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Shame

Wayne Galloway
08/04/24 - Sunday Evening Worship

Shame

 

Introduction:

 

1.  The word “shame” has taken on an almost entirely negative connotation in our English language.  When it is used with reference to humiliating or disgracing a person such action is not only negative, but contrary to Scripture.  

    a.  In 2 Sam. 13:12 Tamar appealed to her half-brother Amnon when he wanted to 

         have a sexual relationship with her.  She said, “No, my brother, do not violate 

         me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this disgraceful thing!”

    b.  In 1 Cor. 11:22 the Corinthians eating and drinking before those who had nothing 

         shamed them because of their poverty.

    c.  Shame that is designed to embarrass, diminish, humiliate, and destroy is 

         wickedness.

2.  But the concept is not always used in a negative sense in Scripture.  There are occasions when feeling shame is appropriate.

    a.  Such is the case when feeling shame restrains a good person from in 

         appropriate actions.

    b.  2 Thess. 3:14 says, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take 

         special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be put 

         to shame.”

3.  In this study we will focus on the positive concept of shame.  We will look at the meaning of the term, note how the concept is used in the O.T. and N.T. and try to determine when shame is appropriate.

 

Discussion:

 

I.  The English word and its meanings.  (World Book Dictionary, p. 1913).

 

    A.  “A painful feeling of having done something wrong, improper, or silly:  The child 

          blushed with shame when he was caught stealing candy.”

    B.  “A loss of reputation; disgrace, dishonor:  That young man’s arrest has brought 

          shame to a fine family.”

    C.  “A fact to be sorry about; circumstance that brings disgrace, dishonor, or regret;

          pity:  It is a shame to be wasteful.  What a shame you can’t come to the party.”

    

    D.  Sometimes people can feel shame through no fault of their own.  Although they 

         are innocent they may feel humiliated.  Ex. Tamar.  Those in poverty in 1 Cor. 

         11:2.  Those in James 2:1ff who were diminished because of their poverty.

     E.  Sometimes people do not feel ashamed when they should.  Phil. 3:17-19:  

          “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according 

          to the pattern you have in us, for many walk, of whom I often told you, and now 

          tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is 

          destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who 

          set their minds on earthly things.”

          Zephaniah 3:5:  “The unjust knows no shame.”

 

II.  The use of the word “shame” in the O.T.

 

    A.  Miriam bore her shame seven days by being held outside the camp of Israel 

         (Num. 12:14).  What effect do you think this may have had on her?  Was her 

         shame appropriate?  Why?  Why not?  

    B.  David was accused of covering with shame the faces of his servants who had 

         delivered him from Absalom (2 Sam. 19:5).  How had David shamed them?  How 

         do you think they felt?

    C.  Psa. 14:4-6 speaks of the workers of wickedness who would put to shame the 

         counsel of God’s people whom they had afflicted.  What is “the counsel of God’s 

         people”?  The workers of wickedness diminish the wisdom of God.  Have you 

         felt diminished by the workers of wickedness for believing in the counsel of God?  

         Who will ultimately be ashamed?  Read Psa. 31:17.

    D.  Read Psa. 35:26.  Is it ever appropriate to pray for someone to be made to feel 

          ashamed?  If so, when?  

    E.  Psa. 69:19.  Does God relieve those that have suffered shame inappropriately?  

         See Psa. 109:29.

    F.  How does clinging to the testimonies of God overcome shame?  How could God 

         put us to shame if we cling to His testimonies?  (Psa. 119:31).

   G.  Those who trust in idols will be put to shame (Isa. 42:17).  Is it appropriate to 

         shame those who trust in idols, false religion?  Explain.  See Isa. 45:16-17, 24.

         Bearing shame because of false religion is a theme in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and 

         Ezekiel.  See Jer. 50:2.  Even Levites would be put to shame for their idolatry 

         (Ezek. 44:12-13).

 

III.  The concept of shame in the N.T.

 

     A.  The apostles accepted shame (Acts 5:41) for the cause of Christ.

     B.  God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise (1 Cor. 1:27).  

          What does this mean?

     C.  The Son of God was put to open shame (Heb. 6:6).  He despised the shame of 

            the cross (Heb. 12:2).  What does this mean?

       D.  How are those who revile good behavior put to shame? (1 Pet. 3:16-17).  How 

             are those who have good behavior shamed by evil doers?  Explain:  “If anyone 

             suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed” (1 Pet. 4:16).

       E.  What would it mean if at Jesus’ coming we shrank away from Him in shame?  

            (1 Jn. 2:28).

 

Conclusion:

 

1.  When is it appropriate to feel ashamed?  When is it inappropriate to feel shame?  What happens when we get these confused?

2.  Is it ever appropriate to shame someone?  “You should be ashamed!”  “Shame on you!”

3.  How can shame be used appropriately to motivate good behavior?