Outline for Sabbath School Teachers with ideas for group discussion inspired by the Teachers’ Edition

of the Sabbath School Lesson prepared by the General Conference SS ministry.

Lesson n. 03 11-17 January 2020 Title: From Mystery to RevelationKey texts: Daniel 2; Psalm 138; Acts 17:18-31; Deuteronomy 32:4; John 15:5; 1 Peter 2:4.

A. Themes to Explore: 1. History has a sense and only God knows this and can reveal it – He is in control of everything. 2. Daniel 2 offers a vivid contrast between the ways of the sovereigns of this world and the sovereignty of God. 3. Despite the uncertain and conflictual history of humanity there is however the certainty of God’s eternal plan for

mankind.

B. Learning Objectives1. Understand that having a clear sense of universal history, our insignificant personal history takes on meaning. 2. Reflect on the three role models that emerge of the king and his court, Daniel and his friends and their God.

C. Possible questions for deeper study, debate, reflect and sharing the Word1. Why is this 2600-year-old dream and its meaning so important for us today?2. Read Daniel 2:17-23. What lesson does the prayer of Daniel and his friends teach us? What image of God does it give

us?3. What importance does the sense of history given in the vision of Dan. 2 have for us today? 4. How can we use this prophecy to offer hope to those around us and build faith in God’s future?

Develop a vision of service and reciprocal care amongst members

Translator: Cathy Bertolini

Notes on how to establish brotherly communion (Reach In), an important objective of the Sabbath School, and practical suggestions to use in your Sabbath School groups on Sabbath morning:

Warmly welcome everyone present, including those who are not regular attenders and any latecomers. This helps to put people at ease and make them feel at home.

Share thanksgiving, worries and needs and make them subjects of prayer.

Remember those who are absent, ill or who have other problems (spiritual, moral and emotional) and ex-members. Encourage those present to be interested in these people and all those who may have problems, pray for them in the class.

Encourage those present to render a ‘deacon’s service’ to those who are ‘absent’ (a telephone call, a visit, a small gift from the group).

When the church celebrates the Lord’s Supper provide a service for those who are absent: the elderly and the sick.

All this creates an awareness of being a church – a family. Develop a vision of reciprocal care amongst the Sabbath School group members, each one practicing diaconal service for their fellow brothers and sisters. The objective to focus on is a community where each person is attentive to the needs of their brethren, building a brotherhood of love, a church based on Acts 2:42-47.

Such a project doesn’t happen overnight, it needs co-ordination and perseverance, and the involvement of all the main local leaders, including the elders and pastor.