Element Christian Church
Big Idea:
The type of culture much of the Bible was written in was one that focused upon honor and shame. American culture is what is known as an individualistic culture. An individualistic culture tends to be a right/wrong culture (innocence versus guilt). An honor/shame culture is not focused on an individual, but the community. Right and wrong in both cultures will be viewed differently, but God will use both types of cultures to speak of Himself and draw us to Himself.
Psalm 51:4 ESV
2 Samuel 11:1 ESV
2 Samuel 11:2-3 ESV
2 Samuel 11:4 ESV
2 Samuel 11:6 ESV
2 Samuel 11:7-8 ESV
2 Samuel 11:9-10 ESV
2 Samuel 11:11 ESV
2 Samuel 11:21 ESV
2 Samuel 11:26-27 ESV
2 Samuel 12:1 ESV
2 Samuel 12:7 ESV
2 Samuel 12:13 ESV
Psalm 51:3-5 ESV
2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ESV
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Can you define an honor/shame culture vs an individualistic culture?
What are the major differences between the two?
Where do the two overlap?
Have you ever spent time in an honor/shame culture?
How does America’s individualistic culture shape the way you/we think about the Gospel?
What is some of the good and bad that can come from an honor/shame culture versus a right/wrong individualistic culture?
Does understanding the honor/shame culture change your understanding of the story of David and Bathsheba?
What shame does David bring upon himself during the story?
Why does God send a prophet to David?
Have you ever experienced shame?
Do you still carry it or has it been dealt with in Christ? If so, how?
How does God speak into the honor/shame culture to bring about His glory and their good?
How is the Gospel spoken into this moment?
Read Psalm 51.
What is David’s response?
How does David repent of sin and worship God?
What does David mean when he says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”?
How can we also be restored?