Do Not be Ashamed

Sermon from CCM:Gorton
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LISTEN

 This sermon was preached by Tim Simmonds at the CCM Gorton site of Christ Church Manchester on Sunday 10th January 2021.

SERIES

 

This message was part of the ‘For Such a Time as This’ series, preached at Christ Church Manchester’s church in Gorton in late 2017. The full series included the following sermons:

 

BIBLE VERSES

 

This sermon was based on 2 Timothy 1:8-18

8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

KEY POINTS

 We Suffer

  • How was Timothy ashamed? 1 Corinthians – [23] but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. The message is shameful, it’s about a God who came down to earth, became human and was killed. This is difficult, a tough message to explain even today. We can wonder ‘Why am I getting opposition? In my city and my church?’  – ‘Is it my fault? Is it Gods fault?’
  • Paul also says ‘don’t be ashamed of me!’  Timothy’s main advocate, his cheer leader and he’s been thrown in prison. He’s not exactly preaching success – at least not in the worlds eyes. He doesn’t have a mega church or big evangelistic rallies, he’s on his own, in prison, waiting to die. He’s under pressure! Pressure and difficulty in life is when we learn about ourselves and faith grows.
  • We might think to beat shame we need to find pride! To realise we are special, unique, that we have nothing to be ashamed of. However Paul suggests a different path. To beat shame we must suffer! Really he is asking Timothy ‘when life is difficult – do we push into faith or pull back?”

How to Get Free – Know That We Are Called

  • We are saved and Called – even when we don’t feel that. Perhaps you think “I know I am saved, but what now?”  It is about working out what our gifts are and how to use them. This is about us being called into the purpose of God. Because of his purpose and his grace it is about his plan not our worth! You are part of Gods plan to save and restore through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
  • We have been given purpose, a calling, to be part of his Kingdom. This isn’t abstract, a general calling we all get. It is specific and personal. Paul explains he was called to be a preacher/apostle/teacher – very specific way to use his gifting. We can be free from shame when we live out our true purpose, our calling to be part of Gods advancing Kingdom.
  • We are called. We have a role to play. Paul knew his role. Do you know yours?

How to Get Free – Know That We Have Relationship

  • Paul says ‘I know who I have believed’ He has believed a person not a theology. He has a relationship not a system of beliefs. It is about who not what we believe.
  • He is not ashamed because of who he believes. This Jesus he believes in, who saved Paul – not because of anything good in him but because of his purpose and grace. Simply put we are bought into a relationship with Jesus, someone we can know, we can talk to, listen to, someone we can walk through life with. Someone who frees us from shame!
  • Paul wrote previously – Romans 10:11 “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” This relationship brings us freedom and removes shame from us!

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    MORE SERMONS

     

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