2. In Nothing Be Ashamed Philippians 1.12-20
[Adapted from Sermons on Truth and Reason by Gene Taylor]
In Nothing Be Ashamed
Text: Philippians 1:12-20
Introduction
Definitions.
Ashamed. "The feeling of shame arising from something that has been done" (W.E. Vine).
Shame. "A condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute; something that brings strong regret, censure, or reproach" (Webster).
The apostle Paul's desire. was that he would do nothing of which to be ashamed. This same resolve should be in the heart of every Christian.
This lesson will present some things of which the Bible says we should not be ashamed.

3. JESUS
Mark
Jesus (Mark 8:34-38)
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, " Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (NKJVS)
A. Because one fears of becoming an object of contempt in the eyes of the world, he refuses to confess Christ or live by His will.
B. Peter learned the consequences of being ashamed of Jesus (Matt. 26:31-35, 69-75).
Why would His disciples ever be ashamed of Jesus?
Heb 2:11
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, (NKJVS) 

4. The Gospel
Romans
The Gospel (Rom. 1: 15-17)
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. Faith For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." (NKJVS)
A. Paul had suffered a great deal because of the gospel yet he was not ashamed of it.
B. We should not be ashamed of its simplicity or its exclusiveness.

5. Suffering 1 Peter 4.14-16 Suffering (1 Pet. 4:14-16)
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. (NKJVS)
A. There is no shame in suffering as a Christian.
Though one may have to suffer in many ways, he should be glad he is considered worthy to suffer for the name of Christ
Act 5:41
So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. (NKJVS)
2Ti 1:12
For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day. (NKJVS)

6. Others
2 Tim 1.8, 16
Others (2 Tim. 1:8, 16)
1:8
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, (NKJVS)
1:16
The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; (NKJVS)
A. Social, racial, intellectual, cultural, and financial differences can cause some to be ashamed of their brethren.
B. All should respect and esteem others.

7. Workman 2 Tim 2.15 A Workman 2Ti 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (NKJVS)

8. Are you Ashamed? Conclusion
May all of us be truthfully able to sing, "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, Nor to defend His cause;
Maintain the honors of His word, The glory of His cross."