The Advocate

Worship Folder

Outline

Hook: How immune are you to "cancel culture"?

I. THE PERSON OF JESUS
"The sins of those who belong to God open the floodgates of his heart of compassion for us. The dam breaks. It is not our loveliness that wins his love. It is our unloveliness.” – Dane Ortlund

II. THE POWER OF JESUS
"Compassion is a spirituality of meat, not milk; of adults, not children; of love, not masochism; of justice, not philanthropy. It requires maturity, a big heart, a willingness to risk, and imagination.” – Matthew Fox

Takeaway: Sin no more!

Discussion Questions

1. How does Jesus’ response to the woman challenge the way we often think about justice, mercy, shame, and accountability? 
2. Where do you see “canceling” instincts in your own heart—toward public figures, people in your community, family members, or even yourself? How does the compassion of Jesus confront that instinct?
3. Micah 7:18–19 says God “delights in steadfast love” and casts our sins into the depths of the sea. How does that image deepen your understanding of Jesus’ words, “Neither do I condemn you”? What makes this hard to believe personally?
4. Colossians 3:12–14 calls Christians to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Which of these qualities do you most need Jesus to grow in you right now? How might practicing it change the way you respond to someone caught in sin?
5. Jesus ends by saying, “Go, and from now on sin no more.” Why is it important that this command comes after his mercy, not before it? How does grace empower real repentance rather than excuse sin?

Resources

• D.A. Carson, The Intolerance of Tolerance
• Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits
• Brennan Manning, The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus
• Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly