Summary
In this powerful exploration of spiritual discernment, we delve into the dangers of New Age practices and their subtle influence on Christian faith. The central message revolves around Deuteronomy 18, where God warns His people against imitating detestable customs of other nations. We’re challenged to recognize how easily we can fall into practices like interpreting omens or seeking signs, which God explicitly condemns. The key takeaway is the stark contrast between New Age thinking, which looks inward for answers, and biblical Christianity, which directs us to look outward to Christ. We’re reminded that true spiritual guidance comes not from emptying our minds or following vague signs, but from filling our hearts with God’s Word and trusting in His divine plan. This message urges us to examine our own faith practices, ensuring we’re not unknowingly blending New Age concepts with our Christian walk. It’s a call to return to the purity of biblical faith, relying on prayer, Scripture, and godly counsel to discern God’s will for our lives.
Opening Prayer:
Begin your session with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and discernment as you read scripture and the things we hear from others.
Key Scripture
Deuteronomy 18: 9-14
9 “When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. 10 No one among you is to sacrifice his son or daughter in the fire,[a] practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, 11 cast spells, consult a medium or a spiritist, or inquire of the dead. 12 Everyone who does these acts is detestable to the Lord, and the Lord your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable acts. 13 You must be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do this.
Opening Discussion:
What resonated with you the most from this week’s sermon?
Key Takeaways:
- New Age Definition: The spiritural, personal and natural pursuit of peace…apart from Jesus Christ.New Age practices often remove Christ from spiritual pursuits.
- God warns against detestable spiritual practices in Deuteronomy 18.
- The Bible teaches that the problem is internal (sin) and the solution is external (Jesus).
- Christians should fill their minds with God’s Word, not empty them.
- We must test spiritual signs against Scripture, not blindly follow them.
- Trust in the divine (God), rather than believing you are divine.
Discussion Questions:
- What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
- How do you see New Age ideas in the lives of others? Based on the sermon, are there any areas in your life where you see these ideas may have obtained a Stronghold in your life?
- How does your life resemble or look different than those non-Christ followers around you?
- Deuteronomy 18:9 | “do not imitate the detestable customs of those other nations”.
- How are you and how often do you meditate and dwell God’s word and what is true?
- Joshua 1:8 | “This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on[a] it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.”
- Phillipians 4:8 | “Finally[a] brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.”
- In Romans 12:2, Andy pointed out that the word “renewing” means continual and not a one-time thing. Similar to above, how are you engaged in renewing your mind?
- In Proverbs 3:5-6, it was emphasized that believers must “in all your ways acknowledge Him”. Are there any areas in your life where you can improve on acknowledging Him in your “ways”?
- The sermon mentioned three aspects of God’s will: preceptive, decretive, and permissive. How do these help us understand God’s guidance in our lives?
- Reflect on the “bases” approach to decision-making (prayer, Scripture, seeking counsel). How might this method help in discerning God’s will?
Practical Applications:
- This week, commit to spending time daily meditating on a specific passage of Scripture (e.g., Psalm 119). Journal your reflections.
- Examine your decision-making process. Are there any New Age influences you need to remove? How can you incorporate more biblical principles?
- Practice the “bases” approach for a decision you’re currently facing. Share the process with the group next week.
- If you’ve been relying on horoscopes, fortune-telling, or other New Age practices, commit to replacing these with prayer and Bible study.
- Reach out to a mature Christian friend or mentor for guidance on a current life decision.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His guidance through His Word and the Holy Spirit. Ask for discernment to recognize and resist New Age influences, and for a deeper trust in Jesus Christ as the source of true peace and wisdom.
Supporting Scripture:
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:
- Deuteronomy 18:9-15
- Exodus 19 (general reference, no specific verses)
- Joshua 1:8
- Philippians 4:8
- Psalm 119 (general reference to meditation, no specific verses)
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9
- Romans 12:2
- Proverbs 3:5-6
- Acts 3 (general reference, no specific verses)
- Acts 7 (general reference, no specific verses)
Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:
- 1 John 4:1 – Testing the spirits
- Colossians 2:8 – Warning against hollow philosophy
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 – Satan masquerading as an angel of light
- Galatians 5:16-17 – Walking by the Spirit vs. desires of the flesh
- James 1:5 – Asking God for wisdom
- Proverbs 11:14 – Value of many advisers
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Great Commission (alluded to in the Rwanda mission trip example)
- 1 Timothy 4:1 – Warning about deceiving spirits and teachings of demons
- Ephesians 5:15-17 – Making the most of every opportunity and understanding God’s will
- Jeremiah 29:11 – God’s plans to prosper and not harm