Sermon 081698
2Tim. 1:3-14 Living Without Being Ashamed of the Gospel 8/16/98
Ballwin Baptist
I. Introduction 633
q The apostle Paul is writing Timothy from prison…deserted & awaiting execution (v. 15)
q He knows Timothy well & particularly his timid & fearful personality – needs encouragement
q So Paul reminds Timothy that he is praying for him & of his godly heritage…(v. 3-5)
Then he continues to provide great encouragement for this promising young believer. We want to examine this counsel given to Timothy & see if we can benefit & be encouraged.
II. Shame in the Life of a Christian
A. Definition of shame = to be embarrassed or afraid of ridicule; to shrink back or draw back from
B. There are certain things of which a Christian should be ashamed (Rom. 6:20-21)
Those sinful, gross & ugly things that we used to do – those things that we thought were clever, satisfied the lust of the flesh, eyes, pride of life. Things that we don’t care to think about or talk about with others – those shameful things that we used to do (1Co. 6:9-11; Eph. 2:1-7). And if I’m speaking to anyone that is still a slave to sin & committing these shameful sins, I want you to know that there is HOPE for you today – keep listening!
III. The Christian Life Without Shame
Obviously, I’m not talking about a life of perfection (1Jn. 1:8; Eccl. 7:20) – so what is this life without shame?
A. A life established on the immutable & omnipotent Person of Christ (v. 8-10)
The eternal Son of God who lived in the glory of eternity past has been revealed in human flesh (Jn. 1:1ff). He lived a sinless life, suffered & died as a propitiation…and though His body lay in the grave for 3 days & 3 nights, on the 3rd day he rose from the dead. It is Christ “who abolished death…” If your life is established on that Person, you may be ashamed of your sins of the past but never be ashamed of Jesus Christ!
Living Without Being Ashamed of the Gospel - II, pg. 2
B. Identify & be faithful to the ministry to which God has appointed you (v. 11)
C. Remember that God provides all the resources to keep you faithful (v. 7)
D. Remember to keep the fire burning under your spiritual gift (v. 6)
Every Christian & only Christians have been given special & supernatural abilities by God to make you effective in the ministry to which He has called you (Rom. 12 & 1Co. 12-14). But you must use you gifts (1Tim. 4:14-15).
E. Remember that the Christian will suffer in this world (v. 8b; 3:12; Mt. 5:10-12)
F. Live according to sound doctrines/teaching (v. 13-14)
Beware of these teachings with empty promises that lead people astray…very tempting when suffering!
G. You must have an honest, personal & growing relationship with Christ (v. 12)
A relationship that increases your faith, confidence, love, gratitude, awe & fear of Christ (Rom. 8:38-39)
How can you face the worst circumstances of life without loosing hope, without being in despair, without feeling abandoned? How can you face unemployment, abandonment or divorce, church splits, incurable illness, corruption in all forms of government, corruption in the church…and still have hope? You must know “in Whom you have believed”. How can you be an encourager from your prison cell or circumstance that limits your freedom? You must know in Whom you have believed & not be ashamed of Christ & His gospel! You must know the ministry to which God has called you & faithfully exercise your spiritual gift. Remember that you will suffer in this world, so live according to biblical teaching & remember that God is the resource for all your needs to remain faithful! Do you need to be set free from a shameful life of slavery to sin? Come to Jesus Christ! Do you need encouragement in your prison? Fix your eyes on the Almighty person of Jesus…
