Introduction to Deadly Sins

Let’s begin by talking about something we don’t always like to talk about: sin. Specifically, the deadly sins. These sins are like weeds in the garden of our soul—they choke out the good fruit and hinder our growth in Christlikeness.

Self-Improvement vs. Spiritual Formation

The way we approach sin can look very different depending on whether we’re viewing it through a self-improvement lens or a spiritual formation lens.

Self-Improvement Lens:

When we try to overcome sin on our own, we often focus on fixing our behaviors. We might feel guilt, shame, or even condemnation when we fail. Guilt says, “I did something bad.” Shame says, “I am bad.” Condemnation says, “I’m hopeless and will never change.” This approach can leave us feeling stuck and discouraged.

Spiritual Formation Lens:

In contrast, spiritual formation focuses on drawing closer to God. Conviction, which comes from the Holy Spirit, is not about feeling bad about ourselves but about recognizing where sin is creating distance between us and God. Conviction says, “This sin is creating distance between me and God, and I want to close that gap.” It was the moment the prodigal son came to his senses and decided, “I’m ready to go home.” (Luke 15:17-20). Repentance is truly one of the most beautiful and intimate interactions we can ever have with God.

Clarifying Deadly Sins: A Matter of the Heart

It’s important to clarify what we mean by deadly sin. These sins are not called “deadly” because of their intensity or the severity of their consequences. Rather, they are deadly when they reveal a heart that fails to acknowledge God. Sin can be deadly even if it’s undetectable to others or even to ourselves.

The Root of Deadly Sins: Misplaced Trust

At the heart of every deadly sin is a failure to trust God. These sins are like weeds that grow when we rely on our own abilities, desires, or understanding rather than trusting God. For example:

1. Pride emerges when we seek validation and recognition rather than resting in God’s love.
2. Greed arises when we learn more on our intellect and analysis to conserve resources than to trust God’s provision and generosity.
3. Lust takes hold when we trust in our own strength to protect ourselves rather than to trust God’s power made perfect in weakness.

Clarifying the Difference Between Emotions and Deadly Sins

It’s important to remember that emotions themselves are not sinful. Emotions are good gifts from God, reflecting His image in us. This includes so-called “negative” emotions like anger, sadness, and fear. Jesus Himself felt these emotions deeply and expressed them in ways that honored God. For example:

• Jesus felt anger when the disciples prevented children from approaching him, leading to decisive words and actions that cleared a path for them (Mark 10:13-16). 
• He wept in grief over Lazarus’ death, testifying to how intensely He loved His friend (John 11:35).
• His fear in the Garden of Gethsemane, so intense that He sweat drops of blood, prepared Him to surrender Himself to the cross—the epitome of radical obedience and love (Luke 22:44).

Emotions become problematic not because of what we feel but when they cause us to lose sight of God. When we bring our emotions to God, they can become powerful instruments to reflect His image and fulfill His purposes.

Reflective Exercise: Exploring the Nine Deadly Sins

Let’s take a closer look at each of the nine deadly sins. As we describe them, pay attention to what resonates with you. Which ones feel familiar? Which ones stir something in your heart? Do not focus simply on the one deadly sin that might correspond with your personality type. Listen openly to all of them. You might be surprised at which ones feel highlighted in your spirit today. We encourage you to approach this exercise with curiosity rather than condemnation. The Holy Spirit may convict, but he does not condemn. 

Let’s pray together before we begin:
“Lord, help us to see what You want us to see. Shine Your light on what’s hidden. Sanctify us from these deadly sins. Speak, Lord, Your servants are listening. Amen.”

1: Anger

Anger, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about explosive outbursts or a short temper. It’s a deeper, more chronic impatience and discontentment—a simmering frustration that things are not as they should be. We’ve all felt this tension between the ideal and the real. It’s that irritation when life doesn’t meet our expectations, when people don’t behave as we think they ought to, or when we feel like we’re falling short of our own standards. Anger, as an emotion, is not inherently sinful. But anger becomes a deadly sin when it’s coupled with a lack of trust and hope in God. It’s a refusal to accept God’s timing, a resistance to what is, and a demand that things conform to our own standards. This kind of anger can lead to resentment, judgment, and an inability to extend grace—to ourselves or to others. 

2: Pride

Pride, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about arrogance or boasting. It’s a quieter, more subtle form of self-importance—a belief that we are needed, that we are the ones who can fix things. We’ve all felt this kind of pride. It shows up when we serve others with the expectation of being appreciated, or when we derive our sense of worth from being indispensable. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘I’m the one who can help,’ or ‘If I don’t do it, who will?’ At its core, pride is about a subtle need for recognition and validation. It’s a focus on ourselves, even in our acts of service. This kind of pride can lead to resentment when our efforts go unnoticed. Pride becomes a deadly sin when serving people is an attempt to win the love and approval of others, rather than a natural response and overflow to being loved. 

3: Deceit

Deceit, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about lying or manipulation. It’s an inordinate preoccupation with image and reputation—a need to look good, to succeed, and to be admired by others. We’ve all felt this pull. It’s the desire to present ourselves in the best possible light, to hide our flaws, and to chase after achievements that will earn us recognition. It’s the fear of failure and the belief that our worth is tied to what we accomplish. At its core, deceit is about self-deception. It’s wearing masks to gain approval and losing touch with who we really are. Deceit becomes a deadly sin when we confuse who we think we need to be in order to be loved with our true identity as God’s beloved children—accepted and approved not because of what we do, but because of who we are in Christ.

4: Envy

Envy, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about wanting what others have. It’s a deeper sense of deprivation—a belief that we are unseen, unloved, or lacking in some essential way. We’ve all felt this longing. It’s the ache of comparison, the fixation on what others have that we don’t. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘Why do they get to be loved, noticed, or celebrated, while I am overlooked?’ It amplifies our sense of inadequacy and victimhood, often romanticizing our pain or amplifying our wounds in the hope that someone will finally notice and validate our experience and our feelings. Envy becomes a deadly sin when it blinds us to the good gifts God has given us, keeping us from seeing our own worth and His delight in us. It traps us in a cycle of longing and dissatisfaction, pulling us away from the abundance we already have in Christ.

5: Greed

Greed, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about material wealth or possessions. It’s a deeper compulsion to hoard and conserve—whether it’s time, energy, knowledge, or emotions. We’ve all felt this fear of scarcity. It’s the belief that we don’t have enough, that we need to protect what little we have, so we cling tightly to what we have, afraid to share or let go. At its core, greed is about a lack of trust in God’s provision. It’s relying on our own efforts to secure what we lack, rather than trusting Him to provide. Greed becomes a deadly sin when we prioritize our own analysis and solutions—our hoarding and conserving—over trusting God to provide. It’s a barrier to experiencing His abundance and to living generously with what He has given us.

6: Fear

Fear, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about being scared of specific things. It’s a pervasive sense of anxiety and dread—a belief that disaster looms. We’ve all felt this kind of fear. It’s the voice that whispers, ‘What if something goes wrong?’ or ‘What if I’m not prepared?’ Fear, as an emotion, is not inherently sinful. It can alert us to real dangers and prompt us to take wise action. But fear becomes a deadly sin when we trust in our ability to prepare more than we trust God’s ability and willingness to protect us. It’s the belief that we are alone in facing life’s uncertainties, that we must rely on our own efforts to stay safe. This kind of fear can paralyze us and keep us from stepping out in faith. It’s a barrier to living boldly and trusting His promises.

7: Gluttony

Gluttony, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about overeating or indulging in food. It’s a disordered attachment to anything that distracts us from discomfort—whether it’s entertainment, work, or even positive experiences. We’ve all felt this pull. It’s the urge to fill our time, our minds, or our hearts with something—anything—to avoid pain, boredom, or emptiness. It’s the voice that says, ‘Just one more episode,’ or ‘I’ll feel better if I just keep busy.’ At its core, gluttony is about a lack of trust in God’s sufficiency. It’s the belief that we need something more than Him to feel whole or satisfied. Gluttony becomes a deadly sin when we use these pleasures to escape life’s harder realities. By avoiding pain, we miss the opportunity to let sorrow and suffering become our teachers, guiding us to greater spiritual depth and dependence on God.

8: Lust

Lust, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about sexual desire. It’s a deeper craving for power, control, and dominance—a need to be strong, invulnerable, and in charge. We’ve all felt this pull. It’s the voice that says, ‘I need to be the strongest person in the room,’ or ‘I can’t let anyone see my weakness.’ It’s the drive to protect ourselves and others, often at the expense of mercy and vulnerability. At its core, lust is about a lack of trust in God’s strength and protection. It’s the belief that we must rely on our own power to survive and thrive. Lust becomes a deadly sin when it leads us to overpower others, dismiss their needs, or resist vulnerability. It’s a barrier to experiencing God’s strength in our weakness and to living with the humility and compassion of Christ.

9: Sloth

Sloth, as a deadly sin, isn’t just about laziness or inactivity. It’s a deeper need for ease and comfort—a reluctance to engage fully with life, especially when it requires effort, conflict, or discomfort. We’ve all felt this pull. It’s the voice that says, ‘It’s easier to just go along,’ or ‘I don’t want to deal with this right now.’ It’s the temptation to avoid responsibility, to numb ourselves, or to disengage from what truly matters. At its core, sloth is about a lack of trust that God’s peace will prevail. Rather than persevering through what’s hard, we give up or stop caring, settling for a false sense of peace and harmony. Sloth becomes a deadly sin when it keeps us from pursuing God’s calling or from engaging with the world around us. It’s a barrier to growth, to relationships, and to living a life of meaning and purpose.

Take a moment to reflect on these sins. Which ones stand out to you? Bring these to God in prayer, asking Him to reveal where He is inviting you to trust Him more deeply.

The Practice of Confession

Confession is a powerful spiritual practice that helps us confront our sins and surrender them to God. It’s not about feeling guilty or ashamed but about restoring our relationship with God. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

In healthy relationships—whether with a spouse, a friend, or God—confession is liberating. It’s a rhythm of honesty and forgiveness that keeps relationships thriving. With God, confession is especially powerful. He’s not waiting to punish us. He’s standing at the door, knocking, eager to restore fellowship with us. As Revelation 3:20 says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Let’s open the door. Let’s confess not out of fear, but out of a desire for deeper communion with a God who loves us unconditionally.

Small Group Discussion

Discussion Questions:

• How have you seen the deadly sin of [insert sin] manifest in your life or relationships?
• What steps can you take to uproot this “weed” and trust God more deeply?
• How can we support one another in overcoming these struggles?

Optional Group Activity:

1. Scripture Meditation: Read Galatians 5:19-21 together and discuss how these “works of the flesh” relate to the nine deadly sins. Pray for one another’s areas of struggle.
2. Confession & Prayer of Reconciliation in Pairs

• Decide who will confess first / second.
• Listener: “Let’s begin with a minute of silence.” (1 min)
• Opening prayer: “Lord, search our hearts. Help us to see our sin and to truly repent. Amen.” 
• Presenter confesses sin to the listener. 
• Listener: “Let’s take a moment to sit in silence.” (1 min)
• Listener: “Is there more you would like to share?”(If presenter shares more, repeat previous step)
• Listener: “Would you like to confess these things to the Lord now?” 
• Presenter prays/confesses aloud to God.
• Listener: “  [name]  , by the authority given by Christ to his church, and according to God’s Word that proclaims that the Lord forgives us and purifies us from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), hear these words of assurance: Your sin is forgiven. Go in peace!” 
• Listener closes with a brief prayer of blessing. (Switch roles)