Text – 2 Timothy 1:7-8; 1 Peter 2:9
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us TIMID, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So Do Not Be Ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ” 2 Timothy 1:7-10 (NIV)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a PECULIAR people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
PECULIAR
H5459 cgullah seg-ool-law’ feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth (as closely shut up):–jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special. (Deut. 14:2; 26:18)
G4041. periousios per-ee-oo’-see-os from the present participle feminine of a compound of 4012 and 1510; being beyond usual, i.e. special (one’s own):–peculiar. (Titus 2:14)
G4047. peripoiesis per-ee-poy’-ay-sis from 4046; acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation:–obtain(-ing), peculiar, purchased, possession, saving. (1 Peter 2:9)
INTRODUCTION
Believe it or not, with everything that it happening in the world, and with all the information available and at our fingertips, there are still many Believers going around acting ashamed and embarrassed to own up being Believers on the Lord Jesus Christ! When they are around other Christians it seems easy to act like a Christian. But when some of these same Christians are in mixed company or if they are asked to share the gospel to some unbelievers, they “freeze up!” (Expound).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16 (NIV)
I want to point out three (3) reasons why many Christians act ashamed and embarrassed to be Christians as I introduce to you our subject for today:
BE YOURSELF AND STOP ACTING ASHAMED!
POINTS –
- “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us TIMID, but gives us power . . .” – One reason so many Christians act embarrassed and ashamed to stand up as Christians is because they do not utilize the power the Holy Spirit gives them. This power allows the Christian to have the “Holy Ghost Boldness” needed to be the witness for Jesus that the Christian is supposed to be (expound).
- “So Do Not Be Ashamed of the testimony about our Lord.” – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) Another reason why some Christians are timid when it comes to standing up for the cause of Christ is because they have not studied to show themselves approved unto God . . . and therefore they are not prepared to give that answer (expound).
- “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a PECULIAR people.” – If Believers understand that being “chosen and peculiar” means that they are beyond the usual, special, purchased, preserved, and possessed; then perhaps they would start exhibiting and utilizing the power that they possess (expound).
CONCLUSION –
Some Christians need to be reminded that the God has not given us the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit for us to sit around and wait for Jesus’ return; but we are to be busy doing what He has assigned our hands to do in helping to fulfill the dictates of “The Great Commission.” It should be the daily goal of every Christian to do their part to do what they can towards this end (expound and conclude).