Bible Study Discussion Guide: Don’t Fall for a Fake Jesus
Bible Reading2 Corinthians 11:1-4, 13-15 (ESV)> I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 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. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. ... For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Matthew 7:13-23 (ESV)> “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
John 14:6 (ESV)> Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Observation Questions- In 2 Corinthians 11, what is Paul’s main concern for the church in Corinth regarding “another Jesus”? ([02:00])
- According to Matthew 7, how does Jesus describe the difference between the broad way and the narrow way? What does He say about the number of people on each path? ([25:10])
- What warning does Jesus give about false prophets and how can they be recognized? ([25:10])
- In the sermon, what are some characteristics of the “fake Jesus” that the world wants, according to the pastor? ([35:03])
Interpretation Questions- Why does Paul compare his concern for the church to a father’s jealousy for his daughter’s purity? What does this reveal about the seriousness of spiritual deception? ([05:07])
- How does the idea of “another Jesus” challenge the way we evaluate teachings and preachers today? ([10:09])
- Why do you think Jesus says that “many” will be deceived and only “few” will find the narrow way? What does this mean for us as believers? ([19:22])
- The pastor says it’s not unloving to warn against false teachings. How does this fit with Jesus’ command to love others? ([32:05])
Application Questions- The sermon warns that the enemy’s greatest weapon is subtlety, and that false teachers can look like “ministers of righteousness.” How can you personally grow in discernment so you’re not easily deceived by teachings that sound good but aren’t biblical? ([16:53])
- The world’s version of Jesus is one who “tolerates sin, accepts all religions, and demands nothing.” Are there areas in your own life where you have been tempted to accept a more comfortable or convenient version of Jesus? What would it look like to let the real Jesus confront those areas? ([35:03])
- Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” Is there a specific sin or habit in your life that you have been excusing or tolerating? What steps can you take this week to repent and pursue holiness? ([33:25])
- The pastor mentioned that truth is not determined by majority or popularity. Have you ever felt pressure to go along with the crowd, even when you knew it wasn’t right? How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? ([19:22])
- The sermon says Jesus is not a “spare tire” to be used only in emergencies, but the King who deserves our loyalty and obedience. How do you treat your relationship with Jesus during the week? What is one practical way you can honor Him as Lord in your daily routine? ([56:19])
- The pastor talked about the importance of being rooted in the Word. What is your current habit of Bible reading and study? Is there a change you want to make to be more grounded in Scripture? ([08:21])
- When you see other Christians or churches promoting a “fake Jesus,” how can you respond in a way that is both truthful and loving? ([32:05])
Closing Encouragement: Let’s remember that the real Jesus calls us to repentance, transformation, and loyalty. He is both Savior and Lord. Let’s be vigilant, rooted in the Word, and determined not to fall for a fake Jesus.
