BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Ken mentions that Beverly Marshall honestly admitted “I like sin” because she liked going her own way. Why do you think most Christians aren’t this honest about their struggles with sin? What would change if we were more open about our battles?
2. The sermon notes that the Apostles’ Creed summarizes the entire Christian life with just one phrase about forgiveness of sins. Why do you think this single truth is considered more important than all the practical aspects of Christian living?
3. Ken quotes Franz Kafka: “Modern people feel like sinners but feel none of the guilt.” How do you see this playing out in today’s culture? Is guilt always a bad thing, or can it serve a positive purpose?
4. The sermon argues that society’s attempt to remove guilt by eliminating moral rules has backfired, leading to “more anxiety and depression and suicide.” Do you agree with this assessment? What evidence do you see for or against this claim?
5. Read Psalm 130:1-2. What does it mean to cry out to God “from the depths”? Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced this kind of desperation that led to calling on God.
6. Verse 3 asks, “If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” How does this question challenge both our view of God and our view of ourselves? What false ideas about God does this correct?
7. Ken describes God as “merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” How does this description contrast with the “cranky old man” image some people have of God? Which view influences your daily relationship with Him?
8. The psalm says “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you” (v. 4). How does experiencing God’s forgiveness lead to reverent service rather than taking advantage of His grace?
9. Ken mentions the cycle of “desire, sin, guilt, shame” that traps many believers. What practical steps can someone take to break out of this destructive pattern? How does confession play a role in this process?
10. The sermon emphasizes that “the problem is in us but the answer is not.” How does this truth challenge our self-help culture? What’s the difference between self-improvement and God’s transformation?
11. Ken called for people to go to the back of the room to confess and pray with others, noting “these folks are sinners too.” How important is community in dealing with sin and finding forgiveness? What makes confession to others difficult?
12. Looking at the detailed prayer of confession Ken provided, which areas of sin do you think are most commonly overlooked or minimized in Christian communities today? How can small groups create safe spaces for honest confession and mutual encouragement?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Beverly Marshall’s honest admission “I like sin” made everyone laugh, but she was serious about liking to go her own way. When have you found yourself enjoying something you knew wasn’t right? What makes honesty about our struggles so difficult?
2. Ken observed that Christian bookstores have far more “Christian living” books than theology books, yet the Apostles’ Creed focuses on doctrine with just one line about Christian life. Why do you think we’re drawn more to practical advice than foundational beliefs?
3. The sermon suggests that removing moral rules to eliminate guilt has actually increased anxiety and depression in our culture. What’s your take on this? Have you seen examples where clear boundaries actually brought more peace than freedom?
4. Ken quotes Franz Kafka: “Modern people feel like sinners but feel none of the guilt.” Do you think guilt can ever be healthy or helpful? Share about a time when guilt led you in a positive direction.
5. The psalm begins “Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD.” What does rock bottom look like in your experience? How do desperate moments change the way we relate to God?
6. “If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” This verse suggests we all have more sin than we’d like to admit. Why do you think we’re so reluctant to acknowledge the depth of our need for forgiveness?
7. Ken contrasts the “cranky old man” version of God with the merciful, compassionate God revealed in Scripture. Which image of God feels more real to you in your daily life, and why do you think that is?
8. The sermon describes a cycle of “desire, sin, guilt, shame” that keeps repeating. Have you experienced this pattern? What has helped you or others break free from destructive cycles?
9. Ken says “the problem is in us but the answer is not,” which goes against our self-help culture. How do you balance personal responsibility with dependence on God? Where’s the line between effort and grace?
10. The sermon ended with an invitation for people to go pray with others at the back of the room. What would make you comfortable or uncomfortable about confessing struggles to other people in your church?
11. Looking at Ken’s detailed confession prayer, which sins on that list do you think Christians struggle with most but talk about least? How can we create environments where people feel safe being real?
12. Ken emphasizes that after forgiveness comes reverent service to God. How has experiencing God’s mercy and forgiveness changed the way you approach your relationship with Him? What does “reverent service” look like in everyday life?