ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Mar 7-13), From Battle to Victory

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, 9 March 2020

Lesson 11 (Mar 7-13), From Battle to Victory

Fasting and Prayer, Once Again

Why didn't Daniel return to Jerusalem with the others at the end of the 70 years?
Why was Daniel mourning after the others returned to Jerusalem?
Since it is mentioned that Daniel during his mourning avoided pleasant bread, wine, and flesh does it mean that he normally consumed those things? How does this compare with the Daniel of the first chapter?

A Vision of the Prince

Why does God give visions during the day instead of during the night when it is more convenient?
Why do prophets who describe God and heaven use words "like" and "as" so many times? Are prophets shown real things or just pictures in their mind?
What could have frightened Daniel's companions?

Touched by an Angel

Under what circumstances will God control a human being like a robot?
Does God hear ALL prayers personally, or do angels assist in hearing and answering prayers?
Who was with Daniel? Why is he described as "one like the sons of men?"

A Great Conflict

Are all humans--rulers and commoners on one side or the other in the great controversy, or are some neutral?
Why would Satan attempt to block the return of the Jews to Jerusalem since they were the ones who would crucify Jesus?
Who is Michael? Why is he described as "One of the princes?" Who are the others?

A Victorious Prince

Is Satan stronger than Gabriel?
How do angels fight, physically or verbally?
How does Satan fight with humans? What do we need to fear when we deal with evil ones, and what do we not need to fear?

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.