The Unashamed Believer

Isaiah 28:16

Introduction.

  1. Christ is known for bucking the standards of this world (e.g. Sermon on the Mount). He was counter-cultural.

    1. Poor are blessed, not the rich.

    2. Pure in heart are blessed, not the self-indulgent.

    3. We are to bless those who curse us.

  2. We have a promise, that if we follow Christ, we will not be put to shame.

    1. Jesus referred to in Isa. 28:16 (Rom. 9:33; 10:11).

    2. We should have our confidence in Him.

  3. Early Christians were bold! (Acts 4:11-13, 29, 31).

  4. Our lives are counter-cultural, as Christ was.

  5. Two wonderful truths in Isa. 28:16: we have an assurance, but there is a difficulty.

Body.

  1. The Christian’s Assurance.

    1. We are given assurance through the resurrection of the Lord.

    2. The Apostles had such confidence, even to the point of death!

    3. Some spend all their time wanting to be assured of their legacy.

      1. The Pharaoh who built the pyramids did little else but build his tomb.

      2. Our Lord did not waste His time in such endeavors, but is remembered for the eternal life He brings.

    4. This eternal life motivated Apostles to their convictions (1 Cor 15:17-19).

    5. Christians remember this, not once a year, but every week.

    6. When a faithful brother/sister dies, we look forward to seeing them again.

    7. Early Christians also had a sense of victory.

    8. We need not be ashamed; our cause is truly victorious!

  2. The Christian’s Difficulty.

    1. This life is not always easy—many things try to hinder us.

    2. Consider Judas Iscariot and Demas.

      1. Are we any better than Judas when we sin and neglect Him?

      2. Demas left Paul, having loved this present world (2 Tim. 4:10).

      3. Do we not face the world’s attractions as they did?

    3. Strengthen our resolve by thinking of our victory in Jesus!

Conclusion.

  1. To be a believer, we must also obey Him (Luke 6:46).

  2. Give up worldliness, embrace the assurance, bear with the difficulties.

  3. Will you believe on Him and obey Him today?