ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 7 (Feb 8-14), From the Lions' Den to the . . .

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.

Monday, 10 February 2020

Lesson 7 (Feb 8-14), From the Lions' Den to the . . .

Jealous Souls

What comes first, jealousy or pride?
Was it the king's fault that the other administrators became jealous of Daniel?
What could have given the impression that Daniel feared God more than he did the king?
How can one keep from getting jealous or from coveting?

The Plot Against Daniel

What could the other administrators have gained by getting rid of Daniel? Would they have succeeded if the lions had killed Daniel?
Why would any country or organization have such a policy against changing laws?
Why did the king respect Daniel more than he did the other administrators?
How can we earn similar respect in our current work places as Daniel did in the king's court?

Daniel's Prayer

If Daniel had alerted the king to the problem could some provision have been made for him?
Would it have been a sin for Daniel to pray with his windows closed?
How should we respond when the sunday law is passed?

In the Lions' Den

What did the king mean when he referred to Daniel "serving the Lord continually?"
What made the administrators thing that captives were second class citizens? Were they justified in feeling superior?
Why do some Christians have the attitude that they are more deserving that recent converts?
Why did Jesus tell the parable of equal pay? Don't those who start work earlier deserve more pay?
What are similar situations today in which we might be like Darius enjoying ego boosts?

Vindication

Why does history not record the conversion of the entire nation of Babylon?
What is God's attitude to punishment of wives and children for the sins of men?
Why does God permit some faithful to perish and others to be spared?

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.