(Christian Living Sermon) Hillside 6/95
Filename: Does Shame Hinder?

DOES SHAME INTERFERE WITH YOUR CHRISTIANITY?

INTRODUCTION-- Indifference toward serving Christ and His Way is too common among Christians, and can have many sources.

1. The chief source may be IGNORANCE, or being unaware of our duty.
   
   
2. We may have been captivated by WORLDLINESS, which "chokes out" our sense of responsibility.
   
   
3. We may be practitioners of HYPOCRISY, in which case our service to God is a sham, performed only for the eyes of our fellow-members.

LESSON-- If we are hindered by none of these, we may be by SHAME.

1. SHAME is defined in Webster...
   
   1. "A painful emotion excited by a consciousness of guilt, shortcoming, or impropriety." (The one mostly to hinder is SHORTCOMING.)
      
      1. If the hindrance is GUILT, repent and gain forgiveness.
         
      2. If it is perceived as IMPROPER, we should change our value system.
         
      3. If it is a sense of SHORTCOMING, rectify what is lacking.
         
   2. Also, shame is defined "That which brings discredit or reproach." (See Romans 15:3 and Hebrews 13:12-14 and 11:24-26.)
      
      
2. We can overcome any shame of our profession as Christians, if we follow the example of Paul.
   
   1. Because he was grateful for his own salvation, he was not ashamed of the Gospel. Romans 1:16-17
      
   2. Even when in prison for proclaiming the Gospel, he was not ashamed. Philippians 1:20
      
   3. His confidence in the worth of Christianity translated itself into action. Philippians 3:4-11
      
   4. Paul tried to instill this shamelessness in others. 2 Timothy 1:8

APPLICATION-- To be shamed of the Gospel, or of our status as a Christian, is to be ultimately ashamed of Christ and His word. Mark 8:38

1. We need to be open about our devotion to the Lord.
   
   
2. We can overcome ignorance, worldliness, hypocrisy, and shame, becoming competent, godly, sincere and proud (?) of our commitment to Christ.