“For of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16 Ashamed = a feeling of disgrace or embarrassment

 A successful man  Life was a Pattern for us  Growth of early church Courage - Boldness Confidence “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12

7.For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;” Phil. 1:14 “… much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of 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.” Mark 8:38  Not to be ashamed of Christ  Not to be ashamed of His Words

He was not ashamed of the “teachings of Christ” Religious leaders rejected Christ as the Messiah “Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?” John 7:47-48 “The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” John 19:7

“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” 1 Corinthians 1:23 “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Corinthians 1:27 The wise of this world had to turn to the wisdom of Jesus - 1 Cor. 3:18

“Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” 1 Corinthians 4:13 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” James 2:5

Convinced that it was “God’s Power” to save Understood it as God’s way of making men righteous Could “certify” his message - Gal. 1:11-12 Had seen influence in lives of others Col. 1:3-6 “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;” 1 Thes.1:9 Luke 8:13 “in time of temptation fall away.”

Does not harmonize with “wisdom of men” Teach atheism as fact – ridicule belief in God Embarrassed to talk about word of Christ To be ashamed of the Word of Christ is to be ashamed of Him. “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

Ashamed to let others know they are members of the Lord’s church Avoid discussions because others think our teachings are “strange” Ashamed to discuss one church, instrumental music, necessity of baptism, creation, virgin birth

Afraid to speak out against evil - Eph. 5: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12.For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” Silence is an expression of embarrassment, shame.

Peer Pressure Causes some to begin doing evil things Do not want to be regarded as different We must not go along with anything that is wrong ! We must not be ashamed to let others know why we do not practice the evil.

It takes courage to live to please God. - 2 Pet. 1:5 No need for being ashamed of Christ - 2 Tim. 1:8 Those who are ashamed of living as the gospel demands are ashamed of Christ. “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” 1 John 2:28

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening January 1, 2012