“Proud of the Wrong Things” | Steve DeFrain

“PROUD OF THE WRONG THINGS”

2 Timothy 3… ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

1 Corinthians 5… ¹ It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. ² And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? ³ For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.  ⁴ So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, ⁵ hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.⁶ Your boasting is not good. 

AN ARROGANT CHURCH…

(POINT ONE) Celebrates What We Should Mourn

James 1… ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Romans 8… ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

1 Corinthians 5… ⁶ Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? ⁷ Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. ⁸ Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

(POINT TWO) Protects Relationships Over Righteousness

Matthew 5… ⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 10… ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— ³⁶ a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ ³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 11… ¹⁹ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”

(POINT THREE) Chooses Niceness Over Courage

Isaiah 5… ²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Romans 2… ⁴ Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

(POINT FOUR) Misunderstands That We Confront to Heal, Not Cancel

1 Corinthians 5… ⁹ I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— ¹⁰ not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. ¹¹ But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sisterbut is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. ¹² What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? ¹³ God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”

1 Corinthians 5… ⁵ hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 2… ⁶ The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient.⁷ Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. ⁸ I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him.

Small Group Guide:

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

1. An arrogant church celebrates what it should be mourning.
2. We often protect relationships over righteousness.
3. Many choose niceness over courage in difficult conversations.
4. We confront to heal, not to cancel.

Discussion Questions:

1. Steve mentions that the church in Corinth was tolerating sexual immorality. How do you see similar issues in today’s church culture?
2. Reflect on the statement: “Real love doesn’t ignore sin because sin is like cancer. It spreads, it hardens, it normalizes, and it destroys.” How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?
3. Steve emphasizes the difference between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker. How can we be peacemakers in our relationships and church community without. How do you feel about the concept of church principles as described in the sermon? What are the potential benefits and challenges?
4. Steve says, “God can’t heal what you conceal.” How does this statement challenge you personally?
5. Discuss the difference between being “friendly” and being a true friend according to the sermon. How can we be better friends to fellow believers?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, practice speaking truth in love to a fellow believer if you see them struggling with sin. Remember to approach the conversation with humility and compassion.
2. Reflect on areas in your own life where you might be tolerating or Commit to bringing these before God in prayer and seeking accountability.
3. Look to a trusted Christian friend or mentor.
4. Look for opportunities to be a “peacemaker” rather than a “peacekeeper” in your relationships this week. This might involve having a difficult but necessary conversation.

Closing Prayer: Lord, help us to be a pure Your holiness and love. Give us the courage to confront sin in our lives and in our community, always with the goal of restoration and healing. Help us to be peacemakers who speak the truth in love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.