Today’s passage: Ephesians 5:11-14
Helpful thoughts:
- It’s harder to take part in unfruitful sin when you are busy being fruitful.
- The method of confronting sin is found in Matthew 18:15-20.
- The purpose is to win your brother, not to shame him.
- Other people are only added to the conversation when necessary and in order to win them.
- It is not necessary to be explicit in content when exposing sin. Wisdom and discretion are loving toward the sinner and toward any others who might have to hear about the sin.
Questions to consider:
- How can our aversion to hurting people’s feelings prevent us from lovingly fighting sin? How devastating is sin? How important is it to work together toward victory in repentance?
- How does holding up all actions against the light of the Word of God prevent us from being judgmental or “Holier than thou”? How do you know you’re not just being personally offended before you rebuke someone (Meaning, they broke one of your laws…not God’s)?
- Why is Matthew 7:1-5 so important in this area of obedience in the Christian life? How do you do when others have confronted you about your sin? How can you be thankful for the love others have shown you in shedding light on your sin?