July 5th, 2023
Many people have been embarrassed about being a Christian in our culture, especially in a work place or home where Christianity is ridiculed or shunned. As with Paul the Apostle, our Lord wants us to be bold in our faith and to be able to stand with the same confidence as Paul. So how does one over come shame? How did Paul do it? Let me first say it is completely the work of the Lord in us (Philippians 2:13), and not us alone. Here are some things we see in Paul’s life as examples to us.
Paul knew his Lord
That is, there was deep fellowship and knowledge of the true person and identity of Jesus Christ….for I know whom I have believed…. (2 Timothy 1:12). This knowledge gave Paul courage to suffer at any price (Philippians 3:8). Who is the Jesus of Scripture we call our Lord (Isaiah 9:6-7) (Matthew 13-17) (Colossians 1:15-18) (Revelation 1:10-11; 22:16)? Also, when we know our Lord’s true identity – how can we ever be ashamed of Him?
Paul knew his Lord was faithful
He was confident that Jesus was able to save him on the day of Judgment (2 Timothy 1:12). How faithful and dependable is Jesus, who we trust for our salvation (John 10:28-29) (1 Corinthians 10:13) (Hebrews 2:16-18) (Hebrews 7:25) (2 Timothy 2:11-13)? So when we know our Lord’s faithfulness how can we ever be ashamed of Him?