Not Ashamed To Bear His Name - 1 Peter 4:16 Series

Not Ashamed to Bear His Name - 1 Peter 4:16 (NLT)

Introduction: The Cost and the Crown

There was a time in our nation when calling yourself a Christian carried social respectability. Today, in many settings, it carries suspicion, mockery, or quiet marginalisation. In universities, in offices, online spaces, and sometimes even within families, the name of Christ can bring misunderstanding or rejection.

Yet the question before us this morning is not: Is it safe to be a Christian?

The question is: Is He worthy?

Our key text is a single verse—short, sharp, Spirit-breathed:

1 Peter 4:16 (NLT): “But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”

This is not sentimental religion. This is costly discipleship. This is following Jesus not only in comfort—but in conflict.

Today we will consider three great truths:

The Reality of Suffering for Christ

The Refusal of Shame

The Rejoicing in His Name

And through it all, we will exalt Jesus Christ—crucified, buried, risen, and reigning—and call every heart to repentance and faith.

I. The Reality of Suffering for Christ

“But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian…”

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter around AD 62–64 to believers scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These Christians were not yet facing the empire-wide persecution under Nero at its worst, but they were experiencing social hostility, slander, and discrimination.

They were called strange. Unpatriotic. Narrow. Dangerous.

Peter writes to strengthen them—not to escape suffering, but to endure it faithfully.

The Greek word for “suffer” is pascho—to experience hardship or pain. It is the same word used of Christ’s sufferings.

Peter is saying: If you follow a suffering Saviour, do not be surprised by suffering.

Earlier in the chapter, Peter writes:

1 Peter 4:12–13 (NLT): “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering…”

The phrase “fiery trials” translates pyrosis—a refining fire. God is not burning His people to destroy them, but to purify them.

John 15:18–20: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first…” (NLT)

Jesus is speaking in the Upper Room before His crucifixion. He prepares His disciples for rejection.

The word “hate” is miseo—a settled hostility. Jesus is not speaking of mild irritation, but deep opposition.

If our faith never costs us anything—if it never challenges culture, never confronts sin, never offends pride—we must ask whether we are truly walking in obedience.

As John Piper has said: “Christ did not die to make bad people good; He died to make dead people live.”

My friends, when dead hearts are made alive, they live differently—and the world notices.

Piper reminds us that salvation is radical transformation. And radical transformation inevitably creates friction with a world that loves darkness rather than light.

A lump of coal under pressure becomes a diamond. The pressure does not destroy it—it transforms it.

The early Christians were pressured, mocked, and marginalised. Yet from that pressure came martyrs, missionaries, and movements that shook the Roman Empire.

The Church does not grow in ease—it grows in endurance.

II. The Refusal of Shame

“It is no shame…”

The Greek word for shame here is aischyno—to feel disgrace or humiliation.

Peter says: Refuse that emotion.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…”

Paul writes to believers in Rome—the centre of imperial power and pagan philosophy. To preach a crucified Jewish Messiah there was considered foolishness.

“Power” is dynamis—divine explosive power. The Gospel is not advice; it is God’s saving energy.

The world says Christianity is outdated, intolerant, anti-intellectual. But the Gospel still saves addicts, restores marriages, transforms hearts, and conquers death.

As Tim Keller wrote: “The Gospel is this: we are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”

That is why we are not ashamed. The cross exposes our sin—but it also declares our infinite worth in Christ.

Let us now press deeper into this glorious exhortation.

2 Timothy 1:7–8 (NLT): “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord…”

Paul reminds Timothy—and by extension, all of us—that the Spirit God gives is not a spirit of fear (deilia), but of dynamis (power), agape (love), and sophrosyne (self-discipline).

This is exactly the antidote to shame. When we face rejection for following Christ, we do not cower. We do not compromise. We proclaim the Lord boldly, with love and disciplined courage.