DUPED Wk4: Don’t Get Duped into Believing God Doesn’t Love You

Written By Matthew Mauk

Counterfeits for full life are as sneaky and as rampant as the best AI-generated media. It gets harder and harder to tell what's real and what's fake at a glance. This four-week series invites students to sharpen their discernment skills when it comes to embracing full life. Dupes are everywhere. We find ourselves chasing fake glory, fake religion, fake love, and fake fulfillment. Jesus reminds us of four truths: we are made in God’s image, a humble posture is better than haughty performance, God actually loves us, and we were made to really live.

BOTTOM LINE
Don’t Get Duped into Believing God Doesn’t Love You

SCRIPTURE
“I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16 ESV

  • TAKE ATTENDANCE & INTRODUCE YOURSELF (If anyone is new)

    FOR FUN: Take some time to catch up. Quick question… is Halloween your jam? Why or why not?

    DISCUSS THIS:

    1. The message talked about how our minds are like radios with dozens of signals competing for our attention (social media, friends, grades, fears). What is one "counterfeit voice" or pressure that feels loudest to people your age right now?

    2. When you hear the word "Father" or picture God in your head, what image usually pops up first? (e.g., a strict school principal, a loving parent, a judge, or someone distant?) Where do you think that image came from?

    3. The lesson explained that God uses conviction (a gentle pull toward freedom) while the enemy uses condemnation (a harsh shove toward shame). How can you tell the difference between these two when you make a mistake?

    4. Read Zephaniah 3:17. The Bible says God "delights in you" and "rejoices over you with singing." Is it easy or hard for you to believe that God actually likes you and isn't just tolerating you? Why?

    5. Read 1 John 2:1. Jesus is described as our "Advocate" (a defense lawyer/defender) while Satan is called the "Accuser." How does knowing Jesus is on your side change how you handle guilt or shame?

    6. Using the Inspect step (testing the fruit), did those thoughts bring fear and isolation, or hope and peace? Who do you think was broadcasting them?

    7. What is one specific lie about God or yourself that you need to "override" with Scripture this week?

    8. If you truly believed this week that God loved you unconditionally and wasn't waiting for you to mess up, what is one habit, prayer, or hidden struggle you would handle differently?

    FOLLOW UP / PRAY REQUESTS

    Pray.

Matthew Mauk
Next

DUPED Wk3: Don’t Get Duped into Dehumanizing Others