The Illusions of the Ego

We will begin this class by uncovering the basic truth that there are only two teachers we can follow—the Holy Spirit or the ego. One leads to peace and healing; the other to fear and confusion. We will learn that we are always teaching others by the way we live and think, and that our real identity comes from God—not from our past, our bodies, or our mistakes.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32
• “Choose this day whom you will serve.” – Joshua 24:15
• “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” – James 1:8

2. Right Teaching and Right Learning

We will explore how to become true students and teachers of peace. Instead of teaching fear or guilt through our thoughts and behaviors, we’ll learn to share love and forgiveness. This section shows that we teach best by living what we believe. To truly learn peace, we must give it to others.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
• “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
• “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me—put it into practice.” – Philippians 4:9

3. The Ego and False Autonomy

Here, we will uncover how the ego promises freedom but actually traps us in loneliness and fear. The ego wants to separate us from God by making us think we are self-made and independent. But real freedom comes from knowing we are joined with God and one another in love.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
• “The heart is deceitful above all things…” – Jeremiah 17:9
• “Lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

4. Love without Conflict

We will be introduced to the idea that true love has no conflict. When we feel hurt or attacked, it's not love at work—it’s fear. Real love, the kind that comes from God, never blames or controls. We will learn how to recognize and live in love that heals instead of wounds.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Perfect love drives out fear.” – 1 John 4:18
• “Love is patient, love is kind... it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
• “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God.” – 1 John 4:16

5. This Need Not Be

In this powerful section, we will realize that suffering, guilt, and fear are not required. They are choices made by the ego—and we can make another choice. Through the Holy Spirit, we can say, “This need not be,” and choose peace instead.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Come to me, all you who are weary... and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
• “Let not your heart be troubled.” – John 14:1
• “I have set before you life and death… choose life.” – Deuteronomy 30:19

6. The Ego-Body Illusion

We will explore how the ego keeps us trapped by making us overly focused on the body—its needs, flaws, and limits. But we are not our bodies. We are eternal spirit, created by God. Healing begins when we stop identifying with the body and return to our spiritual truth.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
• “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” – John 6:63
• “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19

7. The Rewards of God

We will shift our focus from chasing the ego’s rewards—praise, status, control—to receiving the true rewards of God: peace, joy, and eternal love. God’s gifts are not earned but freely given. We’ll learn how to accept them with open hearts.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “The gift of God is eternal life.” – Romans 6:23
• “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalm 37:4
• “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33

8. Creation and Communication

Finally, we will understand that we are created by God to extend love—not to live in isolation. True communication happens not through words, but through spirit and love. We are called to remember our unity with God and each other, and this is where real joy lies.

Supporting Scriptures:

• “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.” – 1 John 4:7
• “I in them and you in me, so that they may be brought to complete unity.” – John 17:23
• “Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Final Word:

In this class, we will gently let go of the ego’s illusions—its lies about who we are, what we need, and how to find happiness. In their place, we will welcome the truth of God’s love, which brings freedom, healing, and peace. We are not alone, and we are not broken. We are loved, guided, and whole.