No Shame

Aim: To rise above ''shame-inclinations''—to heights of love and service.

Doctrine: God's true churchmen need make no apologies for their allegiance to Christ. This is true, though we must suffer indignities; and this is the case because ours is the true religion.

Exegesis: Instead of shaming us, opposition and trouble embolden us to more fully marvel at the glorious gospel (vv. 8-9), preach the liberating gospel (vv. 10-11), and love the Christ of the gospel (v. 12).

Further application: How to overwhelm ''shame-temptations'': get a heavenly perspective on earthly realities, and accept that God's church possesses the truth (in Jesus).

Key verse: v. 8 ''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...''