“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint hearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood… 12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. “
Hebrews 12:1-13
Recently, I was hacked by a clever, vile and hateful hacker on Facebook. The hacker overcame all available security and was able to change my password and email address. It is unclear how he found unrestricted access to my Facebook account. Once this evil hacker had access to my account, he changed my profile picture for an offensive, racist and obnoxious one, intending to imply that Christians are vile racists so that Facebook might be justified in shutting down my account. That allowed Facebook to shut down my account for almost two days. I've been treated as a criminal and attacked unjustly because of my faith in Christ. I am stunned that there is so much hate and evil in the hearts of such people. They hate the Bible and all things sacred but ultimately their own God. They are God-haters whose only purpose is to declare war on all faithful Christians.
“An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 29:27)
One thing that is clear to me is that we Christians are surrounded by God-hating and Bible-hating people whose primary purpose is to tear us apart. These God-haters are against everything sacred and holy and are determined to declare war on us. Of course, they are Satan’s ministers. They look for opportunities to attack the Bible and Christ and to ridicule Christians. Such men are shameless! They are determined to drive a stake into the heart of God and Christians. However, I am not ashamed of my Lord and His Gospel. I am a soldier in the Lord’s Army! My Lord Jesus will help me be faithful to the fight of my faith until my race is finished. I will never surrender to the Enemy! I will not compromise my faith and devotion to my Lord, not for my friends, family, foes, or brethren. I am a soldier, marching heavenward, claiming victory as I walk the narrow way. Here I stand for my Lord! Will you stand with me?
I. NOT ASHAMED!
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1:8-18)
The apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to encourage and strengthen his faith because of what he was enduring. Suffering and hardship can indeed shake our faith. Paul wanted to make sure that Timothy knew that he was praying for him and his sincere faith. Paul encouraged Timothy to use his God-given gifts and not be ashamed of Jesus or of him because he was in prison. Our Lord wants us to stand faithful even amid nasty opposition. All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. And though we will be persecuted for proclaiming the Gospel and because of our faithfulness, God expects us to teach the Gospel even when it is not convenient or favorable.
Usually, we serve God and teach others the Gospel when all is well and it is safe.
- We must be willing to preach and teach the Gospel to others, even when it is difficult.
- We must not bend to cultural or governmental pressure to keep us from teaching the good news of Jesus.
- We must not shrink back when the times are difficult. I believe this is what has happened to Timothy. And though Timothy did not give up, he stepped back because the times were difficult.
- We must never be ashamed of our Lord Jesus and the Gospel, no matter our circumstances!
Consider the following reasons why we must not be ashamed but rather stand faithfully and unashamed of Jesus.
- Who Saved Us: (2 Timothy 1:9-10)
"Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel."
We must acknowledge until our last breath what our Lord did for us. We’re ashamed of Jesus when we forget and do not appreciate what He did for us. Jesus saved us and called us to a holy calling because of His own purpose and Grace before time began. God’s purpose was to save us and show us His Grace before the creation of the world. God’s purpose for us is life and immortality. So, how can we be ashamed of our Lord and what He did for us? How can we be ashamed of our Deliverer? How can we be ashamed of our hope? How can we be ashamed of the abundant life He has brought to us?
- Know Whom You Have Believed: (2 Timothy 1:11-12)
"For which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me."
Paul acknowledges that his suffering was because of the Gospel Message which he was appointed to preach and teach. However, Paul is not ashamed even though he suffered from preaching the Gospel. How was Paul not ashamed even though he was suffering and in prison? He was not ashamed because he knew whom he had believed in and was persuaded that the Lord would guard what had been entrusted to him until that day. Paul acknowledged whom he believed in, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Paul was willing to suffer for the Gospel. He endured the shame because he knew whom he had believed and was convinced of the vindication that he would receive on that day. Paul was not afraid of public opinion because he knew whom he believed in. And so must we!
- Hold On To What You Have: (2 Timothy 1:13-14)
"Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you."
We must hold on to what we have. What is it that we must hold on to? Sound teaching or doctrine in the faith and love in Christ Jesus. Holding on to sound teaching will lead us to a life lived in faith and love. Thus we must guard that sound teaching through the inspired Word of God that lives in us. When we hold on to sound faith in Jesus, we are never alone. We’re given a treasure that we must hold on to and guard. God will help our efforts and our devoted service to Him. He will support us, and that is all we need. So we must not be ashamed and give up! Verses 13-14 are very similar to what Paul told the Christians in Philippi.
“Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12–13)
God is working in us as we are working for Him. Thus, I am not ashamed because I know that God is with me. He is upholding and supporting me while I suffer shame for His sake. So, I am determined to hold on to Him and not give up proclaiming His Gospel Message!
- Failing To Hold On: (2 Timothy 1:15)
"You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes."
Paul warns us in verse 15. The warning is disheartening and crushing. Listen to Paul’s words. “You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me.” Sadly, many were ashamed of Paul and the testimony of our Lord.
- Everyone in Asia had deserted him.
- Everyone bailed out when things got ugly and difficult.
- Everyone left him.
- Our faithfulness and devoted service to God will make others turn away from us.
- Many will be ashamed of us and our faithfulness.
- They will turn away or desert us.
- They will turn their backs on us when the shame is cast on us.
- Mercy To Those Who Hold On: (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
"May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.”
In verses 16-18, we notice that there was one who did not shrink back and was not ashamed of Paul’s chains. His name was Onesiphorus. This man refreshed and encouraged Paul while he was in prison. He went out of his way, searching all over Rome to find Paul so that he could refresh and encourage Paul. God gives mercy to those who are not ashamed of Him and His sound teaching. Mercy will be given to those who hold onto God's treasure, the Gospel. God is with us! Listen to Jesus’ words in the book of Revelation.
"Then he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life. 7 The one who conquers will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But the cowards, faithless, detestable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.'" (Revelation 21:6-8)
Those who hold on, are not ashamed, and do not shrink back will inherit the spring of the water of life. The Lord will be their God, and they will be His children forever. However, listen to what will happen in verse 8 to those whose share is not with the Lord but with the second death. Are you surprised? The cowards and faithless will have their share with the second death.
- Mercy is not given to the cowards and faithless.
- Mercy is not given to those who bend under pressure.
- Mercy is not given to those who waver because of public opinion and persecution.
- Mercy is not given to those who are ashamed of our Lord and His Gospel.
"Then he said to them all, 'If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world, and yet loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.'" (Luke 9:23-26)
Why would so many strive to save their lives and be unwilling to lose their lives for Jesus our Lord and Savior? Because they are ashamed of Him and His words. Jesus will be ashamed of them when He comes in glory. This ought to shake us to our core!
CONCLUSION:
In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus spoke of how the faithful will be treated.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'"
Jesus said we would be blessed when hated (Luke 6:22-23).
"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."
Sadly, the faithful of God are looked at as troublemakers (Acts 17:1-6). As we study the New Testament, the mistreatment of the saints is obvious (Acts 6:8-14; Acts 7:51-60, Romans 3:8, I Thessalonians 3:1-5, I Peter 3:16-17, I John 3:13, etc.). Jesus could not hide his disgust toward the hard-hearted (Mark 3:1-6 and John 2:13-17). When the godly and righteous of God are filled with the Word of God, they will be hated and persecuted (Jeremiah 6:11 and Jeremiah 15:16-17; cf. Acts 18:5-6).
When we recognize what God has done for us through His beloved Son, we will not be ashamed because we know who we have believed.
- We are not ashamed because we know that God will do just as He promised.
- We are not ashamed because we know God will vindicate us for our faith and faithfulness to Him.
- He will not be ashamed of us at the end of our journey.
- If we deny Jesus, He will deny us.
- If we disown Him, He will disown us.
- If we do not stand up for Him, He will not stand up for us.
- If we renounce Him, He will renounce us.
Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is our ultimate example. He is our visible proof of future glory, for He endured hardship and suffering. Jesus was willing to suffer shame, pain, rejection, and death. Because of His work and suffering, He received the reward and was raised from the dead and exalted to God’s right hand. Paul also walked the narrow path of faith. Paul suffered for the Gospel even to the point of being bound in chains like a criminal. However, he endured everything for the sake of Jesus. Like Jesus, he endured for us. He endured everything so that others might receive salvation found in Jesus.
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10)
Paul wanted Timothy and us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering so that we might obtain salvation and eternal glory. Like Jesus, Paul sacrificed himself also being in chains and suffering so that others might obtain salvation and eternal glory. That is what a good soldier, a good athlete, and a good farmer do. They fight, compete and work hard. We must also follow the same model.
When we die with Jesus and give our lives to Him, we will live with Him. Paul knew in whom he believed. He endured because he was fully convinced he would reign with Him on that final day (2 Timothy 1:12). Like Paul, if we endure, we will also reign with Him. Therefore, do not be ashamed and give up. Do not let go of the treasure that you have. But rather, be willing to suffer even shame. Be willing to give your life to your Lord. To reign with our Lord, we must be willing to lose our lives. If we endure until the end, God will put us on His throne. What an amazing promise!
Lastly, if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny himself. And though we might fall, fail, become weak in our faith and let God down, God will remain faithful and keep His promises. Even when we falter, God remains faithful. Even when we seem to be sinking because we have stepped out of the boat, striving to have the faith to walk on water, God remains faithful. He will pull us out of that water. Even when we falter like Peter, God remains faithful and calls us back to Him to feed His sheep. Our God will be faithful to us when we get back up and follow Him.
Therefore, since we have these encouraging words, let us get back on track and keep fighting! God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity. Let us not be ashamed but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us. From a sincere heart, let us suffer together because it is not too late to be a good soldier, compete as an athlete, and be a hardworking farmer. Remember Jesus’ example and follow Him. Be strengthened by the Grace that is in Christ Jesus. God’s plan for us is not for our lives to be comfortable or avoid hardship. God's plan for us is to endure as good and brave soldiers for the Lord to receive our great reward.
May we die with Jesus and give our lives completely to Him so that we may remain faithful to Him as He is always faithful to us. May we never be ashamed of Jesus but rather hold on to the treasure, the deposit given to us. May we follow Jesus' example and be strengthened by the Grace that is in Him. May we endure as good and brave soldiers for the Lord that we may receive our reward. May we be willing to surfer shame for His sake and the sake of so many souls.
Luci
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