Shame
The Search for Significance • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Back in the 1960’s, was a show on TV that had an actor by the name of Adam West as the lead. Do you remember the show? it was Batman, the TV series. Batman and his sidekick Robin, the Boy Wonder, would fight the crime of Gotham City. Somehow, in fighting that crime, they would get in a predicament that would leave the viewers wondering out how it was going to work out. So the writers would end the show with Batman and Robin in some seemingly impossible scenario and tell you to tune in for the next episode, same bat time, same bat channel.
It is probably quite embarrassing to us all now that watched these shows and the villains like the joke, the penguin, and catwoman. One villain that was only on there for just a couple of shows was a cowboy named Shame. Shame would try to outwit Batman and do things that would include shameful comments. For example, Shame the Villain was in a standoff with Batman. Shame said, “Batman, your mother wears combat boots.” Now in the 1960’s, that was a common saying to attempt to humiliate someone by making a poor reference about their mother. We laugh at it now, because we have come a long way. What cracks me up is that when Shame did this to Batman, Batman’s response was, “Yes and she found them quite comfortable.”
TV does not get any cheesier than that. Batman basically lets the potential shaming comment just roll away and counters it with something positive. Would it not be nice if we all handled shame in such a way? Truth of the matter, we do not. Often, we are so shamed by shame, we cannot function and like the performance trap, the approval addiction and the blame game, we find ourselves caught in a downward spiral that we become ashamed and do not think anything or anyone can take that shame away.
We settle. In settling we say, “I am what I am. I cannot change. I am hopeless.” We then base our self-worth on some event or situation and we assume that others will feel the same.
“I cannot do any better.”
“You cannot teach an old dog new tricks.”
Our self-image becomes no more than a reflection of our past. it is based on shame. So let’s understand shame a bit more. Shame is defined as the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, or ridiculous that is done by oneself or another. It is consuming to the point that it makes you believe that it is impossible to overcome so you could ever experience consistent happiness, peace or joy. it is kind of like a weed on a well-manicured lawn. It stands out and becomes an eyesore in your life.
Some people thank you can unravel shame. That is just like cutting those weeds we described. Often when you do, it multiplies and grows then takes over the yard, choking out the good grass. Shame does the same thing.
We can unravel it but there are still pieces there that can grow back like a weed. So we want to uproot it. We want to remove it. So how do we do that?
It does not take much for each of us to think about the shameful times in our lives. Some of us live with them daily. However, God’s plan is for you and I to uproot the shame from our lives.
His Word declares this for us in many places, but today we are going to look at a theological concept called regeneration. Let describe it for you from Titus 3:3-7.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
I want to continue our Search for Significance by looking at three questions today.
Which is more powerful, your shame or God’s ability to overcome your shame? To answer this, we will look at the Giver of regeneration.
Can mankind’s shame be superior to Christ’s payment for that shame? To answer this. we will look at the Gift of regeneration.
Can God, who spoke the universe into being, make a difference in your life? To answer this, we will look at the Gifted of regeneration.
The Giver of Regeneration (vs.3-4)
The Giver of Regeneration (vs.3-4)
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
God knows about our past stuff. He knows that we have been foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. He knows we have lived in malice and envy and have experienced hate as well as hated others. He knows all those things about us, yet He loves us. Only a Good Good God could be capable of that!
The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
Even though He knows everything that would ever cause us shame, He is good and is good to us.
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
One of my favorite words in all the Bible is that three letter word “but.” We see in this text the mess we were in and what an awful picture of sin and shame. Yet, the word “but” appears and we are reminded how God in His goodness provided for us an opportunity for regeneration.
We have mentioned that term a couple of times already, let’s pause for a moment and define it.
Regeneration simply put is the transformation of a person’s spiritual condition from death to life through the work of the Holy Spirit. Only God, the Giver of regeneration, would be able to provide this opportunity for us.
Because God is good, He is also generous. I love how James partners the generosity of God with His ability to see the good in us.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Did you catch that phrase, “who gives generously to all without finding fault?” My shame is not shame in the eyes of the Giver! God looks at me and finds no fault because He sees me through the blood of Jesus! I can be regenerated and made new!
What a gracious God we serve!
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
Our good, gracious and generous God has given us so much. But the greatest gift He gave us was the gift of Jesus, who makes us brand new and takes away our shame.
The Gift of Regeneration (vs.5-6)
The Gift of Regeneration (vs.5-6)
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
He appeared. In studying the word appear, I am reminded that it means to give light to, to show up, and to become clearly known. Jesus said:
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jesus came to the world as the light of the world but also in the flesh so we could identify with Him and He with us.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
He came that we who were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by kinds of passions and pleasures might be released from that shame. In doing so, He saved us.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
Jesus has made you and me whole. He has restored us. He has rescued us. He has healed us. We do not need to carry that shame any more.
He washed us . The Bible says He saved us through the washing of rebirth. This is a spiritual cleansing. When I have worked on a car or a mower, my hands get greasy. I have to wash them in a way that utilizes soap and water to remove the stains and dirtiness. God gave us the gift of Christ to wash away the stains and dirtiness that infiltrate our minds and hearts. By the way, while this spiritual cleansing in an inward cleansing, we demonstrate outwardly through the waters of baptism. I invite you to consider baptism to publically display your inward decision to follow Christ. Jesus recognized the importance of this as He Himself was baptized.
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened
We are to follow the example of Jesus.
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the Gift from the Giver, appeared to us, saved from our sin and shame, washed us and cleanse us, and in doing all of this, He has renewed us.
Titus 3:5 says “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” The word for renewal here means a renovation. I love to renovate things. Over the years, I have renovated pieces of furniture and have helped renovate houses. I love making old things new. When I have done so, a change is evident. Our lives are similar. When Jesus renews us a change should be evident. A change should be seen. There is no greater release than that of being renewed and my shame and disgrace are gone.
he will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove the disgrace of his people
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken.
God promised it and has delivered through Jesus. Jesus continues this promise and deliverance through the Holy Spirit who dwells within me, constantly renewing and regenerating me as long as I allow it!
The Gifted of Regeneration (vs. 7)
The Gifted of Regeneration (vs. 7)
The Giver has given the Gift. Once again, you and I are the gifted. So what have we been gifted?
I have no more shame. I have been given the opportunity to be justified and shameless. Whenever see the word shameless I think about the Garth Brooks song from the 90’s. I actually did a Bible Study with my youth group using that song. Remember the first words?
Well I'm shameless when it comes to loving you
I'd do anything you want me to
I'd do anything at all
Of course that was a song intended to be about a relationship with a man and woman. However I cannot help but wonder, since I have been made shameless through the gift of regeneration through the blood of Jesus, am I shameless when it comes to loving Him? Will I do anything He wants me to? Anything at all?
He after all, was shameless for me.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Because of the shame of the cross, I have new life in Christ.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
Jesus gives me new life and He gives me new help to live that life! Jesus gives you and me the Holy Spirit.
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
I am reminded of a story I heard once about a young boy that was known throughout the town and the "boy without a dad." He and his mother had been abandoned and the townsfolk knew of his predicament and ridiculed him much over it. Other boys would make fun of him at school. Women in the community would whisper about him when he was out in the community. Comments would be made everywhere he went about his "no-count-daddy" and just how shameful it was. The young boy carried lots of shame. One day, the boy decided to attend a church service. The pastor stood in the pulpit and saw the boy come into the sanctuary a bit late. The boy sat in the back out of sight from the "sisters-better-than-you." The preacher stopped the service. He went to the back where the boy had found a seat. He said, "Son, don't sit in the back by yourself. Come up and sit up front with me. I recognize you and I know who your daddy is!!!" The young boy felt the pain of his shame grow as he was now totally embarrassed as the good church folks whispered and laughed at his presence. Then the preacher said, "Come sit up front with me....I indeed know who your daddy is....YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING and I will welcome you to worship Him with me just now!" The story goes on to say that the young man eventually accepted Jesus and His personal Lord and Savior. The whispers and sneers seemed to quiet after that Sunday morning, at least for that boy...
I am so glad that Jesus has removed any shame that I have ever carried! He has removed yours too. I know who your Daddy is and He finds you quite significant!
