ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Feb 16-22), Satan, A Defeated Enemy

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.

Friday, 22 February 2019

Lesson 8 (Feb 16-22), Satan, A Defeated Enemy

The Woman and the Dragon

How is a woman a better symbol than a man for God's church?
What makes the dragon an appropriate symbol for the devil? Why would a mythical creature be used rather than one from nature?

Satan Cast Down to Earth

Why do you think Satan was successful in winning so many angels (one third) to his side?
What was the nature of the war in heaven between Michael and Satan? Would killing the rebels have prevented a lot of evil and suffering in the universe?

The War on Earth

Why did God allow Satan access to heaven even after his expulsion?
Why did God allow such a long time for Satan's character to be proved? Wasn't it enough by the time Jesus came to earth?

War Against the Remnant

Of the two marks of the remnant in Rev 12:17 is one more important than the other?
Can one be saved without either of the two marks of the remnant? That is, will some be saved who have not kept all the commandments? Can one be saved who has not heard of Jesus? If yes, what then is the meaning of the marks of the remnant?

Satan's End-time Strategy

Could the miracles of healing seen on TV and in large meetings from be genuine?
Should there be more examples of healing by Adventist pastors and lay members? What is the reason there is so few? Why do pastors not call on people to rise up and walk in the name of Jesus?

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.