**Due to technical difficulties, there is no audio recording of this message. Below is a detailed outline of the sermon**
2 Timothy 4:8-12
Opening ILL: Have you ever been in a situation in which you had an excellent opportunity to witness to somebody about Jesus, but you just…didn’t? Have you ever let an opportunity to stand up for Christianity slip because you were simply afraid of what might happen if you opened your mouth?
Introduction/Review
- Key verse
- 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
- What is the exhortation that will be our focus today and next week?
- Do not be ashamed of the Lord or of His messengers.
Paul’s Exhortation: Do not be ashamed.
- What does it mean to be ashamed?
- Dictionary definition: “Embarrassed or guilty because of one’s actions, characteristics, or associations.”
- What does it mean to be ashamed of the Lord?
- To be ashamed of the Lord is to keep your faith in Christ a secret so that you would not face the ridicule or persecution of the unbelieving world.
- Elaboration:
- We are ashamed of the Lord when we remain silent when He is blasphemed.
- We are ashamed of the Lord when we refuse to be open about our faith at school/work.
- We are ashamed of the Lord when we reinterpret His word to be more accommodating.
- Elaboration:
- To be ashamed of the Lord is to keep your faith in Christ a secret so that you would not face the ridicule or persecution of the unbelieving world.
- What does it mean to be ashamed of the Lord’s prisoner?
- Paul was, literally, a prisoner. He was “behind bars”.
- Sometimes, we are embarrassed when others around us are trying harder than we are.
- Why would anyone be ashamed of Jesus or of Paul?
- Because they know that the truth is unpopular.
- Because they know that the truth is dangerous.
- God is not ashamed of you!
- Hebrews 2:11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
- Hebrews 11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Conclusions
A. We should recognize that even the strongest can fall into the trap of being ashamed.
- Matthew 26:69-75
B. We should cry out to God that He would protect us from being ashamed.
- Psalm 25:1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
C. Make up your mind now, that you will not be ashamed the next time the opportunity comes for you to witness for Jesus.
- Psalm 119:46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed.