In what ways can we seek to "not be ashamed" of our faith? Scriptural Snapshot “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” – 2 Timothy 1:16 Why Onesiphorus Stands Out • He “often refreshed” Paul – faith shows up in tangible care. • He “was not ashamed” – he refused to distance himself from a persecuted apostle. • His bold loyalty mirrored Paul’s own charge: “So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner” (2 Timothy 1:8). Foundational Reasons Never to Be Ashamed • The gospel itself: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). • Christ’s warning: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words… the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him” (Mark 8:38). • Christ’s promise: “Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father” (Matthew 10:32). Practical Ways to Live Unashamed 1. Identify openly with believers under pressure. – Visit, write, support missionaries, prisoners, or marginalized Christians. 2. Speak the name of Jesus in ordinary conversation. – Let gratitude, not silence, flow when He is praised or questioned. 3. Share personal testimony. – Tell how the Lord saved, guides, or corrects you; stories disarm hostility. 4. Defend truth with grace. – “Always be prepared to give a defense… but respond with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). 5. Choose obedience over image. – When peer norms clash with Scripture, side publicly with Scripture. 6. Accept possible reproach. – “Let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore” (Hebrews 13:13). 7. Encourage boldness in others. – Celebrate small acts of courage; model joyful confidence. 8. Keep gospel partners refreshed. – Meals, notes, funds, hospitality all echo Onesiphorus’s refreshing spirit. Strengthening the Heart • Pray for Spirit-filled courage (Acts 4:31). • Saturate the mind in Scripture; conviction follows clarity. • Gather with believers who prize faithfulness over popularity. • Recall eternity: today’s ridicule is momentary; Christ’s “Well done” is forever. Fruit of an Unashamed Life • The Lord’s commendation (2 Timothy 4:8). • Stronger, purer fellowship among believers. • A credible witness that attracts the searching. • Generational impact—Paul blesses “the household of Onesiphorus,” hinting that boldness in one life spreads to an entire family. |
    |