- Think of a time when you were embarrassed or ashamed. Why did you feel that way? What emotions were you feeling? What was your physical response, if any? How did you respond to the embarrassment?
- Are these normal responses? Why or why not?
- If embarrassment is described as a mild form of shame, how would you describe shame?
- What’s the difference between “shameful actions” and “painful feelings” of shame and what can
it tell us?
Read: Ps 4:2; Ps 25:2; 97:7; Heb. 12:2; 1 Pet. 2:6
- How does culture generally view shame and how does it remedy its effects?
- Why is understanding the correct cause so important?
- What is a “false cause” and why is it important that we understand this term?
- Read the following: “Shame is rooted in our inherent preference to trust false gods rather than depend on God for each and every moment of our existence.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
- What does it tell me about me? Where is my hope, my trust, my confidence?
- How can shame produce false god’s or idols in our lives?
- Why do false gods lead to shame and confidence in the true God protect from shame?
- Discuss the different ways shame either shut you down or open you up to the heart of God.
- We may never be done with feeling shame this side of heaven. So what can you do to not let shame determine your actions?
- If living our lives to bless is the “Life of the Gospel,” what could you do this week to live this kind of life?
- Shame is going to threaten us throughout our lives…but God can use those feelings to pry our hearts free of idols and take our hearts back again and again to the gospel.
Since this is true, when you feel compelled to run or hide from shame would you instead stand firm? What would it take for you to do this? How could others in the group help you this week?