Discussion Guide 

 Proposition: Self deception comes to those who believe hearing the Word of God is essential, but obedience is optional

-Have you heard the phrase “My Truth” used?  What do you think about it?

-What would it take to fool you into believing a wrong interpretation of a part of the Bible?

The first lesson: Any believer who promotes disobeying the Apostle’s teaching (whether stated in word and modeled in action) must be avoided.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.

-What do you think of this practice?

-Have you seen it happen and how was it handled?

-How was it received?

-What was the outcome?

The second lesson is also a present imperative, but it is a negative imperative.

2 Thessalonians 3:15 Do not regard him as an enemy but warn him as a brother.

-How do you ‘avoid’ (from vs 14), while warning/influencing him in this verse?

-How could this be lived out from Sunday to Sunday with a sincere heart?

-How would you struggle to lead this process of correction and restoration?

The third lesson is found in the words “we” and “I.”

-Have someone in the group spontaneously share the Gospel as they might share it with an interested person

-Read 1 Corinthians 4:16-17 and 2 Timothy 3:13-15.  What are some important and differing aspects of discipleship in these 2 verses?

-How do these verses relate to us?

Closing Scriptures:

-Read the following verses and discuss ways we are subtly fooled

“Prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” (James 1:22) - NASB.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) - NASB.

“Brethren my heart’s desire and my prayer to God is for their (Israel’s) For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1-4).

Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, your who practice lawlessness. (Matthew 7:21-23).

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. ¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Challenge:  Let’s ask God to use us in helping to rescue people:

If you see them as an enemy…you need a heart change

If you see a need for them to be rescued….pray for them

If you’ve been unwilling to obey these commands….ask God for strength