Sin and Repentance
Ed Grable
Part of Westminster Shorter Catechism
May 25, 2025

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Find the Westminster Shorter Catechism here

SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE

CONVERSATION STARTER
When’s the last time you had a ‘well… that wasn’t my best moment’ kind of day? What happened and what led up to it?

DEEPER

Westminster Shorter Catechism: Question 14
Q: What is sin?
A: Sin is disobeying or not conforming to God’s law in any way.

Read Romans 6:12-14
The catechism says sin is “disobeying” or “not conforming to” God’s law. How is failing to conform different from outright disobedience? Why do both matter?

Read Jeremiah 17:9. How does this challenge the common idea that people are “basically good”? How does this verse shape our understanding of ourselves and our need for grace?

What sins in your life are easier to excuse, justify, or hide? What makes them feel “less serious”? Likewise, what are some subtle or socially accepted sins that Christians may be tempted to overlook? How can these “hidden” sins still be deeply destructive?

Why do you think it’s often easier to see the sin in others than in ourselves? How does that tendency keep us from repentance?

Think about a sin you’ve struggled with repeatedly (a “habitual sin”). What do you think feeds that cycle, and what breaks it?

How does understanding the seriousness of sin enhance your appreciation for grace and Christ’s atonement for our sins? How has repentance in your life led to real transformation—not just guilt relief?

What stood out to you in this week’s sermon? What were your biggest takeaways?

Prayer activity: Divide into smaller groups and read Psalm 51 and and use it as a guide for your prayer time. Each person may pray as they feel led to confess and repent of any sin.

NOTES

DISCIPLINES
Pray: Confess your sins to God, ask the Spirit of God to sanctify you, and thank Jesus for taking our punishment for sin upon himself to the cross.

Read: Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges

Write: Write down any questions you might have from the sermon and submit them to the website to be answered in a future podcast.

Sing: Listen to the worship songs from Sunday throughout the week. Look up the lyrics to each song and spend some time reading them.

Memorize: Psalm 51:1-2


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