Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro; If you’ve ever bought a vehicle you have done some serious negotiations.

The price they put on vehicles now is ridiculous [show MSRP image].

So you have the get the most for your trade and then haggle with the dealer to get that crazy price down to where it’s half-way affordable and you feel like you have won the day.

After that we go out and show off that new vehicle and brag on what a good deal we got.

Wouldn’t it be great if as Christians we would brag about salvation in Christ the same we do about the vehicle or house that we bought.

After all, we didn’t have to haggle with Jesus over the price of salvation and we got the best deal in the world, more than we’re worth or deserve!

This morning I want to talk about “Nevertheless, I Am Not Ashamed.”

Text; 2 Tim.

1:12

1.

I Suffer These Things; 12a

Paul was writing to his young protege Timothy, who may have been wavering in his faith due to some of the harsh trials being faced by Christians.

Paul was in prison suffering for preaching the gospel throughout the Roman empire.

Paul was in prison as a common criminal awaiting his execution by Nero, and Paul knew Timothy was suffering by what was taking place in his life.

[v.3-4] Paul suffered loneliness and heartbreak for Timothy for he knew the end was near [being mindful of your tears].

[v.8] Paul suffered the confines of prison, no longer in a rented house.

Paul was in a hole in the ground.

Paul also suffered many trials throughout his ministry for the Gospel of Christ

Paul reminds Timothy that those who will faithfully serve the Lord will be tested, tried and afflicted as part of the deal when we come to faith in Christ.

(Ill.)The

Potter and the clay.

To mold the clay, the Potter has to exert pressure on the clay.

As He does, the clay is formed into a shape that pleases the Potter.

This molding process may be painful and it may cause us to wonder about the Potter’s wisdom, but we must always remember this: The Potter is never closer to the clay than when He is in the process of molding it into a vessel of honor!

Carr, A. (2015).

Be Not Ashamed (2 Timothy 1:8–12).

In The Sermon Notebook: New Testament (p.

3129).

Alan Carr.

Paul says “for this reason I suffer these things; nevertheless”

2. Nevertheless I Am Not Ashamed; 12b

Even though Paul suffered and died for the gospel, he was not ashamed of it!

Matter a fact, he boasted about Jesus and the gospel!

Why?

He got a great deal!

[v.

9] Paul was saved and called by God’s own purpose and grace, before time began.

[v.10] Paul also said he was not ashamed of the gospel in Christ because it abolished death and brought life and immortality.

Paul knew that a person could actually be saved from death and receive eternal life/immortality to live with God face to face throughout eternity by trusting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[v.11] Paul was appointed his role in ministry of the Gospel.

Preacher emphasizes his function in ministry.

One who proclaims the message of his King.

[Every believer has its function in the Body of Christ]

Apostle emphasizes his authority.

One who is sent with orders on behalf of his King.

[Every believer is sent with orders by our King in his authority]

Teacher emphasizes his interpreting the message he proclaimed.

One who shows men the way of salvation, or who tells men about how to come to know his King.

[Every believer is a teacher of the gospel of our King]

[v.12c]

I Believe and am Persuaded.

Believe [continue], Persuaded [convinced]

Paul believed and was persuaded of God’s keeping power.

Paul had committed both his life and work to Christ—all that Paul was as a person and all that Paul did upon earth was entrusted to Christ.

The word committed (paratheke) means to make a deposit.

A.T. Robertson says that Paul means, “ ‘My deposit’ as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break in and steal.

Paul deposited his life into the hands of Christ; therefore, Christ increased his life, guided his life to bear the richest interest and the greatest return.

[Crown of Righteousness]

We inherit this crown through the imputed righteousness of Christ.

It is an everlasting crown, promised to all who love the Lord and eagerly wait for His return.

Through our enduring discouragements, persecutions, sufferings, or even death, we know assuredly our reward is with Christ in eternity.

[Crown of Life]

This crown is for all believers, but is especially for those who endure sufferings, who bravely confront persecution for Jesus, even to the point of death.

Paul deposited his work into the hands of Christ; therefore, Christ increased his work to bear the richest interest and the greatest return.

Paul’s deposit of work was increased to eternal responsibility and reward.

[Crown of Rejoicing]

Close;

We started this message this morning talking about negotiating the price of a vehicle with a car dealer and then bragging about what a good deal we got.

In reality we always pay too much for something that we have to maintain with only a limited warranty.

Why would we brag about that?

I want you to know this morning that there are two “soul dealerships” vying for your business.

One is the devils dealership that will promise you everything for your soul.

Wealth, success, riches and religion and all the world has to offer.

It only cost a little sin and it’s yours.

Though it looks inviting and you think it will satisfy your soul, it is all corrupt, no warranty and is soon passing away.

The other “soul dealership” is Christ.

He gives you the best deal for your trade [your old life for a new one] at no cost to you with an eternal life warranty.

He promises you wealth, success, riches and a relationship with the Creator in glory that never grows old and never ends.

He promises to never leave you nor forsake you.

Now that’s something to brag about!

Can you say, “Nevertheless, I Am Not Ashamed” this morning?