ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 9 (Feb 23-Mar 1), Satan and HIs Allies

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, 1 March 2019

Lesson 9 (Feb 23-Mar 1), Satan and HIs Allies

The Beast From the Sea

In a narrative such as in apocalyptic literature, does everything have to have symbolic meaning?
Are the numbers 7 and 10 to be understood literally or do they also have symbolic meaning? For example would Job have had seven sons and three daughters? Would Job's cattle have literally numbered seven thousand and three thousand, and five hundred and five hundred? Wouldn't the number have changed daily? Further, if those are symbolic, what about his 7 sons and 3 daughters?
Why did John use mythological beasts? Could he have remained within the realm of natural ones?

The Activities of the Sea Beast

Is 42 months/1260 days/3 1/2 years a literal time period or could it be symbolic since 3 1/2 is half of seven?
Is there anything good in Roman Catholicism? What about their worship?
Could there ever be a "dark age" in our church or are we safe?

The Beast Arising Out of the Earth

How can a "mortal" wound heal?
What has caused the United States to change from the character of a lamb to that of the dragon? Can it ever become lamb-like again? Should true Christians try to regain the past, or is it impossible?

The Image of the Beast

Why do practically all Christians besides Adventists follow the Catholics in keeping Sunday holy?
How should we address Roman Catholic priests? Is it wrong to call him "Father . . . ?"
Which should we fear more, the beast, or the image to the beast?

The Mark of the Beast

What is the value of a mark if it is not visible?
Has the Seal of God ever been anything other than the Sabbath? Will there be people in heaven who have not known about the seventh-day sabbath?
What makes 6 a significant number? What are examples of 6 in everyday life? Why are there so many 6's all around us?

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.