Do not be ashamed of the Gospel

(2 Timothy 1:11-12 – Do not be ashamed of the Gospel)

There are many people who would try to make you feel ashamed to call yourself a Christian. The people of the world ridicule and scoff at the very idea of there being a God.

But they fail to recognise that there is a God and that He has provided us a way to overcome the evils of this world. And better yet, He has promised us eternal life just for the simple action of believing in the death and resurrection of His Son.

Do not be ashamed of the gospel. It is good news for all who follow Jesus. In it are the words of peace and life, and in this world today there is no peace.

What is shame?

It is worth trying to understand the roots of shame and whether they actually apply to the Christian gospel. It is one thing to say, “Do not be ashamed of the gospel,” but without understanding one could fall into the shame trap. So here is what the Free Dictionary definition of shame says:

1. a. A painful emotion caused by the belief that one is, or is perceived by others to be, inferior or unworthy of affection or respect because of one’s actions, thoughts, circumstances, or experiences.

b. Respect for propriety or morality: Have you no shame?

2. a. A condition of disgrace or dishonour; ignominy: an act that brought shame on the whole family.

b. A regrettable or unfortunate situation: “It was a shame how …”

c. One that brings dishonour, disgrace, or condemnation

What we see in these different definitions is an underlying feeling of guilt, condemnation, inferiority, unworthiness of affection, disgrace, dishonour, and more. And all of these feelings are predicated upon some action, thoughts, circumstances, or beliefs.

Is there anything in the Gospel to be ashamed of?

When we understand the basis of shame, we need to examine what we believe to see if there is any cause to feel shame for being a Christian.

The essence of the Christian gospel is to find and give to others: love, joy, peace, kindness, salvation, self-control, patience, and more. The gospel extends also to the removal of all forms of evil from our lives: hate, judgement, prejudice, greed, adultery, fornication, lies, debauchery, drunkenness, and all forms of spiritual wickedness.

Now when looking at those two sets of actions and emotions, which of those would be the more shameful? If the aim of the Gospel is to promote all that is good, then surely it is the second group of evil actions that are shameful.

And if your aim is to do good in the sight of God and mankind, what is there to be ashamed of? Do not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ because it is leading to good things.

How do you overcome feelings of shame?

As we read the words of Paul in the section of scripture we gain some insights into overcome the feelings of shame that could arise.

11 For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. (2 Timothy 1:11-12)

Paul begins by pointing out the role the Lord assigned to him. He was a preacher, teacher, and Apostle of the gospel.

Then he continues on saying, “I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.”

There are two key points in these words: faith and knowledge.

Do not be ashamed of the gospel – learn it!

When Paul said he “knows,” it means his knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is without doubt. He doesn’t just feel like Jesus is there, he knows with absolute certainty.

To “know” at that level requires a dedication to finding out who and what the Saviour stands for. It is something that can be and must be learned and appreciated. Knowledge is the key to growing stronger in your faith, because we believe what we know, when we know without a shadow of doubt.

Let me give an example. If you are seated as you read this, you know without a shadow of doubt that the seat you are on will hold your weight without breaking apart. Your faith in your seat is total and complete because you have knowledge from past experience that the seat will do its job. So, this knowledge has strengthened your faith in the seat and you have no doubt that it will hold you.

That is the degree of knowledge we need in our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ. We need to know with the utmost certainty that when we follow His gospel it will lead to peace and to life.

Have faith in the gospel

The second point Paul made in his words above is faith. We must believe without doubt that Jesus will guard us and the truth He is teaching us as we walk in His gospel of salvation.

So, if you want to increase your faith in the knowledge of the gospel so that you do not ever feel shame, learn about the gospel. Knowledge of the gospel will remove all thoughts of shame, self condemnation, and guilt. As the scripture says:

15 And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ. (Romans 10:15-17)

Do not be ashamed of the gospel, but learn and grow. Fill yourself with the knowledge of the gospel by listening to the words of Jesus and holding them fast.

Do not be ashamed of the gospel

Finally let us look at Paul’s words to the Romans as he shows once again even more reasons why we should not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.” (Romans 1:16-17)

Do not be ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God to find salvation, righteousness, and life to all who have faith. Faith is the key and we must believe. There is no shame in the gospel.

By contrast there is much shame in the world, and the main reasons why Christians do feel shame is for the things that they have done in the past.

But those things are gone. Your sins were taken away through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Your past is not your future, so don’t look back in shame, but instead look forward in hope.

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