Kingdom Grace Overcomes Shame

Kingdom Grace In a sermon series on the Kingdom of God, it became clear that many understand that Jesus is our Saviour. He died for our sins. Yet many do not understand fully that Jesus is also Lord. Lord of an invisible spiritual Kingdom. The Kingdom of God, like an earthly kingdom has 5 main elements: a King, subjects, a realm, laws, and government. This message will consider God’s rule of law which we can call the Law of Grace. The Law of Grace can be contrasted to the legal and religious constraints of the Mosaic Law of the Jews. Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we’re free at last… But, if we are so free, why do we often feel this gnawing in our stomachs? Why do I feel like I don’t deserve all this grace? What keeps me from pursuing God, from pursuing His call and from pursuing our lost world with the gusto that freedom should give?

What we forget is that even though we are God’s sons and daughters, kids of the King, even though we live in the realm of Jesus under grace, we can be tricked. We feel the judgment and the sting of the accuser. People, even parents have told us we are worthless, fat, stupid, inadequate, insignificant. Like we are all messed up and shameful.

Do you remember the Lion King movie?? There is a gripping, heartbreaking scene where the King, Mufasa is killed in a stampede created by his evil brother, Scar. Scar blames the stampede on the King’s young son, Simba. Scar then dumps guilt and shame upon Simba to drive off the heir to the throne. He says “The king is dead and you killed Him. What will your mother say?? Run away Simba!” Like Simba, have you been accused and do you feel shame right now? Do you have feelings of low self-worth? Do you feel unworthy of all the wonderful blessings of God?? If so, I have great news for you today!

With God’s Grace In My Heart, Shame Must Depart

In Luke 7 We will see the most unlikely candidate blessed and validated by Jesus himself. Her sins forgiven, her shame washed away. And people throughout all generations have heard her story. She is famous! Please read Luke 7:35-50 at the following link: Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

I Law Brings Shame, Grace Brings Respect Lets pick it up in Luke 7 “37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.””

Simon the Pharisee, the one who kept the Mosaic Law perfectly was more than happy to judge this woman. He knew what kind of woman she was. Everybody knew. She was a sinner. She was shameful!! He on the other hand was practically perfect in every way like Mary Poppins.He lived such a good, upright, moral life that God must surely be pleased with him. But, Jesus knew his thoughts. He knew the woman was repentant of her sins. She entered hostile territory, a Pharisees house, to worship Jesus. Out of utmost respect she never says a word. A speech-free sermon. Like the old adage “preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words” She did 3 things 1. She wet Jesus feet with her tears – washed them 2. She kissed His feet – worshipped Him 3. She poured fragrant perfume on them – She anointed Him So, Jesus turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? He then explains how she respected Jesus by the common courtesy of washing his feet. Simon didn’t do that. Then Jesus points out that she kissed his feet. Simon offered no kiss of welcome. Finally Jesus says that she anointed him with perfume, while Simon did not offer oil for His head. Jesus was Simon’s guest, and was not only treated without common courtesy, but dis-respectfully. All the while Jesus held the sinful woman up as a model of courtesy and respect. Jesus respected the love and courage of this woman. The woman respected Jesus for His character and teaching. She had faith in His gracious love.Will you today claim the respect that Jesus gives you as a younger sister or brother of His? A child of the king? You can say “Christ died for me. I am valuable”!! II Law Brings Judgment, Grace Brings Forgiveness Jesus offers forgiveness when Simon brings judgment. See Luke 7 40. “40 Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[c] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman?… 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Simon the Pharisee was judge, jury, and hangman.By the time the astonished Pharisee had seen her enter the house, the verdict was already rendered. GUILTY! This woman had a reputation, and people don’t change. They can’t change because they are trapped in their lives of sin. The woman didn’t say a word, but her tears reflected the repentance in her heart. She knew she was bankrupt and unable to repay. No comparisons, no striving, no excuses. She cried. Cried out to Jesus for His grace and forgiveness. And forgiveness was offered. Isn’t that God’s grace? Then Jesus said to her, “Your faith has saved you, your sins are forgiven. Go in peace” You can say, by faith: “I am forgiven”! III Law Brings Conscious Withdrawal, Grace Brings Loving Action Lets pick up the story again at verse 39. “39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

Jesus said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? You did not give me any….but this woman, three times… 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Shame separates and withdraws. Grace brings honor. Simon the Pharisee had Jesus in his house, but not in his heart. Simon heard Jesus words, and was forced to agree that those who were forgiven more loved more. His response to Jesus was “I suppose”. Simon might as well of said “I reluctantly agree”. The woman on the other hand, heard and saw all that Jesus did. She sought him out at the Pharisees home. She went in to enemy territory and cried and dried her way into history. This kind of grace, this kind of forgiveness, it must be poured out in love. Conclusion Simon the Pharisee lived under Mosaic law. In the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, the law is the law of grace! The law of grace. You must let God’s grace cover over and remove your shame. Reclaim your rightful place as a child of God. Receive the self-respect Jesus is offering. And remember this.. With God’s Grace In My Heart, Shame Must Depart To hear the full message given at Kanata Baptist Church on June 7, 2015, click on the link below: http://www.multiplyme.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sermon_061415.mp3