Bible Study Questions

1. Understanding "Last Days": John declares "it is the last hour" (v. 18). According to the sermon, when did the "last days" begin, and what does it mean that we're still living in them today? How does this perspective change the way you view current events?
2. The Antichrist Spirit: Ken explains that in context, John is referring to false teachers who left the church as "antichrists." What specific characteristics made them antichrists according to verses 22-23? How can we recognize this same spirit today?
3. The Counterfeit Principle: The sermon states, "You can't produce a counterfeit of something that isn't real." What does the existence of antichrists tell us about Jesus Christ? How does this encourage your faith?
4. In Church but Not in Christ: Verse 19 reveals that some people can be in the church but not truly belong to Christ. What are the warning signs that someone might be merely attending church rather than abiding in Christ? How can we examine our own hearts on this matter?
5. No God Without Jesus: Verses 22-23 make a bold claim that you cannot have the Father without the Son. How does this truth challenge the popular idea that "we all worship the same God"? How would you lovingly explain this to someone who believes all religions lead to the same place?
6. The New Anointing: What is the "new anointing" that believers have received according to this passage? How is this different from the Old Testament pattern of anointing only prophets, priests, and kings?
7. The Spirit's Teaching Ministry: Verse 27 says "the anointing...teaches you about everything." How does the Holy Spirit teach us? What role do Scripture, other believers, and the church play in this teaching ministry?
8. Spiritual Equality: Ken emphasizes that every Christian has equal access to the Holy Spirit, not just spiritual elites or gurus. How does this truth protect us from false teaching? Have you ever felt pressured to seek "deeper" or "secret" spiritual knowledge beyond the gospel?
9. Three Essential Elements: The sermon identifies three things Christians need: the apostles' teaching, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the context of the church. Why are all three necessary? What happens when we try to have one or two without the others?
10. Individualism vs. Community: Ken warns against hearing this passage through an American lens of individualism. How does the "theological y'all" change our understanding of the Spirit's work? In what ways do you need the church to help you walk faithfully?
11. Remain, Abide, Continue: John uses these words five times in this passage. What does it mean practically to "abide" in Christ, the apostles' teaching, and the church? What threatens your ability to remain faithful?
12. Finishing with Your Torch Lit: The sermon ends with the image of the ancient Greek race where runners had to finish with their torch still burning. What would it look like for you to finish your race with your torch still lit? What steps can you take this week to "fan that flame" rather than quench the Spirit?

Discussion Questions

1. When have you encountered teaching about Jesus that felt "off" or diminished who He truly is? What red flags helped you recognize it wasn't sound doctrine?
2. Ken mentions that false teachers often claim special knowledge or a deeper anointing that regular Christians don't have. Have you ever felt spiritually inadequate or like you were missing some secret knowledge? How does this passage address those feelings?
3. The sermon emphasizes that every believer has the Holy Spirit's anointing equally. How does this truth change the way you view yourself as a Christian? How does it affect the way you relate to other believers?
4. "You can't have God without Jesus" is a challenging claim in our pluralistic culture. How do you balance being loving and respectful toward people of other faiths while holding firmly to this truth? Share a time when you've navigated this tension.
5. John says the false teachers "went out from us, but they were not of us" (v. 19). What's the difference between struggling with doubt (which is normal) and abandoning the faith altogether? How can we support those who are honestly wrestling with questions?
6. Ken warns against trying to live the Christian life "on your own and in your own power." In what areas of your life are you most tempted to rely on yourself rather than the Holy Spirit's power? What would it look like to surrender that area?
7. The sermon identifies three essentials: apostolic teaching, the Holy Spirit, and the church community. Which of these three do you tend to neglect or undervalue? Why do you think that is?
8. Share about a time when the Holy Spirit taught you something or convicted you of truth. How did you recognize it was the Spirit speaking? What role did Scripture or other believers play?
9. Ken says we must "work out" the Spirit's leading in the context of the church, not just individually. How have other believers helped you discern God's direction or corrected your thinking? Why is this community discernment important?
10. The message warns that "this world is hostile to the followers of Jesus." Where do you feel this hostility most in your daily life—at work, in your neighborhood, on social media, or elsewhere? How do you respond?
11. John repeatedly urges believers to "abide" and "remain." What practices or habits help you remain connected to Christ, grounded in truth, and committed to the church? What makes it hardest for you to abide?
12. The sermon ends with the challenge to "finish with your torch still lit." When you imagine yourself at the end of your life, what does finishing strong look like to you? What do you need to do now to make that vision a reality?