Big Idea: Growing followers of Jesus should never become comfortable with sin. How do we practice Holiness in the church? 1. Don't Become Comfortable with Sin 1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father's wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this? 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (NIV) ⇨ Is there an area where I've become comfortable with something God wants to change? 2. Pursue Restoration, Not Condemnation 3 Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. 4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, 5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (NIV) The Shepherd’s Heart "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? 13 And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. 14 In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Matthew 18:12-14 (NIV) The Shepherds Pursuit 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ Matthew 18:15-16 (NIV) The Shepherd Protects the Flock 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matthew 18:17 (NIV) ⇨ How can I lovingly encourage someone who is drifting from Christ? ⇨ Am I willing to receive loving correction from others? Notes: _________________________________________________________________ 3. Live as People Changed by Grace 6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast–as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people– 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:6-13 (NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) ⇨ “Have I become comfortable with something that Jesus wants to change?” Next Right Steps Invite God to Search Your Heart and take a step toward holiness Encourage Someone with Grace and Truth Sign up for Church Membership October 18, 12:30 to 3:00pm. Lunch provided. TALK IT OVER Big Idea: Growing followers of Jesus don't become comfortable with sin. Opening Prayer: Invite someone to thank God for His amazing grace and His patient work of transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to soften hearts, give wisdom, and help everyone grow in holiness and love. Icebreaker: Think about someone who cared enough about you to tell you something you needed to hear—even though it wasn't easy. Looking back, why are you thankful they spoke the truth? Read Together 1 Corinthians 5 & Matthew 18:12–17 As you read, look for the heart behind Paul's words. • What is he trying to protect? • What is he hoping will happen? Reflection Questions For Families with Children Why does Jesus want us to make good choices? What does it mean to follow Jesus with a clean heart? For Teens and Adults What stands out to you most as you read 1 Corinthians 5? Why do you think Paul took sin within the church so seriously? 5. Are there areas of your life where you've become comfortable with attitudes or behaviors that don't honor God? How does remembering that Jesus is your Passover Lamb change the way you think about holiness? Is there anything in your life that is influencing you away from Christ? How can pursuing holiness draw you closer to Jesus instead of leading to guilt or legalism? Why is holiness important for every follower of Jesus? How can you help create a church culture that reflects both God’s grace and His holiness? This Week's Challenge: Invite God to search your heart each day this week. Pray: “Lord, show me anything that keeps me from becoming more like Jesus—and give me the courage to follow You.” Then respond in obedience, trusting His grace every step of the way. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11–12 Prayer Time Spend time praying for one another.