No shame!

Some proudly have no shame where there should be shame while others seem to be ashamed of that which should be confidently and proudly affirmed. Just as that is the case today, so it was during the first century of the early church. It appears the continuing challenge is to keep the focus straight and if the choice is not based on the right standard we will not get it RIGHT.

In the first chapter of Romans, Paul made a bold statement regarding His own life.

“For I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” ( Romans 1:16 ESV)

The Greek word “ashamed” used by Paul in this verse is in the intensive form. Paul’s lack of shame was exhibited through his boldness in proclaiming the gospel verbally and in living it out in his own life. His life revealed he recognized the glory of his relationship to Christ and the honor resting on himself in the privilege of sharing the Good News of Jesus and the salvation found in Him.

In this same chapter, Paul referred to another group who had no shame. However, what they boldly affirmed was not in accordance with the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God!

We read…
“(26) For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; (27) and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men COMMITTING SHAMELESS ACTS with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for THEIR ERROR.” ( Romans 1:26-27 ESV)

The Greek word used by Paul in verse twenty-seven refers to unseemlyness or shamelessness. Though what they were doing was contrary to God’s Will and design, they were not ashamed of the actions which should have caused them shame. In fact, like some today they appeared to be proud of it.

Note a statement found in Isaiah.
“For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they PROCLAIM THEIR SIN LIKE SODOM; THEY DO NOT HIDE IT. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.” ( Isaiah 3:9 ESV)

The New International Version reads: “parade their sin like Sodom.” The Hebrew word translated “proclaim” in the ESV refers to being conspicuous, to announce, or report. Such reveals the arrogance and pride behind not hiding, but rather flaunting sin because due shame is not felt.

To feel shame for wrong is a GOOD thing. When we see any action in our life that is contrary to God’s Will, let us be humble enough to be ashamed and change our behavior by turning to God’s Way. However, when it comes to RIGHTEOUSNESS and the GOOD NEWS OF JESUS let us not feel shame or timidity. There is no need to be ashamed of that which is RIGHT AND GOOD. May we keep our focus on God’s RIGHTEOUS standard so that our choices are RIGHT!

Have a great day PARADING THE PATTERN GOD HAS PRONOUNCED!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Correct Standards