Study Guide: The Deceptive Nature of Sin

20's & 30's Group Devotional Discussion Guide

Purpose: To have a discussion about how we are deceived into thinking some things are okay that God considers sinful.

Texts: 2 Cor. 11:13-14; 2 Cor. 2:11; 2 Cor. 11:3; Isaiah 5:20; Prov. 17:15

Icebreaker Question:

Name something that everyone seemed to know about that you only recently discovered--the sillier the better.

Examples: Thinking that a "chest-of-drawers" was really "Chester-drawers;" I always thought it was "far, further, furtherest" and have always said it, I just learned that it is "far, further, furthest;" In an episode of Seinfeld, Jerry convinces Elaine that the original title of Tolstoy's book War and Peace was really War, What is it Good For?

Spiritual Question:

What behaviors do many unashamedly practice today that they seem to have no idea are really sinful activities? in the world generally? in the church?

Examples:

Homosexuality (1 Cor. 6:9)

Divorce without the scriptural exception (Matt. 19:9)

Having sex with anyone you are not married to (Heb. 13:4)

Being lazy (2 Thes. 3:6-12)

Gossiping about others (1 Tim. 5:13)

Getting drunk (1 Cor. 6:10; Eph. 5:18)

Excessive eating (Prov. 23:21)

Scripture Study and Questions:

* 1. Isaiah 5:20 -"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil..." What are some things that people call evil today that are really good? What are some things that people call good that are really evil?

* 2. 2 Corinthians 11:13 - "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." How might Satan disguise something evil into making it appear to be something good? Give some practical examples.

3. 1 Corinthians 2:11 - "...so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs." How can we increase our awareness of Satan's designs to outwit and deceive us into falling into sin?

4. 2 Corinthians 11:3 - "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." How do you think Satan is able to led our thoughts astray from Christ? Do you think temptation is immediate or gradual? Explain.

Open Reflection & Application Question:

Name a behavior have you been personally guilty of in your life that you are only now being convicted is something that is sinful and hurts your relationship with God?

Examples:

A prideful heart (1 John 2:16)

Having a selfish, individualistic focus in life (Philippians 2:3)

Possessing a rebellious spirit (2 Peter 2:10-11)