us overcome temptation? Does He chase the tempter or does he strengthen us?
How do promises enable a person to endure?
Why does God work through promises rather than immediate help?

Sharing the Word

Are sharers born or is that trait cultivated?
What characteristics are required for one to be a sharer with strangers?
Can one go to heaven without sharing?

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.