Young People's Group

Not Ashamed of the Gospel (II)

by Mitchell Tan
June 23, 2017

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

One of the best ways to teach people truths from the Scriptures is to show them through our life. It is to teach by our example. Paul was someone who taught by the way he lived and ministered. This was a principle that was taught by the Lord Jesus.

“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
John 13:15

The Lord Jesus set Himself as an example before He taught a truth principle to His disciples. He lovingly washed the feet of His disciples before he challenged them to wash each other’s feet. This was something that Paul did too. He set himself as a good example of not being ashamed of the Lord and His gospel before he taught it to Timothy.

PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF NOT BEING ASHAMED

“Nevertheless I am not ashamed”
2 Timothy 1:12

Paul personally affirmed that he was not ashamed of the Lord and the gospel, even though he had to suffer much for it.

1. DEPTH OF REASONING

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

Paul had strong reasoning behind why he was not ashamed to suffer for the Lord.

A. THE REALITY OF THE GOSPEL

Life and immortality were real to Paul. It was through the light of the gospel that Paul had come to know that Christ had abolished death and he could experience abundant life and immortality in Him. When we have such an understanding, there is no need to fear persecution and death.

B. THE APPOINTMENTS WITH REGARDS TO THE GOSPEL

Paul was appointed a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles. These were his responsibilities. He was going to fulfil his appointments from the Lord even if it meant suffering for Him. He was not ashamed in telling others about the gospel.

2. CERTAINTY OF FAITH

“For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.”
2 Timothy 1:12

Paul was very clear concerning whom he believed in. There was no doubt within his heart concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and His gospel. There was tremendous certainty of faith in the Lord. He was totally convinced that God would keep what He had promised with regards to the gospel. That “Day” is a reference to the day that Christ would come for His people. Paul laboured hard for the Lord Jesus and was willing to suffer anything because he knew with all his heart that God will remember all that he had done for Him. The Lord God would be able to guard all that he had committed himself to doing. Paul had certainty of faith that Christ would come one day and that He would reward him accordingly. Let’s seek to have the same certainty of faith as Paul did.

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