Sermon Snippet – Despising the Shame – Part II
INTRODUCTION – Last week, we began a consideration of the phrase “despising the shame” from Hebrews 12:1-2. Our Lord did not permit anyone or anything to dissuade Him from the right course of action. We studied some of the implications of the Biblical doctrine of creationism, reaching the conclusion that we must not allow others to belittle this scriptural and scientific teaching and to intimidate us, just as Jesus refused the disdain of many. This week, we will apply this principle to Christianity in general and to other Christians specifically. The Church is not perfect, nor are Christians. Sometimes, week doctrine and bad behavior (and the two do go together) can be embarrassing, especially if we are the ones at fault!
1. LET US ASK THE MORE IMPORTANT QUESTION FIRST
A frequent and legitimate interrogative is as follows: “If God exists, why are things so bad?” This leads to follow-up questions about the Church and Christians: “Why is the Church so flawed at times?” and “Why do Christians do bad things?” All of these are important queries – and we will answer them, at least in part – but the more important question must come first: “Why is anything good?” Without the existence of God, Who is good, there is no reason for anything to be good and right. “Where did we do wrong?” is a frequent and often necessary lament. However, I like a love song that asks the question, “Where did we go right?” The only viable answer is that our good God has established right (thus making any rebellion against it and Him wrong) and has drawn us to the right. The otherwise inexplicable existence of good leads us logically to the existence of God.
2. LET US BE AWARE OF THE POWER OF THE WORLD
In I Corinthians 5:1-2, Paul confronts Christians in Corinth about sordid sin within their church – yes, within their church. He was in Ephesus in Asia Minor; this church was in Greece (Europe); and the problem was so open that Paul knew about it. In fact, the Corinthians not only permitted this sin but also were proud of it. Today, they would call themselves inclusive and affirming. How could they be so obviously wrong and not know it? The answer is that they had come out of a thoroughly pagan culture and had brought that culture with them into their church. Paul sternly corrects them, and the Corinthian believers repent. We need to be aware of world views that are clearly contrary to Christianity and reject them both in theory and in practice. The Biblical command of Romans 12:2 comes immediately to mind: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” The word “world” in Scripture sometimes refers to the physical planet, of course, but it is frequently employed as a succinct summary of all systems that are in opposition to God. Let us not let these ideas creep into our church and into our lives.
3. LET US BE AWARE OF THE POWER OF THE SIN NATURE
Philippians is filled with joy, but it also includes this admonition: “I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Paul does not suggest that these two bickering ladies are not Christians; “in the Lord” indicates that they were Christians. However, their disagreement was so strong that Paul, imprisoned in Rome, knew about it, even though Philippi was in Macedonia (northern Greece). Both women were saved; both had a sin nature (as we all do); and they struggled to get along (or, perhaps, they did not struggle at all but simply made no effort!). Paul discussed the persistent problem of the sin nature in Romans 7:15-25. Forewarned is forearmed.
4. LET US BE AWARE OF THE POWER OF SATAN
The petite book of Philemon deals with the subject of slavery. The universal existence of slavery pre-dated Christianity. Sadly, some Christians continued this evil cultural institution. Paul does not doubt Philemon’s Christian faith (verses 4-7). He does plead with Philemon to set Onesimus free (verses 8-17) and offers to pay for this slave’s freedom (verse 18). Yes, slavery was culturally acceptable, and man’s sin nature wants to control others. Still, though, slavery is so heinous, so horrible, that we must attribute its existence to Satan, who seeks to enslave all eternally. One historical criticism of the Church – a valid one – is that for centuries it did not eradicate slavery. It is also a historical fact, though, that Christians were the driving force that ended this pernicious practice, including in the United States. Paul did not have the political power to end slavery, but he sought to purchase freedom for one slave, doing what he could to oppose Satan and to establish Biblical precedent for all Christians. Whenever we see unusual vileness and violence, we are witnessing the existence of Satan. Like Paul and generations of Christians, let us oppose Satan’s putrefying power.
CONCLUSION – We battle against these three enemies – the world system, the sin nature, and Satan. We also are at different stages of sanctification. Young Christians – in age or in years of salvation – cannot be expected to have progressed as far as long-time Christians (although sometimes they are, of course). None of us are perfect – yet. Clearly, we all need the Prince of Perfection, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we then need to press on to spiritual growth, “despising the shame of a hypocritical world.