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Discussion questions

​These questions can be used by you alone, with a friend, or your Faith Group to discuss "The Way of Balaam" on 2 Peter 2:10b-22, in the series "Grow In Grace" preached July 20, 2025. This is the seventh message in the series. 

In a world where faith can feel fragile and truth is constantly questioned, Peter’s final letter calls us back to what matters most. "Grow in Grace" is a nine-part series through 2 Peter that reminds us of what we’ve received in Christ—and how to live it out with courage, clarity, and conviction. Whether you're new to faith or have walked with Jesus for decades, this series will help you stand firm in what’s true, recognize what’s false, and keep growing toward the life God designed you for.

Open your group with a prayer. Use these questions as a guide; select the points you want to discuss.

GETTING STARTED  

Before we dive into the serious side of spiritual discernment, let’s warm up with a few light-hearted and thought-provoking questions to get everyone talking and laughing a bit. These are designed to break the ice and ease us into the topic.

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  1. Have you ever been totally fooled by a product that looked great—but turned out to be a total letdown? (Infomercials count. Bonus points for kitchen gadgets.)

  2. What’s the most ridiculous advice you’ve ever received? (Did anyone ever tell you to “just walk it off” when you clearly needed stitches or a cast?)

  3. Who’s someone you trust to give you solid advice—and why? (What makes their voice stand out from the noise?)

  4. If you had a built-in “discernment detector,” what sound would it make when something’s off? (Be creative: siren, mooing cow, grandma’s disapproving voice?)

  5. Have you ever mistaken something fake for the real thing? (A knockoff brand, a prank, a fake news story?) What happened—and how did you figure it out?

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DIGGING DEEPER

Now that we’ve broken the ice, let’s open our Bibles and dig into the heart of the message. These questions will help us explore the Scriptures more fully and understand the deeper spiritual realities behind Balaam’s story and Peter’s warnings.​

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  1. Read 2 Peter 2:10b–22. What stands out to you in Peter’s description of false teachers? How does his tone compare to other New Testament warnings?

  2. Peter uses vivid animal imagery (unreasoning animals, dogs, pigs). What do these metaphors convey about the character and outcome of false teachers?

  3. In Numbers 22–24, how does Balaam appear to be obedient on the surface—but reveal a divided heart underneath? What clues in the text point to his deeper motives?

  4. How does Jude 11 connect Balaam to Cain and Korah? What’s similar about their stories, and why might they be grouped together?

  5. Look up Revelation 2:14. How is Balaam mentioned there, and what does that reveal about his lasting influence on God’s people?

  6. What does Peter mean when he says false teachers “promise freedom while they themselves are slaves of corruption” (2 Peter 2:19)? How can spiritual language be used deceptively?

  7. Peter says these people are “bold and arrogant” (2 Peter 2:10). What does that look like in spiritual settings today? Why is reverence important in ministry?

  8. Peter compares them to those who “never stop sinning” and have “hearts trained in greed.” How does this help us distinguish between struggling believers and wolves in sheep’s clothing?

  9. Read Matthew 7:15–20. How does Jesus’ teaching about fruit help us interpret Peter’s warning? What does Jesus say is the surest way to recognize false prophets?

  10. Why does Peter return to Balaam as a prime example of spiritual corruption? What does his story illustrate about the blending of religious words and selfish motives?

  11. How does God’s use of the donkey in Numbers 22 reflect His sovereign ability to expose deception—even through unexpected means? What does that teach us about God’s determination to protect His people?

  12. Look up Hebrews 5:14. What does this verse teach about discernment, and how does it relate to Peter’s call to recognize and resist false teaching?

 

​LIVING IT OUT

Truth isn’t just something to understand—it’s something to live. These questions will help us wrestle with how to apply the message in everyday life. Let’s talk honestly about what it looks like to walk in discernment, grow in grace, and hold fast to Jesus in a world full of counterfeits.​

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  1. Have you ever followed a spiritual leader, influencer, or teacher who later turned out to be untrustworthy? How did that impact your faith, and how did God meet you in it?

  2. Where do you personally feel the temptation to prioritize spiritual appearance over genuine obedience? What makes that temptation so powerful in our culture—or in your heart?

  3. Discernment can be difficult in a world full of noise. What are some practical ways you can guard your heart against spiritual manipulation or hype this week?

  4. Have you ever sensed a prompting from the Spirit to speak up or pull away from someone’s teaching or influence? What happened, and how did you discern that prompting?

  5. When you see someone beginning to follow a deceptive voice, how do you lovingly help them without coming off as judgmental or harsh? What’s the balance between truth and grace in these moments?

  6. Where in your life do you need God to restore your “spiritual senses”? Are there areas where you’ve gone numb to compromise or dulled your hunger for truth?

  7. Peter paints a sobering picture, but the Gospel offers hope. What does it look like in your life right now to walk closely with the Good Shepherd—and how can your small group help you stay on that path?

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