(The following is the October 3 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Timothy 1 and pay close attention to verses 7-12.)
Three times in 2 Timothy 1-2, Paul warns against being ashamed of the gospel (1:8, 12; 2:15). Several other New Testament passages echo the sentiment:
“For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).
“My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death” (Phil. 1:20).
“But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name” (1 Pet. 4:16).
“So now, little children, remain in him so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Scripture is clear: we must not be ashamed of Christ, the gospel, God’s Word, his church, or living faithfully for him. Why would we be ashamed? He is our Creator, and we exist for his glory. We can’t glorify him if we are ashamed of him.
Next Step:
Have you ever been ashamed of your faith, failing to stand firm and speak up as you should? What or whom did you fear that contributed to your behavior? How should you have acted? Pray for boldness to stand firm and unashamed before others.
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