9. (a) What kind of sins can bring great reproach upon the congregation? (b) Why might a person who has committed a gross sin only once still be in an unclean position before Jehovah?

⁹ As in the first century, so also today some baptized Christians commit gross sins that bring reproach on the congregation. (For examples of such wrongs, see 1 Corinthians 5:11; Galatians 5:19-21 and; 1 Timothy 1:9, 10.)

They may err gravely only once or they may continue in a course of sin for a period of time.

Hence, when someone falls into gross sin, the matter should come to their attention.

This, though, does not mean that while they are on earth anointed Christians never sin.

In the flesh, they are still imperfect and consequently they sin, as do all humans, and may even commit gross sin.

8. How does Jehovah view sins committed against humans?

⁸ Above all, a sin against God. (Ps. 51:4)

For that reason, abuse must be condemned for what it is​—a gross sin against God.

While righteousness uplifts, sin can bring disgrace upon one’s good name, especially if serious wrongdoing becomes known in the community.

The Christian congregation at times has to bear the shame heaped upon it when individual members commit gross sin.

We must completely abandon the sinful course, fleeing not only from serious sin but also from the lesser sins that often lead to gross wrongdoing.

We can be sure that he was not sharing in the gross wrongs mentioned at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

Nonetheless, he confessed that he was still guilty of sin.

The seriousness of this step indicates that the “sin” was not a small disagreement.

Rather, it was (1) a sin that could be settled between the individuals concerned but it was also (2) a sin serious enough to merit disfellowshipping if not settled.

Disfellowshipping takes place only if a member of the congregation unrepentantly engages in gross sin.

Similarly, the committee handling a case of gross sin wants to help the wrongdoer to see the gravity of the wrong and to sense in his heart the need to repent.​—Isa. 1:18.

HOW bad is sin?

How far-reaching may the effects of even a “little” sin be?

However, suppose a Christian has secretly viewed abhorrent, sexually degrading pornography for years and has done everything possible to conceal this sin.

He has not been brazen, but the elders may determine that he has ‘given himself over’ to this filthy habit and has practiced ‘uncleanness with greediness,’ that is, gross uncleanness.

Jehovah requires that we strive against sin.

Forgiveness of sin requires not only an atoning sacrifice but also a confession, repentance and the making of amends to the extent possible.

● How might a person guilty of gross wrongdoing also become guilty of sin against the congregation, making it necessary for him to seek the congregation’s forgiveness?​—Compare 2 Corinthians 2:7.

True, gross sin does anger God and rightly so. (Num. 25:1-3)

Serious sins are gross violations of God’s law.

If a Christian commits such a sin, he must approach Jehovah God in prayer, and he must go to the elders of the congregation. (Ps. 32:5; Jas. 5:14)

14, 15. (a) Allowing wrongdoing to go on unchecked can have what effect on the entire congregation? (b) What should we do if we become aware that someone is involved in a secret sin?

¹⁴ What if we become aware that someone is involved in a secret sin, perhaps abusing alcohol, viewing pornography, or living an immoral life? (Eph. 5:11, 12)

Our turning a blind eye to gross wrongdoing can hinder the free flow of Jehovah’s holy spirit and threaten the peace of the entire congregation. (Gal. 5:19-23)

10. How are we subject to the law of sin and of death?

¹⁰ The apostle Paul wrote: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12)

Hence, when a dedicated Christian commits gross sin, something more than personal confession to Jehovah is needed.

4. Why did David pray for a pure heart and a new spirit?

⁴ If a dedicated Christian is in a bad spiritual state because of sin, what may he need besides Jehovah’s mercy and forgiveness?

Apparently, David made this request because he realized that the propensity for gross sin was still in his heart.

5. How does the apostle Paul at Romans 7:15-20 outline the problem we have as a result of being born in sin?

⁵ Men and women, offspring of Adam and Eve, are born in sin and imperfection.

This means that because of the inheritance of sin, man misses the mark and is lawless to one degree or another. (1 John 3:4)

However, by serious transgression, a person can also sin against the congregation.

This is the case because gross wrongdoing can bring much reproach and trouble upon the congregation with which the wayward one is associated.

To the extent that a person indulges in sin he becomes gross, coarse, hard and tough.

The Christian loving God’s law will do all he can to safeguard himself from the “sin that does incur death.”

He guards against small acts of sin, knowing that unfaithfulness in small things, if unchecked, could lead into gross sin of unfaithfulness to God.

Then note how things turned out for them.a (1 Cor. 10:8-11) 3. Reflect on the mental and emotional harm that sin can cause to you and to your loved ones. 4. Think how God must feel when one of his servants falls into gross sin. (Read Psalm 78:40, 41.) 5. Imagine the joy that fills Jehovah’s heart when he sees a loyal worshipper reject bad and do what is right, whether in public or in private. (Ps. 15:1, 2; Prov. 27:11)

17. (a) Why does Jehovah eventually bring hidden sins into the open? (b) What should be our determination?

¹⁷ Today, Jehovah does not miraculously reveal gross sin and deceitful conduct as he sometimes did in the past.

Why do some who have fallen into gross sin hold back from approaching the congregation elders?

This is particularly true if one is the innocent victim of a serious sin.

In the case of a gross sin that could merit disfellowshipping, the victim may need to apply the counsel of Matthew 18:15-17.

Through it all “he committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth.”

He could rightly challenge his religious opposers: “Who of you convicts me of sin?”