Paul is writing to a young Pastor who is discouraged by the things going around him.
Paul seems to sense the fact that Timothy is growing ashamed of the Gospel because of the affliction, persecutions and trials that accompany it. Paul wants Timothy to know that there are some things in life of which we must never be ashamed.
As believers, there is a tendency among us from time to time to be ashamed of who we are and what we have as Christians. There are times when we will hope that no one finds out that we are a believer. Maybe we are ashamed to admit that we love the Lord and are trusting Him to save our souls. Maybe we are ashamed to speak up in a discussion about doctrinal matters, because the truth from the Bible differs from what those around us believe. Maybe we are ashamed to sell out completely to the Lord, like He wants us to or maybe there is shame over some failure in the past that haunts us and prevents us from being all the Lord wants us to be.
Paul in his letter to Timothy gave us one of the primary reason why we are ashamed to testify about the Lord…and that is FEAR! For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Tim. 1;7 NLT)
Many Christians fear people more than they fear God. Their fear hinders them from pleasing God because they waste their efforts appeasing other people. Fear causes us to stop and question what God has clearly told us to do. Perhaps we were confident in our obedience until persecution came; now we doubt whether we heard God correctly.
A quote from Oswald Chambers;
“The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.”
Now, Paul mentions three spiritual gifts God has given us to counter fear which are: power, love and self-discipline. These are available to us because the Holy Spirit lives in us. He also promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer.
(2 Tim. 1:8)
Why we should never be ashamed to tell others about the lord?
First, it is our Savior’s cross that purchased our salvation! It is the cross that stands as the dividing line between saint and sinner! (1 Cor. 1:18, 21) It is what happened on that cross that day at Calvary that makes all the difference in life. Do not be ashamed to identify yourself with the cross of Jesus.
Second, it is the very message of the Gospel that penetrated our heart and brought us to the feet of a risen, saving Lord! The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation! (Rom. 1:16)
Do not be ashamed to identify yourself with the Gospel message.
“Unashamed speaking for Christ, courageous suffering with Christ, is by the power of God in Christ.” (John Piper)
In conclusion, as we seek to minister together, and as God calls us to the tasks he has appointed for us, let us not be ashamed to tell others about our LORD. Go on boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength. Remember that fear comes not from the Lord!
There are areas of your life that make you shamed today. The good news is that He can and will still use you in spite of them! Like the disciples and the apostles, in spite of their weaknesses and flaws God used them! We’re all just an imperfect people saved by His Grace, but that is the kind He uses for His glory. Bring the things you are ashamed of to Him today and have the courage that is available to you and tell others about our Lord, Unashamed – Stand up for Jesus!
Blessings,
Pstr. Joven Quilacio
