Discussion Questions

Understanding the Text

1. What surprised you most about Paul's distinction between judging those inside the church versus those outside the church? (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)
2. Why does Paul say we would "have to leave the world" if we refused to associate with all immoral people? What does this tell us about our mission as believers?
3. Read Matthew 7:1-5 (the "judge not" passage). How does Jesus' teaching here differ from the church discipline described in Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5?

Personal Reflection

4. The sermon emphasized that our relationships with unbelievers should be "missional to its core." On a scale of 1-10, how missional are your current relationships with non-Christians? What might need to change?
5. Why do you think many Christians (and churches) avoid practicing church discipline? What fears or misunderstandings might contribute to this?
6. Have you ever had someone lovingly confront you about sin in your life? How did it feel initially? What was the outcome?
7. The pastor said, "It is an act of hatred to not discipline." How does this statement challenge our cultural understanding of love and tolerance?

Application & Action

8. What is the difference between gossip and the biblical practice of bringing witnesses into a situation? How can we guard against gossip while still practicing biblical accountability?
9. The sermon stated that 80-90% of church discipline happens at the personal confrontation stage. Is there someone in your life you need to have a loving, difficult conversation with? What's holding you back?
10. How does church discipline actually demonstrate God's love rather than contradict it? (Hint: Consider Proverbs 3:11-12 and Hebrews 12:5-11)
11. The goal of all discipline is repentance and restoration. How should this goal shape our attitude when confronting sin in others?

Key Takeaways
✓ We must engage with the world for evangelism, not separate from it.
✓ The church's purity is maintained through internal accountability, not external isolation.
✓ Church discipline is an act of love and mercy, warning people of spiritual danger.
✓ The goal is always repentance and restoration, not condemnation.
✓ We judge those inside the church; God judges those outside.
✓ Discipline should be done humbly, recognizing we are all susceptible to sin.