by Roby Ellis
[Scripture Reading: Romans 1:14-17]
Introduction
A. There are times when taking a stand for the truth isn’t easy to do.
B. If we are not fully convicted, we will give in when the least pressure is applied, but when we surrender fully to it, nothing could ever induce us to give up or be ashamed.
I. The apostles showed they were not ashamed of the Gospel.
A. Paul was not ashamed (Philippians 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:6-18; 4:1-8).
B. Neither was Peter (Acts 4:5-21; 5:41; 1 Peter 4:16).
II. There is no reason to ever be ashamed of the Gospel.
A. Though some might mock the Gospel (Acts 17:32), it is true nevertheless (2 Peter 1:16-21).
B. The Gospel is the only thing that can save the lost (Romans 1:16; cf. 2 Timothy 4:3-4).
C. The Gospel will be the standard for our judgment in the end (John 12:47-48; Revelation 20:12).
III. If we stand for what is right, we need never be ashamed.
A. We will never be ashamed before our peers or authorities (1 Peter 3:15-16; Titus 2:6-8).
B. We will not be ashamed before God, and He will not be ashamed of us (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 2:28; Hebrews 11:16; 2:11).
C. On the other hand, when we fail to stand for the truth, we should feel ashamed (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15; Mark 8:38).
Conclusion
A. Jesus endured the shame of the cross (Hebrews 12:2) so that we need never be ashamed.
B. This world may try to shame us for the stand we take for the truth (1 Peter 4:4), but we need never be ashamed.