Bible Study Questions

1. Read 1 John 4:1-6. Why does John command believers to "test the spirits" rather than simply accept all spiritual teaching? What are the dangers of being undiscerning?
2. The sermon mentions that "heretics never announce themselves as heretics." How does 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 describe the way false teachers present themselves? Why is this so dangerous?
3. John writes that we must discriminate between truth and error, even though love doesn't usually discriminate. How do we balance Christ's command to love others with the need to reject false teaching?
4. The sermon identifies three ways false teachers attack Jesus: his uniqueness, his sufficiency for salvation, and his call to holiness. Can you think of modern examples of each type of attack?
5. Why is it impossible to be "fuzzy about Jesus" and still be a true Christian according to 1 John 2:22? What specifically must we confess about Christ?
6. The sermon states "you add 1% to Jesus and you are 100% wrong." How does Paul's letter to the Galatians (Galatians 1:6-9) support this claim? Why is any addition to the gospel so serious?
7. According to the sermon, false teachers often "baptize sin" by making it acceptable. How does Jude describe this (Jude 1:4)? What contemporary sins have you seen dressed up in spiritual language?
8. What are the two primary sources John gives us for discerning truth: apostolic testimony and the Holy Spirit's witness in the church? Why are both necessary?
9. The sermon warns about individuals claiming "the Holy Spirit told me..." Why is it important to discern together as a church community rather than relying solely on individual revelation?
10. Read 1 John 4:4. How does this verse encourage believers facing false teaching? What does it mean that "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"?
11. The sermon uses the illustration of a diving bell withstanding ocean pressure. How does this picture the church's role in protecting believers from worldly pressures and false teaching?
12. After studying this passage, what practical steps can you take to develop better spiritual discernment in your own life? How can you help others in your church family do the same?

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever encountered a teaching or teacher that seemed spiritual and appealing at first but later realized was leading you away from biblical truth? What warning signs did you notice?
2. The sermon says false teachers often present themselves as enlightened and appeal to human pride. Why do you think people are attracted to messages that add requirements or alternatives to simple faith in Jesus?
3. In our culture of tolerance and acceptance, how do you respond when someone accuses you of being "judgmental" or "narrow-minded" for saying Jesus is the only way to God?
4. The sermon mentions that demons never lied to Jesus about his identity but will lie to us about who he is. Why is it so crucial that we get Jesus' identity right? What's at stake?
5. Can you think of examples in today's church where sin has been "baptized" or repackaged as acceptable? How should we respond to these teachings with both truth and love?
6. The sermon warns that Satan tells people what they want to hear. What messages do you think people in our culture most want to hear right now, and how might false teachers exploit those desires?
7. How do you practically "test" the sermons, podcasts, books, or social media content you consume? What questions do you ask to evaluate if teaching aligns with apostolic truth?
8. The sermon emphasizes discerning together as a church rather than individually. How does your small group or church community help you recognize false teaching? Can you share an example?
9. When you hear teaching that lifts up Jesus, how does it make you feel? Conversely, when teaching diminishes him, what internal response do you notice? How can we cultivate this spiritual sensitivity?
10. The sermon states that when we dismiss sin, we dismiss Jesus. Why are holiness and the gospel so inseparable? How does cheap grace ultimately undermine the work of Christ?
11. In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel most vulnerable to deception or false teaching? What safeguards can you put in place?
12. How can we create a church culture where people feel safe asking hard questions and testing teaching, while still honoring church leadership and maintaining unity