ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Nov 14-20, 2020), Education and Redemption

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, 15 November 2020

Lesson 8 (Nov 14-20, 2020), Education and Redemption

In the Image of God

Since the Hebrew word for image means "statue" to what extent can we imagine we are in the external/internal physical image of God?
To what extent do humans still exercise dominion/rulership over other creatures? Why are humans not called the king of the jungle?
Are males only in God's image or females too, or both together? How are parents God's representatives to their children?

Jesus as Teacher

Why did the general populace call Jesus Rabbi (teacher)? What did one have to do to qualify as a rabbi?
Was Jesus more a preacher or teacher? What is the difference?
What good techniques of teaching did Jesus employ?

Moses and the Prophets

Why is the whole pentateuch (five books of Moses) referred to as "the law?" How does the authority of "law" compare with prophetic books of the Bible or books of wisdom?
How successful were the priests/Levites in carrying out the instruction to teach the scriptures?
How much of the books of Moses applies to us today?

Wise Men and Women

How do people acquire wisdom and at what point can a person be labelled wise?
What is the relationship between wisdom and knowledge?
How does wisdom compare with philosophy?

Education in the Early Church

Did Jesus have enough time to teach His disciples? How does the length of Jesus'ministry compare with that of a high school or college education?
Did the disciples learn more from Jesus or from the Holy Spirit?
How can one know when the Holy Spirit is trying to teach one something?

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.