ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 5 (Jan 23-29, 2020), Noble Prince of Peace

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.

Saturday, 23 January 2021

Lesson 5 (Jan 23-29, 2020), Noble Prince of Peace

End of Gloom for Galilee

Why do so many people consult spirit mediums? How accurate are they? Is consulting weekly horoscopes evil?
How much difference does it make as to which place Jesus began his ministry? Why was it in the Galilee area? Was it by chance or by design?
How do people get possessed by the devil?

A Child for Us

Is the child of Isa 9:6, 7 the same one as Immanuel or a different one?
What are the indications that this one upon whose shoulders is placed the government, is not a human king?
Can this prophecy have more than one fulfillment, and if so what are the options? If not, why not?

The Rod of God's Anger

Why did God persist with Israel for so long, enduring their repeated failures and punishing them again and again?
What were the most serious sins of Israel?
Does God punish people today for sin? Is suffering an indication of sin in a person's life?

Root and Branch in One

Why do we use the term "Family Tree?"
What is the difference, if any between "shoot," and "branch?"
How is David as the "root of Jesse" also the ancestor of Jesus?
Why does Isaiah combine elements of the first advent with that of the second and third advents?

You Comforted Me

How truly was the Lord "our Salvation" before Jesus's incarnation?
When is "that day" which is mentioned several times Isaiah 12 when the Lord becomes our salvation?
What is the meaning of the term "Holy One of Israel?"

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.