09 29 24 - Shaking off the Weight of Shame - Video

A wardrobe malfunction, a clumsy mishap, a private email that was inadvertently sent via "reply all," a parent's emotional neglect, an addiction fallout, being a victim of sexual or emotional abuse...

All of the above examples result in shame. Shame leads to feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy, often resulting in withdrawal or avoidance to some degree.

In response, I have awesome news for you: It's NOT your Heavenly Father's desire for you to be weighed down by shame anymore!

This message will explain what shame holds you back from. It will also provide some awesome practical steps you can take to no longer be set free from the weight of shame. Finally, this message will explain how this freedom was made possible.

1:44 - A definition of shame is given and it's on the note sheet. Throughout the course of time, a trigger is experienced. You run into someone at the grocery store and due to the sordid past you had with said person, the humiliation and embarrassment comes in like a flood. In other words, shame is experienced.

7:56 - The great news is that it is NOT your Heavenly Father's desire for you to be weighed down by shame! The illustration of a 20-pound weighted workout vest is employed at this point.

11:31 - The third thing that shame holds one back from is that of reaching your God-given potential in your life mission. For those who are Spirit-filled Christians, their life mission is Gospel-centric. The Gospel is defined as the greatest news ever regarding Jesus and the way to be saved.

17:30 - Jesus on the cross, prior to giving up His Spirit, said, "It is finished." Looking into the original language, this phrase meant "paid in full." He paid in full the penalty for all of the sins of the world. Without the shedding of blood, God's justice would not be satisfied.

21:49 - The Jewish leaders did not want to have the Jewish bodies still alive remaining on the cross as the Sabbath came. If they did remain alive, then the Sabbath law would be violated. So, the soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals, yet since Jesus was already dead, a soldier pierced His side.

26:07 - Verse 34 is what inspired the big takeaway. The sword pierced Jesus' side and blood was shed. This is the very blood that offers forgiveness of sins. The lyrics of that ol' hymn, "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" provides this breathtaking truth. "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

32:04 - Shame is like a warning light. If you have any degree of shame in your heart, it is important to deal with that in the same way that you would deal with a warning light that goes off in your vehicle dashboard.

37:10 - The third and final actionable step that you can take to shake off the weight of shame is to start writing in a prayer journal. This journal could be titled, "Shaking off the Weight of Shame." When you feel shame, ask God to show you the why behind it.

In our post-COVID-19 world, our worship services look different than we’ve ever experienced. Yet in the middle of all the changes, there are still some things that haven’t changed. This is a time to celebrate the God who never changes. As we remember how He helped us in the past, we can step forward in faith, in confidence, knowing that He will also see us through each new difficulty that enters into our life. This is New Vintage Church of West Allis, Wisconsin Sermon from September 29th, 2024.