ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (Feb 29-Mar 6), From Confession to Consolation

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, 6 March 2020

Lesson 10 (Feb 29-Mar 6), From Confession to Consolation

The Centrality of God's Word

Was Daniel presumptuous in assuming that the fall of Babylon meant freedom for his people or did the prophecy say that?
Is there anything significant about the number 70? Could God have ended the captivity earlier?
Can prophecies be understood and interpreted only by another prophet?

An Appeal to Grace

Was Daniel's confession a condition for the captivity to end?
How effective is a leader's confession on behalf of the people?
Does God do things so that His name will be honoured?

The Value of Intercession

Was Daniel right or wrong to include himself in the sins/guilt of his people?
What is the value of intercessory prayer? Could Moses save his people by giving up his right to life?
What is the value of parents praying for an unbelieving child?
What is the value of prayer before an exam, or before setting out on a trip?

The Work of the Messiah

How does forgiveness make an "end to sin?"
Why can remission be accomplished only by the shedding of blood?
What does it mean to "seal up a vision?"

The Prophetic Calendar

How do we know that the year-day principle has to be applied to the 2300 day prophecy?
How do we know that the 2300 day prophecy has the same starting date as the 70 week prophecy?
Does probation close for the Jews at the end of the 70 week prophecy?

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.