The Problem We Can't Ignore: Understanding Sin

These blog questions are based on Stewart Wakeman's sermon from Nov. 2nd, titled "The Problem We Can't Ignore: Understanding Sin".

1.What does our Canadian culture consider to be sin? How does this differ from the Bible?

2. If sin is just "missing the mark," or "making mistakes," do we need God's help? Can we "fix" sin by ourselves? 

3. READ Galatians 5:16-21
    This passage names numerous expressions of sin:
    A. "Sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality." How does our Canadian culture deal with sexual sin? According to the Bible, what is more important for sexual morality: personal fulfilment, or commitment?
    B. "Enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, envy." These are some of the outcomes of struggles for power or control. Do you think that we are living today in a more than usually severe expression of these sins? Why?
    C. "Drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." Why has the 1960's idea of "do your own thing...as long as you aren't hurting anybody" been so damaging to so many people? 

4. READ Galatians 5:22-26. Why isn't it enough for Christians to simply know that our sins are forgiven? Is it possible to be a loveless, joyless, unkind, unfaithful, and harsh Christian, with no self-control? Why?

5. READ Matthew 18:15-20. This is Jesus' procedure for dealing with sin by one person in the church against you.
Why does Jesus say step one is "just between the two of you"? What does he mean by "if they listen to you, you have won them over"? Why is step one not public accusation? Why would the church decide to "treat them as you would a pagan or tax collector"?

6. Have you ever used Jesus' procedure for reconciliation with another person who has sinned against you?