1. Are You Sure about Signs and Wonders? 1 Corinthians 14:1-25; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12

5. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Why did Paul encourage the believers in Corinth to desire the gift of prophecy more than the gift of tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:1-5) Paul says that those with the gift of prophecy: a.Speak to men about God b.They provide strength, encouragement and comfort c.Their words build up the church

6. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.Why did Paul encourage the believers in Corinth to desire the gift of prophecy more than the gift of tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:1-5) Those with the gift of tongues: a.Speak only to God b.Their words are mysterious c.They edify themselves

7. DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.What is the gift of prophecy? What is the gift of tongues?

8. DISCUSSION GUIDE 3.What is necessary for the gift of tongues to be useful for others? (1 Corinthians 14:6) For the gift of tongues to be useful there must be some way for others to understand the message.

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.In which gifts does Paul encourage the people to excel? (1 Corinthians 14:12) Paul encourages the people to excel in gifts that build up the church.

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.What priority does Paul give to speaking in tongues? (1 Corinthians 14:19) Paul says that five understandable words that can instruct are more valuable than ten thousand words in a tongue.

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE 6.What truth is Paul trying to communicate in verse 21?

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.According to Paul, why is the gift of tongues valuable? For whom is it a sign? (1 Corinthians 14:22-23) Paul says that the gift of tongues is a sign for unbelievers. It shows then that the Spirit is real and the Gospel is valid. However, preaching is necessary to communicate the Gospel with power and clarity.

13. DISCUSSION GUIDE 8.What are four outcomes of Christian proclamation for an unbeliever? (1 Corinthians 14:24-25) Four outcomes of Christian proclamation for an unbeliever are: a.Unbelievers are convicted of sin b.Unbelievers will “cross examine” themselves c.Unbelievers will recognize that God knows their secrets d.Unbelievers will be led to worship

14. DISCUSSION GUIDE 9.What warning does Jesus give to his disciples? (Matthew 24:24) Jesus says that at the end of the age false Christs and false prophets will appear. These people will perform great signs and miracles to deceive people.

15. DISCUSSION GUIDE 10.Do you think that you could be deceived by a false Christ or false prophet who performed great signs and miracles? What could you do today to ensure that you would not be deceived?

16. DISCUSSION GUIDE 11.Can you think of some current examples of false prophets who are deceiving people?

17. DISCUSSION GUIDE 12.What will happen for the man of lawlessness to be revealed? (2 Thessalonians 2:7) The man of lawlessness will be revealed when the one who now holds back the lawlessness is taken away.

18. DISCUSSION GUIDE 13.Who or what is this restrainer?

19. DISCUSSION GUIDE 14.How will the power of Satan be evident during this time? (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) The man of lawlessness will display all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders. He will do every sort of evil to deceive those who are perishing.

20. DISCUSSION GUIDE 15.Why are people perishing? What is God’s response? (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) The people perish because they refuse to love the truth and be saved. God will respond by giving them over to a powerful delusion so that they will believe a lie.

21. DISCUSSION GUIDE 16.What are some things that we can cultivate in our lives that will give us confidence as we face the last days?

22. 1.In the last days false Christs and false prophets will appear. 2.These false teachers will be able to perform great miracles with the express purpose of deceiving people – even believers. 3.The counterfeit signs and wonders are works of Satan.

23. 1.Talk about what they will change in their lives this week in order to be prepared to stand firm. 2.Pray for one another, asking God to help them stand firm.