SHAME_OFF_YOU_When_the_Rocks_Hit_the_Ground.pdf

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we explored the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8), focusing on how Jesus responds to shame and condemnation. The Scribes and Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus not to help her, but to expose and shame her publicly, using the law as a weapon. Jesus, however, did not join in their condemnation. Instead, He offered grace, restoration, and a new way forward. The message challenges us to examine our motives when we confront others’ failures—are we seeking to restore or simply to expose? We are called to follow Jesus’ example: to address shame, remove condemnation, and empower people to live differently, always leading with grace rather than judgment.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. **Shame vs. Conviction:** Shame seeks to expose and destroy, focusing on a person’s identity as flawed and unworthy. Conviction, on the other hand, is God’s invitation to recognize what is wrong and to desire change. When we confront others, we must ask ourselves whether we are motivated by a desire to restore or a desire to condemn. True conviction leads to transformation, while shame only deepens wounds.
• 2. The Culture of Condemnation: It is easy for churches and communities to slip into a culture where laws and traditions are valued above people. When we use God’s law as a weapon, we create an environment where shame flourishes and people are driven away. We must be vigilant not to confuse accountability with shaming, and ensure that our correction is always rooted in love and respect, not in pride or self-righteousness.
• 3. Jesus Stands in the Gap: Just as Jamal stood up for his younger brother, Jesus stands between us and our accusers. When others seek to shame or condemn, Jesus steps in to defend and protect us, reminding everyone that all have sinned and fall short. We are never alone in our moments of failure—Jesus’ presence silences the voices of condemnation and offers us a path to restoration.
• 4. The Grace Strategy: Jesus models a three-step approach to restoration: He addresses the shame, removes condemnation, and then empowers the person to live differently. This order is crucial—grace comes before change. If we reverse it, demanding transformation before acceptance, we perpetuate cycles of shame and exclusion. God’s way is to restore our identity first, then invite us into a new way of living.
• 5. Restoration Over Exposure: Our calling is not to expose the faults of others, but to participate in their restoration. This requires humility, empathy, and a willingness to see people as God sees them—not defined by their mistakes, but by Christ’s work on the cross. When we lead with grace, we create space for healing, hope, and genuine transformation in our communities.

1. According to John 8:10-11, what did Jesus say to the woman after her accusers left? How did His response differ from what the Scribes and Pharisees wanted?
2. In the sermon, what reasons were given for why the Scribes and Pharisees brought the woman to Jesus? What was their real motive?
3. What is the difference between shame and conviction as described in the sermon?
4. What three steps did Jesus take in His interaction with the woman, according to the “Grace Strategy” mentioned in the sermon?

1. Why do you think Jesus chose not to condemn the woman, even though she was caught in the act of adultery? What does this reveal about His character and priorities?
2. The sermon talks about the difference between a culture of condemnation and a culture of restoration. What are some signs that a church or community has slipped into a culture of condemnation?
3. How does the story of Jamal standing up for his brother help us understand what it means for Jesus to “stand in the gap” for us?
4. Why is it important that grace comes before change, rather than demanding transformation before acceptance? What happens when we reverse this order?

1. Think about a time when you saw someone in church or your community being shamed or exposed for a mistake. How did people respond? How do you wish they had responded differently?
2. Have you ever been tempted to “expose” someone else’s failure—maybe through gossip, social media, or even a prayer request? What was your real motive, and how could you have chosen restoration instead?
3. The sermon challenges us to check our motives when we confront others. The next time you feel the need to correct someone, what steps can you take to make sure your approach is rooted in love and restoration, not pride or self-righteousness?
4. Are there ways you have experienced shame or condemnation from others in the church? How did it affect your relationship with God and with the church community?
5. Jesus’ “Grace Strategy” is to address shame, remove condemnation, and then empower people to live differently. Is there someone in your life right now who needs you to walk with them through this process? What would it look like for you to lead with grace?
6. The sermon mentions that sometimes we confuse accountability with shaming. How can you hold someone accountable in a way that is respectful and loving, rather than demeaning or exposing?
7. What practical steps can our small group take to create a culture where people feel safe to confess, heal, and grow—without fear of being shamed or condemned?