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Respectable Sins: Judgementalism

September 1, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of judgementalism.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. (ICEBREAKER) Have you ever served on jury duty or been to court before? If so, share what you experienced as a part of being before a judge.
  2. Is it ok to judge people? Why or why not? Does it change your answer if this person is or isn’t a Christian?
  3. How would you describe the difference between making a judgment/discernment and judgmentalism?  
  4. Here are three ways we see God’s word treat judgmentalism as a sin:
    1. Read John 7:24 & Prov 18:13. How is superficial judgmentalism wrong? 
    2. Read Romans 2:1 & Matthew 7:1-5. How is hypocritical judgmentalism wrong?
    3. Read Luke 18:9-14 & James 4:6. How is self-righteous judgmentalism wrong?
  5. Yet, discernment and making judgments are necessary as Christians.  Read Matthew 28:19-20, Galatians 6:1, and 2 Tim 2:25. How is making judgments an essential part of discipleship?
  6. Reread Matthew 7:1. Why do you think the first part of Matthew 7:1 is so well known by both Christians or not Christians? Why would not wanting to be judged be so crucial to people?  
  7. Now read Matthew 7:1-5. Why does verse 5 need to be read to best understand the context of why we judge in this passage? 
  8. Read 1 Cor. 5:12-13. How was judgment an expectation for discernment and discipleship of believers in a church but different for those outside of the church? Practically speaking, what does that look like today? Is being judgmental with a critical spirit to people outside of Christianity hard for you not to do?
  9. Read John 4:9-18 and Matt. 23:28. What do you notice was similar in how Jesus used judgment for the woman outside the church vs inside the church? How has judgment been a part of your journey as a Christian? Have you been too passive or too aggressive in your discipleship approach with believers and nonbelievers? Take some time to pray for one another.

Respectable Sins: Coveting

August 25, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of coveting.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. (Icebreaker pick one) 
    1. If someone gave you $20,000, what would you buy?
    2. What “if only” most often floats through your mind? (Ex. If only I were… If only I had… If only they…)
    3. When do you notice your struggle with contentment?
  2. How would you describe coveting? How do you see it in the world today?  
  3. Read Exodus 20:1-3, 17. Coveting was mentioned explicitly of all the sins that could have been listed. Why do you think coveting is something so important to God?
  4. Col. 3:5.  How can coveting be idolatry?  
  5. Coveting can be described as desiring something so much that we lose our contentment in God. Coveting connotates being consumed with desire, jealousy, envy, comparisons, ingratitude, discontentment, and, ultimately, idolatry. Read Luke 12:15, 1 Tim. 6:5-7, Heb. 13:5, Phil. 4:11-13, 19, and Phil. 3:8. How can contentment be the antidote for us struggling with covetousness?
  6. Three ways to grow and keep contentment in Christ and win the fight of coveting:  
    1. Kill Comparisons. Read 2 Cor. 10:12 and James 3:14-16.  Why is ridding yourself of comparisons a crucial part of contentment?
    2. Cultivate Gratitude. Read Prov. 15:15 and Ecc. 6:9.  How does gratitude help keep contentment in Christ alive in your heart?
    3. Fixed focus. Read Heb. 12:1-2. How do we press on with this massive challenge of coveting?  
    4. Pray for one another.

Respectable Sins: Gluttony

August 18, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of gluttony.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. (Icebreaker) What is the most you have ever eaten in one sitting?  How did you feel after you were done?
  2.  Gluttony is described as the “soul’s addiction to excess.” In what ways could this addiction to more and more lead you down the wrong path?  What are some examples of things you could be addicted to getting more of? Is there anything you could have an addiction to wanting more of, and it be a good thing? Give examples.
  3.  Read: Prov. 23:19-21. Multiple times, we see both gluttony and drunkenness connected.  What is the correlation between the sous addiction to excess in both alcohol and food? How have you seen this play out in your own life?
  4. Read Titus 1:12-13 and Phil. 3:18-19.  How is gluttony, not just a physical issue but also a faith issue?
  5. Read 1 Cor. 6:19-20 and 2 Peter 1:5-8. Why do you think God cares about your physical body and your choices?
  6. Read John 6:26-27 and Psalm 73:25-26. CS Lewis once famously stated, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” Based on these two passages and this quote, what is God’s desire for us to focus our insatiable appetite on? How can being a “glutton” of “food that endures to eternal life” and that “God remains the strength of my heart” be the answer to our gluttonous desire for earthly and temporary things? Pray for one another in both the areas of our temptations and that our desire for things of God would be the desires of our hearts.

Respectable Sins: Ingratitude

August 11, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of ingratitude.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Tell about a time when you did something nice for someone and the other person did not express their gratitude in any way. (Alternate: Tell about a time when someone did something nice for you, and you did not express gratitude in any way.)

  2. Read Hebrews 10:24: How does gratitude, especially a display of gratitude, motivate others to acts of love and good works? How does a lack of either discourage others from loving and doing good?

  3. Read Matthew 22:36-39: Jesus declares that demonstrating love in our relationships is the foundation for all of life and faith. How does my lack of gratitude or expressed gratitude project a lack of love toward others? How does it project a lack of love toward God? 

  4. Read Luke 17:11-19: Do you take time to thank God for all he has done in your past, present, and future? When did you last thank the Lord for what he did? What are some things you need to thank him for? 

  5. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17: What struggles, sins, situations, or mindsets seem to keep you from giving thanks in all circumstances?

  6. Have you ever thanked God for those people you don’t like…or don’t like you? Why should we do it?

  7. Who are you most thankful for? Why? Do they know that you are thankful for them? Have you told them? 

  8. The teaching addressed three areas where we can have an attitude of ingratitude: Lack of Expressed Gratitude, Lack of Gratitude toward God, and Lack of Gratitude for Others. Which do you struggle with? Ask God for his help to overcome this area in your life. 

Respectable Sins: Laziness

August 4, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of laziness.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: What is your favorite thing to do to rest and relax?  
  2. Rest and relaxation can be good, God-glorifying things. What are some ways rest can be very good? What is the difference between God-glorifying rest and laziness?  
  3. What do you see as the attributes of laziness? Read Prov. 26:13-16.
    1. Procrastinating – (Prov. 26:14 and Prov. 6:9).  How and when does procrastinating become a problem? 
    2. Makes excuses – (Prov. 26:13,16).  How does someone who battles with laziness make excuses?  What are some ways you make excuses for laziness?
    3. Never follows through- (Prov. 26:15) In what ways does laziness stop you from completing your task, job, or assignment?
  4. What areas of life does laziness impact? 
    1. Spiritual life – Read Phil. 2:12-13. How can laziness affect the “work” God calls you to do?
    2. Relationships – Read 1 Tim. 5:8. How can laziness affect the relationships God calls you to be in?  
    3. Work and School – Read Col. 3:23-24. How can laziness affect work and school?
    4. Ministry and missions – Read 1 Cor. 15:58 and 1 Peter 2:11-12. How can laziness affect ministry and missions?
  5. What is the best way to overcome laziness?
    1. Read Rev. 2:4-5, Rom. 12:11, and 2 Tim. 1:6-8. The term passion is rooted in that which you are willing to suffer for.  How could a renewed passion be an antidote to laziness?
  6. What from your study on Laziness is the next step for you to get control of this powerful tendency? Pray for one another.

Respectable Sins: Anger

July 28, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of anger.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: How was anger demonstrated to you growing up? What causes you to get angry most often, and how do you display anger?
  2. In many psychological studies, we see eight different primary emotions, including happiness, sadness, disgust, surprise, shame, fear, and interest. Emotions are sin neutral. How can each of these emotions, if uncontrolled, lead to bad things and, if controlled, lead to good things?
  3. We see Jesus, who lived the perfect life to emulate, exhibit many of these emotions throughout the gospels. But today, we look deeper into the emotion of anger and how it produced a controlled action. We see indignation/anger in 5 stories of Jesus.  Read and discuss why and how Jesus was angry in the following: Mark 3:1-5,  Mark 10:13-14, Mark 11:11,15, Mark 1:40-42, and John 11:32-35. Why was Jesus angry, and does what makes Jesus angry make you angry?
  4. Because anger is a powerful emotion, God gives clear instructions on when and how we are to be angry and what to do when we are. Read James 1:19. Which is most difficult for you: being ‘quick to listen’, ‘slow to speak,’ or ‘slow to get angry’?
  5. If the frequency of anger, cause of anger, and/or actions produced from anger are causing problems in your life, let’s take three steps God’s word shows to begin to honor God with this powerful emotion.
    1. Controlled vs. Uncontrolled.  Read Titus 2:11, Prov. 14:29, Eph. 4:26-27, Rom. 12:19, Prov. 29:22, and Prov. 15:18, and Psalm 28:8.
    2. Repent and Reconcile.  Read Matt. 5:21-24, Eph. 4:31-32.
    3. Seek the Holy Spirit & the Holy Word. Read Gal. 5:22-23, James 1:21-22, Psalm 141:3, Prov. 20:1, Prov. 15:1, 1 Cor. 13:4-5, Romans 15:5.
  6. What from your study on Anger is the next step for you to get control of this powerful emotion? Pray for one another.

Respectable Sins: Pride

July 21, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of pride.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: Describe a time that someone was proud of you or that you were proud of someone else.
  2. Is there any harm in feeling a sense of pride in an accomplishment or in a job well done? If not, how would you describe the sin of Pride?
  3. Read Philippians 2:1-11. What example did Christ set for us in the way we should live?  How was his life model the opposite of pride? What does Jesus’ death on the cross teach us about pride?
  4. Read Proverbs 16:18. How does Pride lead to destruction or lead to a fall? How have you seen that played out in your own life?
  5. Read 1 Peter 5:5-6. Why does God oppose the proud? What does it mean to clothe yourself in humility? What would it look like if you chose to live like that?
  6. Read Luke 18:9-14. What are some lessons learned from the Tax collector? What about the Pharisees? In the teaching, it was pointed out that we can easily fall into pride of moral superiority. Have you been guilty of Moral Superiority? How?
  7. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-3. Are there areas where you have been dogmatic or unchanging in your beliefs that you realize may allow for those with different views to be right?

Respectable Sins: Gossip & Slander

July 14, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring.  This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of sins of the tongue, including gossip and slander.

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: How would you describe yourself when it comes to conflict?  On a scale of 1 (avoid all conflict) to 10 (embrace all conflict), where would you put yourself?
  2. Like most sins, the sins of the tongue can be sneaky. Some are more obvious than others.  What are some sins specifically done by the tongue?  (examples:  • Gossip • Slander • Mocking • Scoffing • Argumentative • Lying • Manipulation • Boasting • Cursing • Criticizing• Harshness • Abusiveness • Grumbling • Promise-breaking • Flattery • Meddling • Stirring up division) Which of these do you struggle with the most?
  3. Read Ephesians 4:29.  What is an example of “unwholesome talk” vs. “building other up” talk?  
  4. Read James 3:1-12. What stands out in these passages about the power and potential our tongues and words can have?
  5. Regarding the specific “respectable sin” of gossip, read the following:  Prov. 18:8, Prov. 16:28, Prov. 21:23, and Gal. 5:14-15. Why is gossip such a big deal and so easy for us to fall into the trap of? How do you know when you are asking for advice vs. gossiping?
  6. Gossip and slander often occur when someone mistreats you or wrongs someone.  Read Matt.18:15-17 and discuss. What is the difference between what Jesus commands us to do when wronging one another and what is common in the world?
  7. With the words of Gal. 5:14 and Eph. 4:29 on your heart, how do you change how you use your words? Pray for each other and that God would be pleased with our words.

Respectable Sins: Selfishness

July 7, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring.  This week, we discuss the “respectable sin” of selfishness often hidden under the more positive terms, self-love, self-focus, or “I deserve this.”

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: Without sharing names or identifying characteristics, have you ever been around someone with narcissistic tendencies? What are some of the challenges that come with that perspective?
  2. Like most sins, the sin of selfishness can be sneaky. How have you seen selfishness show up in your own life? How can even seemingly selfless things be selfish?
  3. Read Luke 9:14:23-25 and Luke 14:25-27, 33. What role does SELFLESSNESS play in following Jesus? What are examples of selflessness shared in these passages?
  4. For further clarity, read Phil. 2:1-7. What examples of selfish ambition and vain conceit are celebrated in our culture today? What is the antidote to selfishness in this passage?
  5. What are some examples of ways selfishness can impact relationships?  Read James 4:1-3 and 1 Cor. 3:1-3 and discuss.
  6. Read Rom. 6:4, 12-13. Ultimately, selfishness is a part of the inherent brokenness that began with the fall in Genesis. What in this passage is the answer?  What areas of your life require being put to death?  How can you hold one another accountable to pick up that cross daily and keep the old self buried along with its selfish ambition? Share and then pray for one another.

Respectable Sins: Saints, Sinners, and Salvation

June 30, 2024

Description:

We can become good at pointing out the “big” sins in our culture & others. But when we do this, we tend to lose touch with the reality of our own sin. This is especially true when it comes to those sins that are more “acceptable.” We justify our actions and think, “Well, at least I don’t do that.” Because of God’s grace and in pursuit of sanctification, we seek to get to the root of these “respectable sins” and unearth the devastation they bring. 

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

Dig-In Questions:

  1. Get to Know You/Icebreaker question: What sin do you feel is most overlooked/respected in our culture?
  2. If you were to be asked, “What is sin?”  How would you answer?
  3. Read the following: James 1:14, 1 John 1:8-10, Mark 7:20-23, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, and Heb. 12:1-2. After reading these passages, would you change your definition?
  4. When you hear the term “Saint,” what does that make you think?  Read 1 Cor. 1:2. Given these previous passages of sin, the church in Corinth was living in sin yet called a saint or holy people. The word saint is actually ‘hagios’ in the greek, and it means “one who is separated unto God.”  Do you consider yourself separated from God?  If so, how?  If not, why not?
  5. Read Rom. 6:23.  To truly appreciate the gift, you must understand the cost. With the acknowledgment of the gravity of sin, we see the necessity to move forward in life in gratitude. How often do you genuinely feel the weight of your sin?  
  6. Read Heb. 12:1. We read two things that stop us from living out God’s purpose in our lives, including things that hinder us and sin.  What would be examples of things in your life that hinder you from living the race God has for you but are not necessarily sinful?  What sins easily entangle and keep you from the race God has for you?  
  7. To those feeling the weight of their guilt, read these passages as a reminder of the true power of God’s grace and forgiveness.  Psalm 103:12, Isaiah 43:25, Isaiah 53:6, and Rom. 4:7-8.  Spend some time confessing your sins to the Lord, repenting from them, and then pray the truth of these passages over one another.

FORK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

6810 SUNSHINE AVENUE,

KINGSVILLE, MD, 21087

 

410.592.2292

[email protected]

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