II Timothy 1:8-12 “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; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 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.”

Text Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.”

Facing his final imprisonment; Paul is about to pay the ultimate price for being a Christian. Writing to his young comrade, Paul said, “I am not ashamed” (vs.12) and “be not thou . . . ashamed” (vs.8). Don’t be ashamed of the Master, “ashamed . . . of our Lord.” Our lips and our life should make manifest our personal relationship with the Saviour. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me . . . him also shall the Son of man be ashamed” (Mark 8:38). Don’t be ashamed of the message, “ashamed of the testimony.” Writing to the believers at Corinth, Paul reminds them that God “hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:19). As ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the message of hope and are to openly declare it. Don’t be ashamed of the minister, “nor of me his prisoner.” Paul is no longer held in high esteem as one born into an affluent family, graduated top of his class and voted most likely to succeed; rather, he is an outcast of society, an enemy of the state facing public execution. His so called friend base has dwindled down to nothing! While it is not something that we want to admit; most of us struggle with similar anxieties. In silence we forfeit the chance to openly declare His name or present the gospel to a friend or family member. We identify with the saints at church but are shunned as misfits in public. Paul said, “be not thou . . . ashamed.” Just remember, “The fear of man bringeth a snare” (Proverbs 29:25).