The Anatomy of Sin

Here are three lessons in the series.  The series will be from 4/26 through 5/10/26

Lesson 1: The Anatomy of Sin

Focus: Discerning the nature of sin and the heart’s direction. Wednesday Email: "This week, we begin a study of 1 John 5:16–17. As you prepare, read these verses alongside Hebrews 10:26–29 and 1 John 1:8–10. Ask yourself: Is there a difference between a stumble and a settled rejection? What does 'sin leading to death' look like in a world that often ignores sin entirely?"

  • 0–10 min: Opening & Initial Discoveries. Invite members to share one word or phrase from their personal study that challenged them or caught their attention.

  • 10–25 min: Defining the Terms. Read 1 John 5:16–17.

    • Discovery Question: "John says 'all unrighteousness is sin,' but then makes a distinction. Based on your study of 1 John 1:9, what characterizes the sin that does not lead to death?"

  • 25–45 min: The "Death" in Question. * Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 10:26 and 1 John 2:19.

    • Group Task: Contrast the "Antichrists" John mentions earlier in the book (who left the fellowship and denied Christ) with a believer who struggles with a specific habit.

    • Discovery Question: "Is this 'death' a single act, or is it a final posture of the heart? How do we see this reflected in the world today?"

  • 45–60 min: Application. "How does understanding this distinction affect how you evaluate your own spiritual health and 'readiness' for whatever God asks of you?"

Lesson 2: The Stewardship of Intercession

Focus: Our responsibility to pray for the restoration of others. Wednesday Email: "Next Sunday, we look at 1 John 5:14–16. Focus on the phrase 'he will ask, and God will give him life.' Read this in tandem with James 5:16–20 and Galatians 6:1–2. Why does God involve us in the spiritual restoration of another person through prayer?"

  • 0–15 min: The Confidence of the Petitioner. Read 1 John 5:14–15.

    • Discovery Question: "What does it mean to pray 'according to His will'? Is it a formula, or is it a byproduct of knowing His heart?"

  • 15–40 min: The Power of 'Praying Life'. Read v. 16.

    • Supporting Scripture: James 5:19–20.

    • Discovery Question: "John says if we see a brother sinning, we should ask, and God will give them life. Why do you think God chooses to use our intercession as the catalyst for someone else’s spiritual vitality?"

  • 40–55 min: The Hard Instruction. Discuss the "sin leading to death" where John says he does not command prayer.

    • Discovery Question: "If we cannot 'pray life' into someone who has decisively rejected God, what can we pray for them? (Consider 2 Timothy 2:24–26)."

  • 55–60 min: Weekly Challenge. "Who has God placed in your life right now that needs you to 'pray life' into them this week?"

Lesson 3: The Shield and the Idol

Focus: The security of the believer and the danger of substitutes. Wednesday Email: "We conclude our study with 1 John 5:18–21. Look for the phrase 'We know' which appears three times. Compare this with John 10:27–29 and Ephesians 6:10–13. What is it that keeps us safe from the 'sin leading to death'?"

  • 0–15 min: The 'New Nature' Reality. Read v. 18.

    • Discovery Question: "John says the one born of God 'does not keep on sinning.' How do you reconcile this with our daily struggles? What has changed in our nature?"

  • 15–35 min: The Protection of the Vessel. Read v. 18b–19.

    • Supporting Scripture: John 10:28.

    • Discovery Question: "What does it mean that 'the evil one does not touch him'? If we are in God's hand, how does that change our approach to spiritual preparation and service?"

  • 35–50 min: The Final Warning. Read v. 21: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

    • Discovery Question: "Why would a deep theological letter end with a warning about idols? How does an idol—anything that replaces God—act as the 'on-ramp' to the sin that leads to death?"

  • 50–60 min: Final Synthesis. "After these three weeks, how has your understanding of your identity in Christ shifted? How does this clarity impact the way you serve others?"