The Lord Is Not Ashamed

See full series: 2019-sermons

The Lord Is Not Ashamed

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Hebrews 2:11, 11:16


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The word ashamed means to be embarrassed or disgraced because of some activity. Very few of us like to be in situations where we are or feel ashamed.   Usually it means that we have done something wrong, or we are associated with something or someone who is shameful in their behavior.   There are times when we ought to be ashamed (when we have sinned or not acted properly; when we look at the ungodliness around us, or when someone has done something to disgrace the Lord’s people, etc.).

And then there are times when we should NOT be ashamed (When we suffer as a Christian or are reviled in our stand for Him – 1 Peter 3:16, 4:16; or of our brethren who are standing for truth in difficult situations – 2 Timothy 1:8, and some other things we will mention in a while).

But more than any of these, and factoring in to WHY we should and should not be ashamed, is a desire that the Lord NOT be ashamed of us.   In Hebrews 2:11 we read, For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren.   This is a reference to Christ Jesus as the captain of our salvation, suffering for us.     Similarly, Hebrews 11:16 describes God as not being ashamed to be called “their God” in reference to the various examples of faith and endurance who put their trust in Him over the ways of this world.

This evening I would like to talk about brethren of whom the Lord is not ashamed.

  1.   They believe what He tells them
    1. We need faith to be pleasing to God – Hebrews 11:6. It was this, that the forefathers had that we are to imitate (Hebrews 11:16).
    2. Recall what faith is – more than merely believing in God but believing God.   Trusting Him.
    3. John 1:12-13 – As many as received Him, He gave the RIGHT to become children of God…
    4. John 3:36 – speaks of the one who believes in the Son has everlasting life.   But note also the antithesis – to not believe (NKJV, KJV) is to not see life.   The NASB and ESV correctly translate that second word as “not obey”
    5. Matthew 7:21-23 – it is more than simply saying, “I believe in you…”   Luke 6:46.
      It is a living, active faith – James 2:17-18, 24.
    6. If you want the Lord to NOT be ashamed of you, believe in Him the way he calls for you to believe.
  2.   Those who do good and share
    1. Hebrews 13:16 – Do not forget to do good and share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
    2. Philippians 4:18 – Paul commends the brethren of Philippi for their supporting Him and notes that God is well pleased with them.
    3. Matthew 10:42 – a cup of cold water
    4. While not using the phrase, “not ashamed” in these verses, it is clear that if God is “well pleased” with something, He is “not ashamed.”
  3. They repent when they need to
    1. Once one obeys the gospel, he is expected to remain faithful.   But we all know that from time to time we fall short and fail.   So what do we do when that happens?   God has provided an avenue for forgiveness.
    2. It involves repenting (Acts 8:22-24), and confession of our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).
    3. The idea of repentance is one who realizes he has done wrong and changes his mind about it which leads to a change in His life.   2 Corinthians 7:10-11 describes what this repentance looks like.
    4. God is not ashamed of the one who realizes He sinned and returns to Him.   Consider the Father in the parable of the Prodigal son – Luke 15:20-24 – the Father saw him afar off ran to him and embraced him.   He also welcomed him back as his son with rejoicing.   That Father is reflective of our heavenly Father.
      BUT NOTICE that the son repented because he was ASHAMED of what he had done, repented and confessed it.   No wonder, God gladly took Him back.
    5. Some see God as a vengeful creator who is harsh and uncaring.   But scripture describes our God as loving us so much He sent His Son to die for us.   He desires that all be saved and come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:3-4). Luke 15:7 & 10 – there is joy in heaven when one repents.
  4.   They openly confess Him
    1. We often associate confession with our sins as in our last point.   But confession can also mean that we publicly profess something or someone. In this case, our Lord Jesus Christ.
    2. Matthew 10:32-33, as Jesus sends out the 12 to various villages, He makes this statement.
      Some observations about this passage:

      1. It can apply to those who wish to obey the gospel – Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37
      2. This applies to His disciples as they seek to teach or interact with others.   This is the primary point of this text.
      3. Also, it is an ongoing process – not just a onetime act.   We must continue to confess Him.
    3. John 12:42-43 – even among the rulers, many believed but didn’t confess Him.
    4. Philippians 2:11 – just by way of reminder, everyone WILL bow before Him.
    5. God takes note of those who are willing to confess Him, especially in the difficult or hazardous situations. In the end, He will reward. (Cf. Revelation 12:10-12 speaks of those who loved not their lives to the death.   Matthew 16:25 – For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.)
  5.   They remain faithful to Him
    1. John 6:66-69 records an occasion when many left Christ.   But Peter and others remained faithful to Him.
    2. Hebrews 10:36-39 – speaks of our endurance. We do not draw back.
    3. Revelation 2:10 – be faithful unto death
    4. 2 Timothy 1:12 – Paul, toward the end of his life has confidence that God is pleased with the life he has lived – I who whom I have believed…
    5. 2 Corinthians 5:8 –
  6.   They are not ashamed of Him
    1. Luke 9:25-26 – Jesus specially noted, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words,…”
    2. Romans 1:16 – Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, nor should we be.
    3. Philippians 1:20-21 – Paul would not be ashamed no matter what happened.   As a result, he has hope.

It is one thing to be ashamed in this life. As we noted at the beginning, perhaps it is even justified.   But when we stand before God in judgment, we do NOT want Him to be ashamed of us. The consequences are eternal. Therefore, let us resolve that we will not be ashamed of Him in this life. What about you?   If you were to stand before Him today, would He be ashamed of you? Think about it!

 

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