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The Weight of Sin, The Love of a Savior

September 28 | Discipleship Guide

Be Real Together:

Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DG, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DG share their story.

Read Together: Matthew 18:6-14 CSB

In this passage, Jesus uses strong language to warn against leading others into sin and to call us to deal ruthlessly with sin in our own lives. Sin is heavy, destructive, and isolating. Yet Jesus shows us that the heart of the Father is to pursue the one who has gone astray. The weight of sin is real, but the love of our Savior is even greater.

The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or Discipleship Group.

When you hear the word “sin,” what feelings or memories come to mind? How have you experienced both the weight of sin and the grace of Jesus in your own life?

Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DG or for personal study.

  1. Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block: Jesus warns against leading others astray. Where might you need to pay closer attention to how your life impacts the faith of others? 
  2. Taking Sin Seriously: What drastic or intentional steps can you take to cut off the sin that most tempts you?
  3. The Shepherd’s Heart: How does the parable of the lost sheep shape the way you see people who have wandered from God?
  4. Receiving Pursuing Grace: Share a time when you experienced God “coming after you” in your wandering. How did it change you?
  5. Carrying One Another: Who in your life might need you to be a stepping stone toward Jesus right now? What’s one practical step you can take to encourage them this week?

Pray Together:

  • Thank Jesus for His love that is greater than the weight of sin.
  • Confess areas where you’ve been a stumbling block or where sin has taken root.
  • Pray that God would pursue and restore those you love who've wandered from Him.
  • Ask for the Spirit’s help to walk in freedom and to lead others toward Jesus.

Next Steps:

  • Choose one way to live in the freedom of Christ and accept His grace this week:
    • Write out a prayer of confession this week and share it with God as a step of release.
    • Identify one temptation and set a new boundary around it.
    • Ask a trusted friend to check in with you weekly about one area where you need accountability.
    • Reach out to someone who has drifted and invite them back into community.