The N Commandments (3) – Sin Not

Welcome to CROLCC, we are so glad you are here worshiping with us. When Jesus rose from the dead, it changed everything. The early church had a Resurrection religion. They couldn’t go back and embrace a Temple Model that focused on sacred men in sacred places with special interpretations of sacred texts. Instead, they had one new commandment: love one another as Jesus had loved them.

Jesus also gave his followers several other commandments and last week we talked about one of them “Fear Not.” Have you had a chance to practice not being afraid this past week? Remember, you don’t have to be afraid even when there’s something to be afraid of. Because Jesus has been in the very boat, the very circumstance you are in right now. So you don’t have to be afraid.

Today we are going to talk about another commandment related to the commandment to love one another: sin no more. But how are we supposed to do that when we’re so imperfect?

Moving Forward

Jesus, who would eventually allow our sin to kill him, says to us: stop sinning. Once it becomes evident that he was on the side of sinners, his words sound completely different—freeing not limiting. We shouldn’t avoid sin out of fear that God will punish us. We should avoid sin because it kills us. It causes us to hate us. Remember that sin is not your master.

Changing Your Mind

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
John 8:10–11

Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever tried to change a bad habit through willpower alone? What happened?

2. Why do you think it’s so natural for people to assume that God is quick to judge and condemn them? To what extent has that assumption shaped your relationship with God?

3. Read John 8:1–11. Is it easier for you to identify with the crowd or with the woman caught in adultery? In what ways are you convicted by Jesus’ actions and words?

4. Is it difficult for you to believe that, through Jesus, you have the power to leave your sin behind you? Why or why not?

5. Think about your answer to the question, What is your sin? (You don’t have to share specifics with the group if you don’t want to.) What stands in the way of you deciding to leave that sin behind? What can this group do to help you make and follow-through on that decision?