Taking Sin Seriously

What Does Jesus Mean?

'Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the one by whom the temptation comes. And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire.' — Matthew 18:7-9

Jesus uses extreme language here to show us how serious sin really is. He doesn't literally want us to cut off body parts — that wouldn't fix the problem anyway! He's using hyperbole (exaggeration) to wake us up to the danger of sin.

Question 1: What Makes Sin So Serious?

Jesus says it's better to lose a hand or foot than to be thrown into eternal fire. Why do you think Jesus compares sin to something that serious? What does this tell you about how God views sin?

Question 2: Where Does Sin Really Start?

The sermon explained that cutting off a hand wouldn't actually stop you from sinning. If sin doesn't come from our hands, feet, or eyes, where does it come from? (Hint: Read James 1:14-15 to see what James says about temptation and desire.)

Question 3: What Are Your 'Extreme Measures'?

Jesus wants us to take whatever steps are necessary to avoid sin — even if they seem extreme. Think about your own life. What's one thing that makes it easier for you to sin or be tempted? What would be an 'extreme measure' you could take to avoid that temptation? (Examples from the sermon: changing your route home, getting rid of something that distracts you, asking for help.)

Question 4: Why Can't We Fix Ourselves?

The sermon said that even if we took all these extreme measures, we'd still have a sin problem. Why is that? What do we need that we can't give ourselves? How does God help us fight sin?

Question 5: Who Can Help You?

The sermon reminded us that the Christian life is about dependence on God and interdependence with other believers. Who are two people you could ask for help when you're struggling with temptation or sin? How could you pray differently this week about the sins you struggle with?