Faith & Reason Nexus

1 Corinthians 15:34

The Bible teaches that shame can serve as a reminder of our past sins and as a call to repentance and change. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:34 urging believers to awake from their sin and pursue holiness. This passage highlights several areas in which we should feel shame and the need to rectify certain behaviors, while also emphasizing the importance of not being ashamed of Christ and His gospel.

OF OUR PAST LIFE OF SIN

We are reminded of our previous life of sin and the transformation that should take place upon salvation:

• Ephesians 2:12-13 – Before Christ, we were without hope and separated from God. But in Christ, we are brought near by His blood.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Lists behaviors that will not inherit the kingdom of God but assures us that we can be washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ.
• 1 Timothy 1:12, 15 – Paul acknowledges his own past as a sinner, but also God’s mercy in saving him.
• Philippians 3:13-14 – Paul forgets what is behind and presses on toward the goal of the heavenly call in Christ.

TO COMMIT SIN – TO DISOBEY GOD

Sin is defined as disobedience to God’s commands, and we should be ashamed when we knowingly disobey Him:

• 1 John 3:3-4 – Sin is lawlessness; to live in sin is to disregard God’s law.
• Luke 15:17-19 – The prodigal son recognizes his sinful state and returns to his father, symbolizing repentance.

TO FELLOWSHIP WITH DARKNESS

We are called to live in the light, and engaging in darkness brings shame:

• Ephesians 5:11-12 – Avoid the unfruitful works of darkness and expose them.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14 – Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.
• 2 John 9-11 – Avoid those who do not continue in the doctrine of Christ, as their actions bring shame.

WE SHOULD BE ASHAMED:

1. TO NEGLECT THE CHURCH
   The church is vital to the Christian life, and neglecting it brings shame.

• Acts 20:28 – The church was purchased with the blood of Christ and should be cared for.
• Jeremiah 2:32 – Forgetting the church is like forgetting one’s own God-given identity.
• Revelation 3:15-18 – The lukewarm church is called to repent, or it will face God’s displeasure.

2. TO PURPOSELY INJURE ANYONE
   Christians should never harm others intentionally.

• Matthew 7:12 – Treat others as you would want to be treated.
• Romans 12:17 – Do not repay evil for evil, but do what is right in the eyes of all.

3. OF THOSE WHO SHAME THE CHURCH
   Actions that bring shame to the church must be addressed.

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 – The gospel must be held firmly, as it is the foundation of salvation.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 – If anyone does not obey the teachings, they should be confronted, but treated with love.
• Hebrews 6:4-6 – Those who fall away from the faith bring shame upon themselves and others.
• 2 Samuel 12:14 – David’s sin with Bathsheba brought shame upon Israel.

4. OF OUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE
   A lack of knowledge of God’s word should bring shame.

• 1 Corinthians 15:34 – Some believers were living in sin because they were unaware of the truth of the resurrection.
• 2 Timothy 2:15 – We are commanded to study and rightly handle the word of truth.
• Titus 2:1, 8 – Sound doctrine and good works should be evident in our lives, showing maturity in the faith.

NEVER BE ASHAMED OF CHRIST AND HIS SAVING GOSPEL!

While there are many things in life that may bring shame, we should never be ashamed of Christ or His message of salvation.

• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
• 2 Timothy 1:8 – Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, but share in the suffering for the gospel.

In conclusion, we should examine our lives and attitudes to ensure that we are living in accordance with God’s will, free from shame in areas where we disobey or neglect our duties, while standing firm and unashamed in the gospel of Christ.