2 Timothy 1:8-11 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

It is a privilege to suffer for the gospel. So, far from being ashamed, Paul is honored Why is he honored in something that most others would be ashamed in? He says in verse 12, “I know whom I have believed.”

2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason 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 what I have committed to Him until that Day.

We all get to choose who we will believe. We can believe those who mock, ridicule, threaten, and persecute. Should we choose to believe them, we would have no reason to worry about what might happen. We could bend to their demand that we ignore and negate what God’s Word says in order to fit their lifestyles or opinions, and we won’t have to worry about being the butt of their mockery and the focus of their disdain. But we would have every reason to be ashamed … We have turned our backs on Christ.

OR, we can believe the LORD.

Should we choose to believe Him, we have no reason to worry AND we have no reason to be ashamed. Paul was both not worried nor ashamed! Why? Because he did not fear what man could do to him. He knew that Christ was faithful and would keep him.

In these days, it is important that we stand true to Christ and be willing to suffer for Him and not be ashamed. Our calling may not bring us popularity. And it may not be easy to hold the line of doctrine and say no to doctrines that are not Biblical. But it is pleasing to the LORD and beneficial to the testimony and outcome of our faith that we do. What has been handed down to us in the doctrine of the Apostles is precious and life and death important. What we do in service to the LORD will be kept for us and never be diminished by suffering, by time, or by the judgment of men.

Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

When people try to tell you that you should ignore what scripture says and go for this new doctrine. Who are you going to believe? The Lord or someone else?

Or when people make fun of your faith and your commitment to the LORD or even seek to harm you because of it. Who are you going to believe? The Lord or someone else?

Should you choose to believe the LORD, you will never have any reason to worry AND you will never have any reason to be ashamed.