Will Marriage Fix My Struggle with Sexual Sin?
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Will Marriage Fix My Struggle with Sexual Sin?

Loving People vs. Affirming Them in Their Sin

Episode 33 | Dr. Michael Horton and Adriel Sanchez answer questions about good works, how to address someone else's sin, and if we contribute to our salvation.

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Episode 33 Show Notes
What Is the Difference Between Loving People
and Affirming Them in Their Sin?

From the Show

What is the difference between loving people and affirming them in their sin?



"Now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. Purge the evil person from among you” (1 Cor. 5:11-13).



At a time when many of our churches seem eager to tell non-Christians and society how to live, there's ironically very little discipline in the churches themselves. We hear stories every day about pastoral abuse, even sexual abuse. There's hostility towards those who practice homosexuality but Christian couples often divorce without any pastoral care and even when they get [pastoral care], they often reject any accountability and just move to another church or just drop out of church….



So, Paul says here, "Look, I'm not saying you can't have dinner with your gay friends." After all, Jesus ate with anybody. And we're grateful he did because we're among them. Nor are we to browbeat Christ’s sheep exercising church discipline independently as vigilantes, going out there and just lopping off heads. In Galatians 6:1 Paul says, "Brothers and sisters, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. And keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."



So, there's a real sense that we're all in this together. We're all sinners, we're all liable to be tempted, but those who are mature should restore people in a spirit of gentleness, but those who claim to be believers and yet reject any accountability; that's the key, not that they sin, not that they commit transgressions, we all do, but they reject any accountability to Christ's Lordship. They should not be given spiritual fellowship until they repent." — Michael Horton

Questions in This Episode

1. How do we know what good works God has prepared for us?

2. Do you have any advice for learning how to share my faith?

3. What is the difference between loving people and affirming them in their sin?

4. How do we deal with sins that we fall into over and over?

5. When Jesus says "he is one with the Father" is he saying that he is the same as the Father?

6. Is our salvation completely the work of God?

Resources

How To Become Like Jesus

Are Good Works Necessary After Salvation?

7 Simple Ways to Share Your Faith With Others

3 Reasons to Study the Trinity

Who Am I to Judge?

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