INTRODUCTION TO BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

These studies do not tell you what the Bible says. The scriptures given direct you to specific topics. The questions are intended to help you focus on the study. No answers are given. You have to read and search the scriptures for the answers. We encourage you to use Bible helps such as concordances and commentaries. However, scholars and theologians often disagree on interpretation and application. The best study help comes from God. Pray. Allow yourself to be honest with your reactions, but don’t jump to conclusions. It takes time to read and meditate on all the Bible says on various topics. Feel free to ask questions in your prayers. You will be amazed to discover that God does answer the sincere seeker. You will also be surprised that the Bible may not say what you might think it does on many subjects. Keep a notebook. A loose leaf one would make it possible to add thoughts and additional information as you learn more about different subjects. Welcome to an exciting search.
 
Print out version.  (This is 7 pages long, without the introduction and with space for answering questions.)

 
Bible Study Guide: Recognizing false Christian teachers 

How to discern between counterfeit Christian leaders and those who are genuine

By Scarlett Stough

Please read the Women in Christ commentary, Jezebel: False Teacher, to prepare for the study. 
 

Part I Jezebel of Thyatira

  1. Revelation 2:18-29 Whose words are these? 
  2. What praise does he have for the church in Thyatira? 
  3. What correction does he have for the members of this congregation? 
  4. What are the teachings that are leading them into sin? (Compare the correction of the church in Pergamum. Revelation 2:14-16.) 
  5. Jude 3, 4 What did these godless men teach?
  6. What is the penalty for those who refuse to act on this correction? Compare to Revelation 2:22-23 and Romans 6:23. 
  7. What is the reward for those who persevere in turning away from teachings that are in opposition to God’s instructions? See also Luke 19:17
Part II Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s Wife
  1. I Kings 16:30-34 What was Ahab’s spiritual condition?
  2. I Kings 18:4 What was Jezebel doing?
  3. I Kings 18:20-40 What was Elijah’s challenge to the people? (v. 21) What was Elijah’s prayer? (v. 37)
  4. I Kings 19:1-18 How did God encourage Elijah? (v. 18) Compare with Revelation 2:24.
  5. I Kings 21:1-26 How did Jezebel use her political and religious power? 
  6. I Kings 21:23-24; II Kings 9:30-37 What was Jezebel’s end? Compare with Revelation 2:22-23.
  7. Jude 12-16 Compare Jezebel’s actions with the false (counterfeit) teachers described by Jude.
Part III How to tell the genuine from the counterfeit
  1. Matthew 7:15-29 What warning did Jesus give to his disciples?
  2. Are false prophets easy to recognize? (v.15) Compare to II Corinthians 11:13-15.
  3. What did Jesus say would reveal the true from the false? (Matthew 7:16-20) Compare to Galatians 5:19-26. What fruit do you think Jesus was talking about?
  4. Who did Jesus say would enter his kingdom? Who would not? (Matthew 7:21)
  5. Can we rely on powerful preaching, control over demonic forces, or even miracles to tell who are the true representatives of Christ? (v.22-23) Compare to Deuteronomy 13:1-18.
  6. Jude 11-12, 16-19 What are some of the motives of counterfeit religious leaders?
  7. I Corinthians 5:9-13 How did Paul apply Deuteronomy 17:7 to a congregation?
  8. Romans 8:12-14; Colossians 3:5-11 How do we apply Deuteronomy 17:7 to ourselves personally?
Part IV How to avoid being deceived
  1. Matthew 7:24-27 How can we as followers of Christ, as women in Christ, be certain that we remain disciples of Jesus?
  2. Who has the ultimate authority to teach us God’s instructions? Jesus? Or human religious leaders? (v.28-29)
  3. Jude 4 What are two false teachings we must reject?
  4. Jude 20-23 Name four things in this passage you can do to maintain your relationship with God.
  5. Jude 24-25 Who can we trust to guard us from those who would lead us away from the true way of God?
 
 PAST ISSUES HOME

HOME