Small Group Study: Christianity and the Occult

Study Overview

Purpose: To equip believers with biblical discernment regarding the occult and strengthen their faith in Christ as the only source of truth and spiritual power.

Target Audience: Adult Christians, suitable for church small groups, home Bible studies, or Sunday school classes.

Duration: 4 weeks, with 60-90 minutes per session.

Materials Needed:

• Bible (preferably with study notes)
• Study guide handouts
• Journal or notebook for personal reflection

Week 1: The Foundation of Truth

Theme: Understanding Biblical Authority vs. Occult Knowledge

Opening Question (10 minutes)

“What are some ways people today seek guidance or try to predict the future? Why do you think these practices are so popular?”

Scripture Reading (15 minutes)

Read aloud together: John 14:6, John 17:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Discussion Questions (25-30 minutes)

1. Observation: What does Jesus mean when He says “I am the truth” in John 14:6?
2. Interpretation: How does God’s revealed truth in Scripture differ from the “hidden knowledge” promised by occult practices?
3. Application: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek guidance from sources other than God’s Word?

Key Teaching Points (15 minutes)

• Christianity is built upon absolute truth revealed through God’s Word
• The occult promises secret knowledge available only to initiates
• God’s Word provides objective, unchanging truth as our ultimate authority

Personal Reflection & Prayer (10 minutes)

• What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is “the truth”?
• Pray for wisdom to discern truth from deception in daily life

Weekly Challenge

Read Psalm 119:105 daily and ask God to illuminate His Word to you

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Week 2: Authority and Power

Theme: God’s Sovereignty vs. Occult Manipulation

Opening Question (10 minutes)

“Describe a time when you felt powerless in a situation. How did you respond? Where did you turn for help?”

Scripture Reading (15 minutes)

Read aloud together: Daniel 4:34-35, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Acts 19:18-20

Discussion Questions (25-30 minutes)

1. Observation: What does Daniel 4:35 teach us about God’s authority over all creation?
2. Interpretation: Why do you think God specifically forbids the occult practices listed in Deuteronomy 18:10-12?
3. Comparison: How does the Ephesian believers’ response in Acts 19:18-20 contrast with typical occult involvement?
4. Application: How can we submit to God’s sovereignty when we’re facing uncertainty about the future?

Key Teaching Points (15 minutes)

• God exercises absolute sovereignty over all creation
• Occult practices attempt to manipulate supernatural forces for personal gain
• Believers must choose between trusting God’s authority or seeking forbidden power

Group Activity (10 minutes)

Share examples of how God has shown His power and authority in your lives

Personal Reflection & Prayer (5 minutes)

Pray for strength to trust God’s sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult

Weekly Challenge

Identify one area where you need to trust God’s authority more completely

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Week 3: Salvation and Hope

Theme: Grace Through Faith vs. Self-Deification

Opening Question (10 minutes)

“If someone asked you ‘How can a person be saved?’ what would you tell them?”

Scripture Reading (15 minutes)

Read aloud together: Ephesians 2:8-9, Genesis 3:1-5, 1 John 5:13

Discussion Questions (25-30 minutes)

1. Observation: What does Ephesians 2:8-9 teach about how salvation is obtained?
2. Interpretation: How does the serpent’s promise in Genesis 3:5 relate to modern occult teachings about human potential?
3. Contrast: How does salvation by grace differ from the occult promise of self-deification?
4. Application: How does understanding salvation by grace affect the way we live daily?

Key Teaching Points (15 minutes)

• Salvation comes by grace through faith alone, not by works
• The occult promotes self-deification and human potential
• Christian hope is secure in Christ, not dependent on human effort

Personal Testimonies (15 minutes)

Invite group members to briefly share how they came to faith in Christ

Personal Reflection & Prayer (5 minutes)

Thank God for His gift of salvation and pray for assurance of eternal life

Weekly Challenge

Memorize Ephesians 2:8-9 and share the gospel with someone this week

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Week 4: Living in Biblical Truth

Theme: Practical Christian Response to the Occult

Opening Question (10 minutes)

“What would you say to a friend who asked, ‘What’s the harm in reading horoscopes or using a Ouija board just for fun?'”

Scripture Reading (15 minutes)

Read aloud together: 1 John 4:1, Isaiah 8:19-20, Joshua 24:15

Discussion Questions (30 minutes)

1. Observation: What does 1 John 4:1 instruct us to do regarding spiritual matters?
2. Interpretation: How does Isaiah 8:19-20 address the practice of seeking guidance from spirits?
3. Application: What specific occult practices should Christians avoid?
4. Practical: How can we help family members or friends who are involved in occult practices?

Key Teaching Points (15 minutes)

• Biblical warnings against all forms of occult involvement
• The spiritual dangers of occult practices
• Christians must choose to serve God rather than seek forbidden knowledge

Group Planning (10 minutes)

Discuss practical ways your group can support each other in living biblically

Closing Challenge & Commitment (10 minutes)

Each person shares one specific way they will apply what they’ve learned from this study

Final Prayer (5 minutes)

Pray for continued faithfulness to God’s Word and protection from spiritual deception

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Additional Resources for Leaders

Leader Preparation Tips

• Study each week’s passages thoroughly using a good study Bible
• Prepare additional questions if discussion moves quickly
• Be ready to gently redirect if discussion becomes argumentative
• Pray for wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s guidance for each session

Discussion Guidelines

• Encourage everyone to participate but don’t force responses
• Keep discussions focused on Scripture rather than personal experiences with occult
• Create a safe environment for questions and honest struggles
• Be prepared to offer pastoral care if someone reveals past occult involvement

Scripture Memory Verses

• Week 1: John 14:6
• Week 2: Daniel 4:35
• Week 3: Ephesians 2:8-9
• Week 4: 1 John 4:1

Recommended Follow-up Studies

• Christian apologetics course on defending the faith
• Study on spiritual warfare and prayer
• Evangelism training for reaching those involved in occult practices

This small group format transforms the blog content into an interactive, discussion-based study that helps participants not only understand the differences between Christianity and the occult but also apply biblical truth to their daily lives. The structure encourages both personal reflection and group interaction while maintaining a strong foundation in Scripture