"Have You No Sense of Shame?" Genesis 2:25; 3:7,10 I. Introduction. A. God created man and woman without shame: Genesis 2:25. 1. However--they learned of shame when they sinned: Genesis 3:7, 10. 2. The first pair felt the disgrace & dishonor of not keeping the Lord's commands. B. Just what is shame? 1. Disgrace, dishonor. a. Greek: "vessels" that are not for the purpose of honor--these have no particular honor. b. English: Disturbed or painful feeling of guilt, incompetence, etc. (dishonor, disgrace, regrettable.) 2. Also note: Ashamed: a. Greek: Feeling of fear that prevents a person from doing a thing. b. One word in original--literally.."to turn one upon himself." c. English: Feeling shame, as from something bad, wrong, foolish, etc.(Synonyms: Mortified, humiliated). 3. Shamefacedness: Sense of shame, modesty(I Timothy 2:9). a. Our society has forgotten this. b. Observe the attitude about marriage, children born out of wedlock, cursing, gambling, drinking, etc. II. Body. A. There are many situations and circumstances where a Christian should never be ashamed(put to shame). 1. When one suffers to Christ: I Peter 4:16. 2. Upholding the word of God: Luke 9:26. 3. Fellow disciples who suffer and work for the Lord: II Timothy 1:8. a. "My" preacher does not dress properly, use correct language, etc.(Paul: I Corinthians 2:1 and II Corinthians 10:10.) b. The brethren where I attend are poorly dressed and their social behavior is atrocious, etc. c. "I was embarrassed" by the elders, the preacher, the brethren, etc. 4. That one is a workman for the Lord: II Timothy 2:15. a. Around relations, co-workers, friends, etc. b. I need to work enough so I will not be ashamed. 5. However, there were times when Paul wanted to move the brethren to shame: I Corinthians 6:5. B. There are times, occasions, circumstances, etc. where we must feel a sense of shame! 1. Our society has forgotten how to blush, be embarrassed, etc. a. Popular sports idols, movie stars, executives, government officials--sin--and set immoral examples, feeling no shame! b. Not only the above--but they justify themselves for their unrighteous conduct(ball player had 3 children by 3 women, has another "friend" and does not feel any shame for behavior). c. They may be proud now--but a time is coming: Proverbs 11:2. 2. There is little sense of shame in the nakedness of our society. a. Lusts, passions, and immoralities arise from the desires of men's hearts. b. They are not only not ashamed, but glory in their own shame! Philippians 3:19. c. Note: Galatians 5:19(also v. 24-25). d. All promoted through the media and justified by society! 3. There is little sense of shame in ignoring the laws of Christ. a. Marriage, divorce, remarriage. (1 Problems in OT: Proverbs 12:4. (2 Today seems even worse. (3 Not embarrassed by fornication, adultery, multiple marriages, sodomy, etc. 4. Not moved by failure in home. b. Rearing children: Proverbs 29:15. (1 Should be ashamed not to correct and guide. (2 Too many allow sinful behavior even when young. (3 Rear properly to avoid shame later! c. Worshipping God: Revelation 3:18. (1 It is a shame when people do not follow God's order. (2 Should be ashamed when do not participate(singing, giving, etc.) d. When it comes to speech. (1 The Christian can: Titus 2:8. ` (2 How many times this week did you say something you should not? or heard someone else? (3 The filthy conversation of the world is a disgrace! e. Even in past conduct: Romans 6:21. (1 Met many disciples who had a strong sense of shame in regard to past behavior. (2 Met others who bragged about their previous conduct. f. Irony: Society is not ashamed in justifying unrighteous behavior: Proverbs 3:35. g. Even among saints: Jude 13. C, There is coming a time when the sense of shame that should have existed will be revealed. 1. Note: Proverbs 10:5. 2. One may refuse correction now, but: Proverbs 13:18. 3. God knows "my shame": Psalm 69:19. 4. Of backsliders: II Thessalonians 3:14. D. For the Christian, a good life can put law violators "to shame": I Peter 3:16. 1. When people curse--use decent language. 2. When people drink--abstain. 3. When people divorce--remain married. 4. When people are lascivious--stay pure. 5. It will make evil people(who are honest) ashamed of their conduct when you behave as a Christian! III. Conclusion. A. Live so that: I John 2:28.