Freedom From the Past

Our past marks us. Those experiences go into making us the people we are. But some of those experiences we would rather forget. Guilt, shame, and regret can carve deep gashes in our souls—permanent reminders of another life we would prefer to leave behind. But God reminds us that He can free us from the unwanted narrative of past failures and sins. Through Christ, freedom is real and rewarding. And it’s possible for all who follow Him.

1. The subject of sin is part of the story of humanity. What is sin? What sins in your past are still a cloud over your head?

2. God dealt a death blow to sin through the death of Christ. Read John 1:29. How did Jesus take away your sin? Compare 2 Corinthians 5:19.

3. In the new covenant, God offers a new strategy for dealing with sin. Read Hebrews 8:12-13 and Romans 11:27. If God knows everything, in what sense does he “forget” your sins?

4. When you think of the word “shame,” what other similar words come to mind. What does shame feel like? When have you most recently felt shame?

5. We might also describe shame as “the feeling of not being enough.” Why is this feeling particularly destructive? When have you experienced the feeling of not being enough?

6. Shame is first mentioned in the earliest description of the first man and woman’s connection with each other and with God. Read Genesis 2:25. Why do you think being “unashamed” is mentioned here?