Lesson 10: Spiritualism Exposed

Read for This Week’s Study

Matthew 10:28; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Isaiah 8:19-20; John 11:11-14; John 11:21-25; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 16:13-14; Matthew 24:23-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.

Memory Text:

 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Sabbath Afternoon

Important Points:

1. Foundation of Spiritualism: Spiritualism's core deception lies in the belief that the dead are not truly dead, which originated from the serpent's lie in Eden, “You will not surely die” (Genesis 3:4).
2. Biblical Teachings on Death: The Bible teaches that death is a sleep until the resurrection at Christ’s second coming, countering the belief in the immortality of the soul.
3. Protection Against Deception: A personal relationship with Christ and a solid grounding in biblical teachings are essential to safeguard against spiritualistic deceptions, especially in the last days.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the biblical view of death as opposed to the spiritualistic view?
   • Answer: The Bible describes death as a sleep (John 11:11-14) and states that the dead know nothing (Ecclesiastes 9:5). This contrasts with the spiritualistic view that the soul continues to live and communicate after death.
2. Why is it important to understand the biblical teaching about death?
   • Answer: Understanding the biblical teaching about death helps protect against Satan's deceptions, such as false apparitions and communications with the dead (Isaiah 8:19-20).
3. How can a personal relationship with Christ and knowledge of the Bible safeguard us from deceptions?
   • Answer: A personal relationship with Christ and deep knowledge of biblical truth equip believers to discern and resist false teachings and deceptions that contradict Scripture (Matthew 24:23-27).

Sunday: The Deadly Consequences of Spiritualism

Important Points:

1. False Doctrine of Immortality: The idea of the soul's immortality, borrowed from paganism, contradicts biblical teaching and leaves people vulnerable to spiritualistic deceptions.
2. Biblical Warnings: God forbids involvement in occult practices and consulting the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11; Leviticus 20:27) to protect His people from false worship.
3. Deceptions in the Final Crisis: Belief in immediate life after death leaves people defenseless against Satan's end-time deceptions involving miraculous appearances and messages from "spirits."

Discussion Questions:

1. What do Ecclesiastes 9:5 and Job 7:7-9 teach about the state of the dead?
   • Answer: These verses teach that the dead are unconscious and know nothing. They do not participate in life events and have no further reward or involvement under the sun.
2. How does belief in the immortality of the soul affect people's susceptibility to deception?
   • Answer: Belief in the soul’s immortality makes people more susceptible to being deceived by supposed messages from the dead or spiritualistic manifestations that contradict biblical teachings.
3. What experiences have you had in explaining the state of the dead to others?
   • Answer: Answers will vary. Effective approaches include sharing relevant Scripture, emphasizing the hope of the resurrection, and being sensitive to the emotional state of the bereaved.

Monday: Death in the Old Testament

Important Points:

1. Death as Sleep: The Old Testament consistently describes death as a sleep, with no consciousness until the resurrection.
2. Biblical Expressions of Death: Phrases like “slept with their fathers” and “the sleep of death” (Psalms 13:3; Psalms 76:6) underscore the concept of death as a temporary state before awakening to judgment.
3. Pagan vs. Biblical View: The biblical view of death as a sleep contrasts sharply with pagan beliefs in a conscious afterlife, highlighting the importance of understanding and accepting biblical truth.

Discussion Questions:

1. How do Psalms 6:5 and Psalms 115:17 describe the state of the dead?
   • Answer: These verses state that the dead cannot praise God, nor can they remember or thank Him, indicating a state of unconsciousness.
2. What is the significance of death being described as sleep in the Bible?
   • Answer: Describing death as sleep emphasizes its temporary nature and the hope of resurrection, reinforcing that there is no consciousness until the resurrection at Christ’s return.
3. Why is it important to reject the idea of disembodied spirits?
   • Answer: Rejecting the idea of disembodied spirits aligns with biblical truth and protects against deceptions that involve communication with the dead or false spiritual experiences.

Tuesday: Death in the New Testament

Important Points:

1. Consistency with Old Testament: The New Testament continues the Old Testament theme of death as sleep, with no conscious existence until the resurrection.
2. Resurrection Hope: The New Testament emphasizes the hope of resurrection at Christ’s return, which is foundational to the Christian faith.
3. Assurance in Christ: Christ’s resurrection is the guarantee of our future resurrection, making it central to our faith and hope.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does John 11:11-14 describe death?
   • Answer: Jesus describes death as sleep, indicating that it is a temporary state from which one can be awakened, in this context referring to the resurrection.
2. Why is the resurrection such a powerful hope for Christians?
   • Answer: The resurrection assures believers that death is not the end, and they will be raised to eternal life at Christ’s return. Without the resurrection, the Christian faith and hope of eternal life would be meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:16-18).
3. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 teach about the second coming and the resurrection?
   • Answer: These verses teach that the dead in Christ will rise first at Jesus' second coming, and the living believers will join them to meet the Lord in the air, emphasizing the collective resurrection and reunion with Christ.

Wednesday: Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 1

Important Points:

1. End-Time Deceptions: In the last days, Satan will use signs, wonders, and miracles to deceive many, appealing to emotions rather than rational understanding.
2. Role of Spiritualism: Spiritualism, based on the false teaching of the soul’s immortality, will play a central role in these deceptions.
3. Security in Christ: Only those grounded in Christ and His Word will be protected from these powerful end-time deceptions.

Discussion Questions:

1. What deceptions will people face in the last days according to Matthew 24:24 and Revelation 16:13-14?
   • Answer: People will face deceptive signs and wonders performed by demonic spirits, including false Christs and prophets who will perform great miracles to deceive even the elect.
2. Why is it dangerous to trust our emotions in matters of faith?
   • Answer: Emotions can be easily manipulated and may lead us away from truth. Trusting emotions over Scripture makes one vulnerable to deception (Jeremiah 17:9).
3. What common deceptions are avoided by understanding the state of the dead?
   • Answer: Understanding the state of the dead helps avoid deceptions involving communication with the dead, false apparitions, and spiritualistic practices that contradict biblical teachings.

Thursday: Spiritualism in the Last Days: Part 2

Important Points:

1. Satan's Final Deception: Satan will use supernatural manifestations and false appearances of Christ to deceive many in the last days.
2. Importance of Biblical Truth: Knowing the biblical truth about Christ’s return and the state of the dead is crucial to avoid being deceived by these end-time delusions.
3. End-Time Vigilance: Believers must remain vigilant, grounded in Scripture, and discerning of any teachings or miracles that contradict biblical truth.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do Matthew 24:23-27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 reveal about Satan's deceptions?
   • Answer: These passages reveal that Satan will perform false miracles and signs to deceive, including impersonating Christ and leading people away from biblical truth.
2. Why is understanding the manner of Christ's return important?
   • Answer: Understanding that Christ’s return will be visible, audible, and unmistakable helps believers recognize and reject false appearances and claims of Christ’s return that contradict Scripture.
3. How can believers prepare to withstand end-time deceptions?
   • Answer: Believers can prepare by studying and understanding biblical prophecies, maintaining a strong relationship with Christ, and relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment and guidance.

Friday: Further Thought

Important Points:

1. Modern Spiritualism: Modern spiritualistic claims, such as near-death experiences, challenge biblical teachings about death and the afterlife.
2. Firm Faith in Scripture: Firmly establishing faith on the Word of God is essential to withstand increasing spiritualistic deceptions.
3. Dependence on God: Trusting in God's protection and staying obedient to His Word will ensure believers are safeguarded against the final deceptions.

Discussion Questions:

1. What subtle spiritualistic influences might Satan be using today?
   • Answer: Influences include media portrayals of the afterlife, near-death experiences, and cultural acceptance of communication with the dead. These can subtly shape beliefs and attitudes contrary to biblical teachings.
2. How should you share your faith with someone who believes their deceased loved one is in heaven?
   • Answer: Approach with sensitivity and compassion, sharing relevant Scriptures that explain the state of the dead and the hope of resurrection, while respecting their emotional state and beliefs.
3. Why is it important to stay grounded in biblical truth about the state of the dead and Christ's return?
   • Answer: Staying grounded in biblical truth helps avoid being deceived by false teachings and prepares believers to stand firm in their faith amid the final deceptions orchestrated by Satan.