NOT ASHAMED!
“In nothing terrified by your adversaries” (Philippians 1:28)
Why is it that we are often so fearful to witness for Christ? To stand up for the truths of God’s Word even though they are counter culture to society around us? I guess it is because we don’t like being scorned at, laughed at, or even persecuted.
God knows that we are fearful and therefore He strengthens us with His living words. Read the following different translations of Philippians 1:28:
“Never be scared for a second by your opponents; your fearlessness is a clear omen of ruin for them”(Moffat).
“Never for a moment quail before your antagonists” (Weymouth).
“Not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition” (The Message).
Are you encouraged? It’s time for us to rise up and not be ashamed.
We must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ
Paul confessed in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
It was impossible to shut up the early Christians, even when they were put the in prison. When the authorities commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, what did they answer? “We ought to obey God rather than men!” And then Peter immediately starting preaching about Jesus again! Read Acts 5:27-33; Philippians 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 1:8, 12.
It is important to remember that our Christianity is a CONFESSION! We are born again into God’s family when we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and also CONFESS with our mouth that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-11). We begin by confessing, and we continue by confessing! We cannot hide our faith. We cannot keep it to ourselves. We confess everything we believe. We confess every new understanding of truth. 2 Corinthians 4:13 says, “According as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore SPEAK.” (Psalm 116:10 and Hebrews 10:23). We are not meant to have a “silent faith” but a “SPEAKING FAITH.”
Never be ashamed of truth. Always counteract the deceptions!
We must not be ashamed of speaking before authorities
Psalm 119:46 says, “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”
We must not be ashamed of God’s Word and His truth
Do you take your Bible with you everywhere you go? I am amazed how few believers carry Bibles these days. The majority of them don’t even bring them to church! Help! No wonder we are not impacting this nation. We are no longer people of the Book! And because we are no longer people of the Book, we don’t know the truth. And because we are ignorant of the truth, we are easily deceived.
It’s time to not only be believers, but BIBLE believers—and BIBLE carriers! What would happen if every believer starting carrying their Bible with them? They wouldn’t think of going to church without them? After church, they get out their Bibles at a restaurant as they discuss the Word of God with friends. They take them everywhere they go because it is their guide for life. My husband carries a Bible in his pocket which he can read at any place and any time.
I love to read the Word when I am flying, which is quite frequently. I know there must be many other Christians on board the plane, and yet I have never seen anyone else with their Bible out yet? What’s wrong? Are we ashamed?
Maybe the reason that believers don’t take their Bibles everywhere with them is that they don’t even read them at home. Do we read the Bible daily to our children? If not, maybe our children think we are ashamed of the Bible and it is not the most important book in the world, after all!
It is such a good idea to teach your children to get into the habit of taking their Bible with them to church. Sit as a family in the front seats. Encourage the children to open to the Scriptures as the preacher speaks and to take notes! Start them working on their A.U.G. degree at an early age. (Check which degree it is in 2 Timothy 2:15). You could start a revival in your church!
Mark 8:38 says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and MY WORDS in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Psalm 119:6, 80).
We are blessed to have freedom to read God’s Word in our western countries. We must “HOLD FAST” that which we have, lest it be taken away (Revelation 3:11).
More next week.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
www.aboverubies.org
PRAYER:
“Oh God, I live in a sinful generation who disdain your Word. Please help me not to be ashamed, but to be faithful to speak your truth in every situation, “in season and out of season.” Amen.
AFFIRMATION:
“I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,
Or to defend his cause,
Maintain the honor of His Word,
The glory of His cross.”