Red Letter Warnings – STUDY GUIDE

Download PDF

Icebreaker: Share an example of how Satan uses deception to lead people away from Jesus’ truth.

Sermon Title: Life in the Red Letters – “Red Letter Warnings”– John 8:31-47

Group Discussion:

Read Genesis 4:7, John 8:31-32, & Romans 3:23 – Sin is real, and it can enslave us. Discuss our culture’s tendency to minimize and/or redefine sin and how these verses are applicable? Discuss how we can recognize sin and what it can look like to “rule over” sin instead of it ruling over us.

Read John 8:42-43 & John 10:10 – There is a real enemy, Satan, who opposes Jesus’ message. How can recognizing Satan as an engaged enemy, who stands in direct opposition to Jesus, shape the way we understand the spiritual battle between truth and deceit in our world today?

Read Genesis 3:1-5 & John 8:44 – There is a real agenda, destruction through deception. Discuss examples of how Satan uses subtle lies, half-truths, doubt, and/or deception to lead people away from Jesus’ truth and toward destruction. How can we guard our hearts with discernment and truth?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18 – Fight spiritual battles using spiritual weapons. How can these verses help us understand the true nature of spiritual warfare? Discuss how we can use each piece of the “armor of God” to fight spiritual battles with confidence, faith, truth, and perseverance.

Read Psalm 119:47-48 & Matthew 7:24-27 – Fall in love with scripture. What does it truly mean to fall in love with Scripture? Share examples of how a genuine love for, and engagement with, scripture will transform the way we listen, obey, and live our lives on His truth? What is the alternative?

Read Matthew 11:28-30, 1 John 1:9, James 4:8, & John 15:5-6 – Keep coming back to Jesus. How do these passages challenge us to return to Jesus for forgiveness, rest, intimacy, and perseverance? Discuss practical steps we can take to not only come back to Jesus, but to remain in Jesus.

Spiritual Discipline: Review resources for this sermon series on our Church Center app: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources, such as Justin’s outline for how to pray and fast.

Action Steps: (1) Recognize and Resist Sin and the Enemy: Identify areas where Satan is influencing your life and actively choose to resist and stand firm in Jesus’ truth, (2) Engage with God’s Word Daily: Read, meditate on, and apply scripture consistently, and (3) Return and Remain in Jesus: Confess, repent, seek His guidance, and rest in Jesus daily.