Yes! I find that episode so uncomfortable to watch but (and these two things are probably related) it is great for underscoring Matt as a man With a Mission. And yes, it is mostly very purposeful. The early scenes with Father Lantom do a great job with the undercurrents of the idea that Matt is aware that this choice will probably or even definitely keep him out of heaven. He completely acknowledges that, then does it anyway, because it needs doing.

So he loves Foggy and Karen, but honestly, if the thought of rejecting God (which is basically what committing a sin on purpose is and why Father Lantom is like wtf, strange dude, you can't confess *in advance*) and being eternally punished for it isn't enough to scare him straight, the sad and disappointed voices of his friends aren't likely to make a dent.