Sin

Read

• Romans 3:23 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Romans 6:23 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Who does Paul say has sinned?

2. What is sin compared with?

3. What consequence does Paul attach to sin?

4. What contrast appears in Romans 6:23?

For yourself

How do I respond to the claim that I too have sinned? What does the contrast between sin's wages and God's gift mean for me?

Read

• Luke 7:36-50 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Compare Simon with the woman.

2. How do they treat Jesus differently?

3. What story does Jesus tell?

4. What connection does Jesus make between forgiveness, gratitude and love?

For yourself

Which person do I understand more easily - Simon or the woman? Why?

Read

• Mark 7:21-23 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Where does Jesus say these things originate?

2. What behaviours and attitudes does He mention?

3. Are they all outward actions?

4. What does Jesus mean by saying these things defile a person?

For yourself

Which of the attitudes Jesus describes do I recognise in myself? What would it mean to address the heart behind them?

Read

• Galatians 5:19-21 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Which behaviours are obvious to you?

2. Which are easier to overlook or excuse?

3. Why might Paul put attitudes such as jealousy, hatred and selfish ambition alongside more obvious behaviours?

4. What warning does he give?

For yourself

Which of these behaviours or attitudes am I most tempted to excuse in myself? What would an honest response look like?

Read

• Ephesians 5:3-13 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What standards does Paul describe?

2. What does he mean by 'empty words'?

3. What happens when things are exposed by light?

4. Why might honesty about wrongdoing be important?

For yourself

Is there something in my life I avoid looking at honestly? What would a first step towards bringing it into the light be?

Read

• James 4:17 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Isaiah 59:1-3 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. According to James, can doing nothing sometimes be wrong?

2. What does Isaiah say sin does to a relationship with God?

3. Is the problem merely breaking rules, or something more?

For yourself

What good do I know I should do but keep leaving undone? What could I do about it this week?

Read

• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Colossians 3:5-11 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Look back

1. What picture of sin emerges from these passages?

2. What picture of change emerges?

For yourself

Where do you think you personally need God's grace?