Discussion Guide
Last week we kicked off a new series Judged, focusing on self-righteous judgement. We learned that before confronting someone else, we must first ask God to examine our own hearts. This week, we will shift our focus to the times we are called to help a fellow believer who is struggling. While correction is sometimes necessary, there’s a right and wrong way to approach it. How we handle these moments can make all the difference.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Are you the kind of person that will tell someone if their pants are unzipped or they have food in their teeth? Let’s play: You call yourself a Christian! Name one thing you think others, or our culture may consider un-Christian that really doesn’t reflect your walk with Christ at all.
2. Read Matthew 7:5. Consider the things that bother you about others. Is it possible that the reason you notice those specific sins is that they are the same ones you have had to face, overcome, or still tempt you? What “logs” might we as a church need to face before confronting others’ “specks?”
3. Read 1 Corinthians 5:11-13. Do you think any of the listed sins in verse 11 apply to you personally? Try reading the verse in the NLT for a different take. According to verses 12-13 who are Christians called to hold accountable-the church or the world? What is the difference between lovingly correcting someone in sin and enabling or excusing their behavior?
4. Read Galatians 6:1. This verse calls believers to restore those caught in sin gently. How can we distinguish between someone who is trapped in sin and someone who is willfully continuing in it? In what way are we called to treat the two situations differently?
Action Step: Read Galatians 6:1-3 paraphrased below:
“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might need forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” (Galatians 6:1-3, MSG)
Consider what the following phrases mean in the passage:
• Falls into sin
• Stoop down and reach out
• Those who are oppressed
• Share their burdens