Sunday, May 12, 2019 pm
NOT ASHAMED OF HIS
BRETHREN
Hebrews 2:11, 11:16
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.
a.
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).
b.
Recall what faith is –
more than merely believing in God but believing God.
Trusting Him.
c.
John 1:12-13 – As many
as received Him, He gave the RIGHT to become children of God…
d.
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”
e.
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.
f.
If you want the Lord to
NOT be ashamed of you, believe in Him the way he calls for you to
believe.
a.
Hebrews 13:16 – Do not
forget to do good and share, for with such sacrifices God is well
pleased.
b.
Philippians 4:18 – Paul
commends the brethren of Philippi for their supporting Him and notes
that God is well pleased with them.
c.
Matthew 10:42 – a cup of
cold water
d.
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.”
a.
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.
b.
It involves repenting
(Acts 8:22-24), and confession of our sins to Him (1 John 1:9).
c.
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.
d.
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.
e.
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.
a.
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.
b.
Matthew 10:32-33, as
Jesus sends out the 12 to various villages, He makes this statement.
Some observations about this passage:
i.
It can apply to those
who wish to obey the gospel – Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37
ii.
This applies to His
disciples as they seek to teach or interact with others.
This is the primary point of this text.
iii.
Also, it is an ongoing
process – not just a onetime act.
We must continue to confess Him.
c.
John 12:42-43 – even
among the rulers, many believed but didn’t confess Him.
d.
Philippians 2:11 – just
by way of reminder, everyone WILL bow before Him.
e.
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.)
a.
John 6:66-69 records an
occasion when many left Christ.
But Peter and others remained faithful to Him.
b.
Hebrews 10:36-39 –
speaks of our endurance. We
do not draw back.
c.
Revelation 2:10 – be
faithful unto death
d.
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…
e.
2 Corinthians 5:8 -
a.
Luke 9:25-26 – Jesus
specially noted, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words,…”
b.
Romans 1:16 – Paul was
not ashamed of the gospel, nor should we be.
c.
Philippians 1:20-21 –
Paul would not be ashamed no matter what happened.
As a result, he has hope.