ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (Jan 30-Feb 5, 2020), Playing God

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.

Saturday, 30 January 2021

Lesson 6 (Jan 30-Feb 5, 2020), Playing God

Doom on the Nations

Why was Babylon one of the worst enemies of God and Judah?
Are there any faithful people in Babylon?
Can the remnant church every become Babylon? How could that happen?

The Late Great City of Babylon

Does God cause nations to rise and fall, or does he merely allow it?
Could Babylon ever be rebuilt? Would that prove Bible prophecy which says it will not be inhabited again, wrong?
What do we mean by the term "Babylon is Fallen?"

Fall of the Mountain King

Why do some people deify kings? Do such kings believe actually that they are God?
What are things that feed a leader's ego?
What made Satan imagine that he could be like God? Why didn't he realize that such an attempt was foolish and doomed?

Heaven's Gate

Why is Babylon a fitting symbol for Satan?
Why would God use a mythical creature which has no real existence (like a dragon) to symbolize anything? Would it contribute to the idea that Satan might not really exist, or not?
Was Jacob's ladder leading to heaven, a dream or a vision?

Final Triumph of Zion

How many times will Babylon fall?
When is the "Day of the Lord?" Is there more than one?
Why does God burn the wicked in hellfire? Why not destroy them painlessly?

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.