PURPOSE

  • While we want all seekers to be saved by grace, there is no grace if we perceive no sin. Of course, all have sinned (Romans 3:23); therefore, we all desperately need the grace of God (Romans 6:23).
  • Thus, the aim of this study is to help seekers see themselves as our Holy God sees them: utterly sinful and separated from our God.
  • This realization brings about a desire for both forgiveness and repentance. Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict seekers in this study (John 16:8).

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 6:23

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a] Christ Jesus our Lord.

21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.

  • Take ownership for sin! We are responsible for our own sins.
  • Despite genetics, parenting, peer pressures, and socio-economic conditions, sin comes from within our own hearts and makes us unclean.
  • What is the consequence of being unclean before God?
  • Discuss the sins cataloged by Jesus. Add scriptures, that catalog sins – if needed.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Sinful deeds are obvious. What does will not inherit the Kingdom of God mean? Be as specific as necessary to both explain and share about the sins listed.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

  • Not even a hint or a mention of sin should be the standard for followers of Jesus.
  • Has anyone ever shared empty words with you in order to minimize God’s wrath to sin and sinners?
  • Exposing sin to the light is a great step toward proclaiming a real need for grace.

17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Sins of commission (sins you commit) vs. sins of omission (virtues you omit).

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
    nor his ear too dull to hear.
2 But your iniquities have separated
    you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
    so that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are stained with blood,
    your fingers with guilt.
Your lips have spoken falsely,
    and your tongue mutters wicked things.

  • Your sin has made a separation between you and your God.
  • This study is not just about a list of sins, but instead about the depth of your separation from your Father.
  • Revelation 21:8
  • Revelation 21:24-27
  • Matthew 5:48
  • Colossians 3:5-11
  • Romans 1:21-32
  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-5