Unchained-Breaking the chains of Shame

Shame— is something that is needed yet often abused. A lack of shame will lead to open rebellion and sin. However, shame for the wrong things will keep us from growth, purpose, and the enjoyment that God desires for each of us.

Specifically in this scripture Paul is dealing with the shame of the gospel or shame for the cause of Christ.

It doesn’t appear that Timothy was ashamed of the gospel but Paul was concerned that Timothy would become ashamed of both himself and the ministry. This would make since for Paul had stated in chapter 4 that Demas, Crescens, and Titus had forsaken him.

After leaving Timothy in Thessolonica, Tychicus in Ephesus, and Mark had had a falling out with Paul. Paul was fearful that Timothy would be next.

Paul follows up with a strange request. He ask Timothy to join him in suffering.

What would cause Paul to ask such a difficult thing of Timothy? Does Paul hate Timothy? Has Timothy performed an action that would cause Paul to wish ill against Timothy?

An examination of verse eights wording will point us to Pauls true intent. Paul said, “Therefore”. That is because of verse 7, I desire for Timothy to suffer with me.

Because God has given us the spirit of power, love, and a self-control; you are equipped to suffer with me.

Paul was attempting to instill within Timothy an assurance in the provisions, foresight, and wisdom of the heavenly Father.

English Standard Version Chapter 5

3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

God has equipped us for every trial that we will face. Through His power and might there is no loss, grief, trial, or tribulation that is too great.

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

James 1:2–4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Verse 12 gives us a little further insight into the heart of Paul.

Paul again mentions shame and then states that God is able to keep that which he had given to God. It is not saying that Paul was able to keep it but rather that God would keep what Paul had given to God.

What had Paul given to God? I would submit that he had given his life, labor, and the proclamation of the gospel.

Paul said that God would keep all of these things safe until the day God was ready to translate Paul to his eternal rest.

Thus Paul said he was not ashamed, because his life was fully in the hand of God. He recognized that there was nothing that could happen to him that was not in the hand of God. Even his imprisonment for preaching the gospel was in tune with God’s plan.

We must live according to Gods purpose. v. 9

We are called to serve God. Our purpose is to bring Him glory and honor. This is accomplished through a life of service and faithfulness.

We are so comfortable with our lives and lifestyles that we have placed God on the bottom shelf and only use Him when it is convenient. However, this mindset will never lead to a life that brings honor to God and removes shame from our lives.

Dr Tom Ellif, in his sermon at NOBTS, told the story of some native pastors he met on the mission field. As he told the story he said that they apologized to him for only planting 20 churches. they went on to tell him that in the village where they are located there is no transportation so they must walk everywhere they travel and this had stopped them from panting more churches.

The Word pf God still saves sinners, the Holy Spirit still desires to in-power us for His work. The hinderance is in our purpose.

Are you living with a Godly purpose?

What is the goal that you have set in your spiritual life? What are you laboring to accomplish for God?

William Carey called upon his audience to do two things. 1. Expect great things from God.

2. Attempt great things for God.

These two things are still valid and should be the heart beat of our church, our homes, and our personal lives.

We must live in accordance to His power. v. 10

We have a shift in verse 10. We go from a focus on Godly purpose in verse nine to a focus on the power of the gospel. It is the gospel that is our access to the power of Christ.

Do you want power in your home? Do you desire power in your words and speech? Do you need power to carry on in your marriage? Do you need the power of God to overcome trials and tribulation sin your life?

Paul tells us that it is the gospel that brought life and immortality to light. if you need to access the power of God then what you need is to embrace the gospel of Christ.

Our church is powerless if we do not exalt the gospel message. My sermon is powerless if it does not point to Jesus. Our Sunday Schools are powerless if the gospel isn’t proclaimed. Our music is powerless if it does not point people to calvary.

Let our walk, talk, songs, programs, money, time, and every breath we breath, point others to Jesus.

We must accept the plight that God has given to us. v. 11-12

Verse 12 says that He (God) is able to keep that which I’ve committed. The word keep is driven from the word meaning to guard, as in a prison guard. It gives the illusion of being watched continually so that it may not escape. Paul says that God is the guard and keeper of his life.

Shame can be generated by the acts and decisions of others. Even when we are powerless and oblivious to their deeds, others can impact our lives and each of us are recipients of this type of shame.

Paul is telling Timothy that there will be shame in others but that there is no cause for shame in God. Even when the outcome is persecution it is a righteous persecution that has know need for shame.