Discussion Guide: Dealing with Unrepentant Sin in the Church

Nov 3, 2025

Small Group Guide: Dealing with Unrepentant Sin in the Church

Based on 1 Corinthians 5

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Reflection Note: This week’s topic may bring up sensitive or personal areas of life. As you reflect and discuss, remember that discussing this is a space for honesty and grace, not judgment. We’re all sinners saved by grace, and our goal is restoration, not condemnation. Approach this time with compassion, understanding, and a heart that reflects Christ’s love toward one another.

Opening Prayer

Begin your time together asking God to give wisdom, humility, and love as you discuss this challenging topic.

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Key Scripture

· Hebrews 12:6 - "Those whom the Lord loves, he disciplines."

· 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 (Read together)

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Summary of Main Points

1. The Problem: Sexual immorality and arrogance in the Corinthian church

2. The Instruction: Remove the unrepentant believer from fellowship

3. The Danger: Tolerating sin corrupts the entire body ("a little leaven leavens the whole lump")

4. The Distinction: We judge those inside the church while witnessing to those outside

5. The Purpose: Restoration and salvation, not condemnation

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Discussion Questions - Understanding the Text

1. What was the specific sin being addressed in the Corinthian church? Why was Paul so concerned about it?

2. What does it mean to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (v. 5)? How does this relate to the goal of saving the spirit?

3. Explain the "leaven" metaphor Paul uses. Why is this imagery so powerful for understanding how sin spreads?

Personal Reflection

4. The sermon emphasized the difference between a "repentant sinner" and an "unrepentant sinner." How would you define each? Which one describes your current walk with Christ?

5. The pastor said, "We should never celebrate grace in a way that excuses sin." What does this mean? How can we balance grace and truth in our own lives?

6. What's the difference between struggling with sin (and seeking help) versus living in unrepentant sin? Why is this distinction important?

Application to Community

7. How does the fellowship and accountability of the church provide "spiritual protection"? Have you experienced this personally?

8. Why is it important that church discipline is done "in love" with the goal of restoration? What would discipline without love look like?

9. The sermon mentioned other sins beyond sexual immorality: covetousness, idolatry, reviling (slanderous speech), drunkenness, and extortion. Why do you think these are equally serious?

10. What's the difference between how we should relate to unbelievers living in sin versus professing believers living in unrepentant sin? Why does Paul make this distinction?

Challenging Questions

11. The pastor asked: "Are we willing to take a stand and follow God's will and heart if there is a case of unrepentant sin?" How would you answer this for yourself? For our group? For our church?

12. Why do you think this teaching is so uncomfortable for modern Christians? What cultural pressures make it difficult to practice biblical church discipline?

13. How can we avoid being judgmental or self-righteous while still maintaining biblical standards of holiness?

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Key Takeaways

· God disciplines those He loves - Discipline is an expression of love, not rejection

· Sin affects the whole community - What we tolerate spreads and corrupts

· The goal is always restoration - Church discipline aims at repentance and reconciliation

· Separation follows redemption - We are saved to live holy, set-apart lives

· Grace never ignores sin - True grace confronts sin for God's glory and the sinner's good

· We are either repentant or unrepentant - There's no middle ground in our response to confronted sin

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Practical Applications

This Week's Challenge (Choose 1-2):

1. Personal Inventory: Ask God to reveal any areas of unrepentant sin in your life. Confess them and seek accountability from a trusted believer.

2. Accountability Partner: If you don't have one, identify someone in this group or church who could walk with you in accountability. Set up a regular time to connect.

3. Examine Your Influences: Evaluate your closest relationships. Are you being influenced toward holiness or away from it? ("A little leaven leavens the whole lump")

4. Practice Restoration: If you know someone who has walked away from faith or is living in sin, pray about how to lovingly reach out to them with truth and grace.

5. Study Holiness: Read through 1 Peter 1:13-16 and Hebrews 12:1-14. Journal about what it means to pursue holiness in your daily life.

6. Family Application: Parents, discuss with your spouse how you can better model loving discipline with your children that points them toward Christ.

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Next Steps as a Group/Family

· Commit to praying for one another's areas of struggle

· Establish group accountability guidelines

· Discuss how your group can be a place of "spiritual protection" for each member

· Consider studying the topic of biblical community and accountability further

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Closing Prayer Points

· Thank God for His loving discipline in our lives

· Pray for wisdom and courage to address sin biblically

· Ask for hearts that pursue holiness while extending grace

· Pray for anyone in the church or your circle who may be living in unrepentant sin