Who's the Judge?

Community Group Discussion Guide for the Week of March 2, 2025

Miss this week’s teaching? You can watch it here.

# Summary

The sermon this week focused on 1 Corinthians 5, where Paul addresses sexual immorality within the Corinthian church. The passage deals with church discipline and how to handle unrepentant sin within the church community. Paul specifically addresses a case where a man was having a relationship with his stepmother, and the church was celebrating their tolerance rather than addressing the sin. The sermon emphasizes that church discipline is not about being judgmental but about loving restoration and protecting the church from the spread of unrepentant sin.

# Intro Prayer

Lord, as we gather to discuss these challenging truths from Your Word, we ask that You would give us wisdom and discernment. Help us to understand Your heart for both holiness and restoration within Your church. Open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us today, and give us the courage to apply these truths in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

# Ice Breaker

What was the most memorable form of discipline you received as a child, and how did it impact your behavior?

# Key Verses

  • 1 Corinthians 5:11-13

  • Ephesians 5:11-14

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14-15

  • 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

# Questions

  • Why does Paul compare sin to yeast/leaven in this passage? What's the significance of this metaphor?

  • How do you distinguish between someone struggling with sin versus someone living in unrepentant sin?

  • What is the ultimate goal of church discipline according to the Word?

  • How can we balance being loving and accepting while still maintaining biblical standards within the church?

  • What does it mean to 'turn someone over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh'?

  • Why does Paul specifically say we should judge those inside the church but not those outside?

  • How can we approach church discipline in a way that promotes restoration rather than condemnation?

  • What role does repentance play in the process of restoration within the church?

# Life Application

This week, examine your own life for areas where you might be tolerating or justifying sin. Take time to pray and ask God to reveal any areas where you need to repent. If necessary, seek accountability from a trusted Christian friend or mentor to help you walk in holiness.

# Key Takeaways

  • Church discipline is necessary for maintaining the health and holiness of the church body

  • The goal of church discipline is always restoration and reconciliation, not punishment

  • Unrepentant sin affects the entire church body and must be addressed

  • We are called to judge those within the church, not those outside it

  • Quick repentance should be our response when confronted with sin in our lives

# Ending Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides us in truth and holiness. Help us to be a church that loves enough to speak truth, even when it's difficult. Give us wisdom in handling discipline within Your church, and help us to always maintain the goal of restoration. Create in us clean hearts and renew right spirits within us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

1 CorinthiansPastor Jason MookMTN CHURCH