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. 04 18-24 January 2020 Title: From Furnace to PalaceKey texts: Daniel 3; Revelation 13:11-18; Exodus 20:3-6; Deut. 6:4; 1Cor. 15:12-26; Hebrews 11.

A. Themes to Explore: 1. Chapter 3 deals with a conflict about worship: to worship God only or something like Him? 2. At the core of every erroneous worship there is the presence of pride and presumptuousness: the worship of self.3. Being faithful means not stooping to compromise, not even if it is only a simple exterior act.

B. Learning Objectives1. Consider the constant dangers we face every day with regard to worship, bearing in mind that it is in this area that

the final conflict will be played out.

C. Possible questions for deeper study, debate, reflect and sharing the Word1. What link exists between the way we worship and our loyalty to God? What does Daniel chapter 3 teach us?2. What does the story of these three Hebrews tell us about the future threat to worship announced in Revelation 13

and 14?3. Was it really necessary for those three young men to risk their lives for a simple bow? What would I have done?4. How can we be 100% faithful without giving a foothold to fanaticism and radicalism? Where and how can we find the

strength to remain faithful always?

Develop a vision of service and reciprocal care amongst members

Witness to my neighbour?

Translator: Cathy Bertolini

Notes for SS teachers on leading the group in discussing the Biblical themes proposed by the Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly.

Fundamental concepts:

The church is nourished primarily by the Word, in every moment of worship the Word must be at the centre.

1. In the Sabbath school the Word more than preaching must be shared, confessed and testified.2. This is better achieved if the Sabbath School is organised in small groups, ideally from 5 to 9 people.3. The Word must be applied to our every day lives, become real in the cultural environments of the participants.

Objectives to be pursued with the help of the teacher:

a. Create moments of sharing and facilitate dialogue in which all can participateb. Keep in mind the very real, current needs of the group membersc. Lead the group, at least in the conclusions, to consider practical applications relevant to their needsd. Invite members to renew their loyalty and commitment to the LORD and His Word.

Lead the group by asking questions based on the following steps:

A general question to facilitate dialogue – an ice-breaker e.g. What have I learned that is New and important? A question to encourage deeper study and reflection e.g. What important lessons do these texts teach? A question to invite personal application of the lesson e.g. What do I need to apply to my life from this lesson? A question which encourages members to service and witness e.g. How does this lesson encourage me to serve

and witness to my neighbour?