Young People's Group

NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

by Pastor Mitch
June 22, 2008

Purposeful Suffering For The Gospel

Are you afraid of suffering for the gospel’s sake? The great apostle Paul was not. No matter how great the afflictions he had to bear for the sake of the gospel, he was undaunted.

“For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed” 
2 Timothy 1:12

Paul had a great sense of purpose in placing the Lord first even if it meant going through persecution. He was willing to suffer anything for the sake of the furtherance of the gospel. Young people, similarly we too must not be ashamed of the gospel.

Compelling Reasons For Not Being Ashamed Of The Gospel

There are three reasons that should compel us to stand up for the gospel.

1. Having The Privilege Of Being Enlightened To Life And Immortality

“But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” 
2 Timothy 1:10

The Lord Jesus came to earth to show to all that through His death and resurrection, He will abolish the sting of death. He brought the offer of eternal life to all mankind. When we have faith in the Lord Jesus, we will be enlightened to the great privilege of finding abundant life on this earth and immortality in heaven. When we perceive immortality as something real through the gospel, we will not be ashamed of it.

2. Having A Deep Knowledge Of Who Jesus Is

“For I know whom I have believed” 
2 Timothy 1:12

Paul had a deep knowledge of the Lord Jesus. The word “know” means “to know fully”. Paul was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because he knew the person of the Lord Jesus and what He stood for. There was a special relationship with the Lord Jesus. He had absolute faith in Him. We too can have this deep knowledge of Jesus.

3. Having The Personal Conviction Of What God Can Do

“And am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 
2 Timothy 1:12

Paul also had a deep sense of conviction in what God would do for him as he sought to live for Him. There was the personal assurance that what Paul had done for God and what he would do for Him in future would be specially remembered and rewarded when the Lord Jesus comes for all. Let’s also have this conviction in God.

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