SCC Small Group Discussion

Defeating Deception – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Derived from a sermon on August 11, 2024 by Dr. Jeff Chandler

Getting Started:Have you ever been led along into a lie? Was there a negative consequence as a result?

Searching the Scriptures

A. How do you feel when you see people taken in by false ideas – especially those who appear to be honestly seeking God? Talk about some of these contemporary world views and how you have engaged with others on these topics.

B. How does lawlessness tend to deceive people? What are they missing?

C. Paul connects the man of lawlessness with the presence of Satan. How does Satan
work in the world and how is he restrained?

Here are some other passages that deal with the subject of deception:

Read Ephesians 5:5-8
For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person– such a person is an idolater– has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

D. From these verses in Ephesians, what triggers God’s wrath? How do you compare
this to what we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12?

E. Based on this passage, what do we have to do to “live as children of light”?

Read Romans 16:17-19
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put
obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away
from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By
smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard
about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.

F. Why are certain people more ripe to be deceived? Is there solution for this?

G. What helps you stay morally alert?

Application of Scripture:

A. In what ways do you see political, social and moral chaos at work around you? How
does this affect you?

B. What are some areas where you need to stand against deception?