Session 1

The Central Question

Do I Hate Sin?

3 scriptures • 3 questions
Opening Prayer

Father, shine Your light into our hearts. Reveal any hardness, shallow roots, or choking thorns. Grant us true repentance and a growing hatred of sin because we love Christ more. Help us rest securely in Your grip even as we examine ourselves. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Central Question: Do I Hate Sin?

The Bible never offers a simple slogan like 'once saved, always saved.' Instead, it gives something far more secure: the Good Shepherd who holds His sheep so tightly that no one can snatch them from His or the Father's hand (John 10:28-29). Jesus promises eternal life to those who hear His voice and follow Him, and He declares He will lose none the Father has given Him.

Yet Scripture also calls us to honest self-examination: 'Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith' (2 Corinthians 13:5). This study centers on one penetrating diagnostic question that reveals the depth of our faith: Do I Hate Sin?

Note: This question serves as the heartbeat of the study. A genuine 'yes' -- even if imperfect and growing -- points to the work of the Holy Spirit and the good soil that produces lasting fruit.

Key Scriptures
Proverbs 8:13
"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech."
Psalm 97:10
"Let those who love the Lord hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints."
Romans 12:9
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good."
Reflection Questions
1
Why does the Bible link loving God with hating evil? How is this different from merely disliking sin's consequences?
2
If someone claims to believe in Jesus but feels little grief or hatred toward their own sin, what might that suggest about the depth of their faith?
3
How might a growing hatred of sin actually strengthen, rather than undermine, biblical assurance?
Application

A genuine 'yes' to the question 'Do I hate sin?' -- even if imperfect and growing -- points to the work of the Holy Spirit and the good soil that produces lasting fruit.

Closing Scriptures
John 10:28-29
"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
Philippians 1:6
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd who never loses Your own. Create in us clean hearts. Deepen our repentance and hatred of sin as our love for You grows. When we stray, come find us, carry us, and bring us home rejoicing. Thank You that our security rests in Your strong hand, not our perfect grip. Amen.

Next Session
Group Discussion