1. Have you ever been deceived in the past? During those times, what made it so difficult for you to realize that you were being misled? Has your experience helped you to be more ‘at guard’ in similar situations of life?
· We are not able to see clearly when we are being deceived.
· Deception may offer a more likable theory to fulfill its function.
· We are caused to believe something which is not true when we are deceived.
· Deception looses its ground no sooner the darkness over an issue is uncovered.
· The subtler it is, the harder to discern.
2. Read Genesis 3:1-6 Even before Adam & eve had sinned by disobeying God over His commandment, what ground work did the serpent do in order to carry out his purpose? What does deception usually lead to? What example comes to our mind from the bible that depicts Satan’s age old strategy?
3. Read 2 Corinthians 11:2. What Godly jealousy is Paul talking about? What are we Zealous about for the Lord? Share some of the traits of this character.
· We may be called to speak out sometimes that may not be popular but in truth.( 2 Corinthians 11:2)
· Strong desire towards others salvation (Romans 10:1)
· Desire spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 14:12)
· Doing good works (Titus 2:14)
· For the Lords sake (Numbers 25:11)
· For missionary works (Romans 15:18-25)
4. Read 2 Corinthians 11:4. What teaching of Christ was being preached? Why do you think that the Church at Corinth was tolerating the teaching?
The teachings given to the Church at Corinth were the Judaistic teaching which had a spirit of bondage, fear & worldliness instead of Love , freedom, peace & of power. However they had received it without any hesitation. (They were being deceived by false teaching)
5. Read Mathew 7:15-16. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 satan weaves himself so cleverly with the normal things around us, that it hardly may catch our attention. How do we discern a lying Spirit? Discuss some of the areas of life where we need to be in guard (subtle though it may be) which could be contrary to the fruit of Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) Satan always appears to speaks to our advantage, almost understanding our needs. By doing this he can gain access into our thoughts, speak lies that are clothed in Godliness, yet cunning enough that we don’t identify Gen 3:1-6, Mathew 4:3)
6. Read Ephesians 5:24-28 and 2 Corinthians 11:2 Discuss why the relation between Christ & the church is compared with the bride & the groom? What is expected of the bride when the groom is coming for her? What has always been Satan’s strategy towards it?
7. Read Mathew 25:1-13. Share what are the key reasons, why the foolish virgins missed the bridegroom. Throw a question to the group; - if Jesus were to come tonight for us, can we say that we are ready in every way for him to receive us - spotless, without any blemish? Are there any areas in our life where we need to work with the Lord? What is the danger?
8. Ask the group for prayer needs if any, especially for ones who have been doubting. Pray for the Spirit of discernment that will enable us to see the truth, beyond all deception of the evil one. To not be carried away by the popular or likable things, rather to wait upon the Lord as the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. - Amen
