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.
The Christian in the Workplace - Consider Sarah, a young professional. She was offered promotion after promotion, but her refusal to compromise her integrity and her public testimony of Christ caused subtle hostility from colleagues. Yet, within two years, she became known as someone of unwavering integrity—and several co-workers came to faith because of her courageous witness.
The pressure she endured was real. The shame she avoided was spiritual—not worldly. And God’s power shone through her.
As Max Lucado puts it: “God never wastes a hurt. What the enemy means for evil, God redeems for good.”
Lucado reminds us that persecution or misunderstanding is never meaningless. Even in the moment of shame, God’s refining work is at hand.
III. Rejoicing in His Name
“…Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name!”
Peter shifts our focus from suffering to glory—from fear to gratitude. The privilege of being called a Christian is unparalleled. The Greek word for “privilege” is klesis—a calling, a vocation, a divine summons.
When the world mocks us, when our faith costs us comfort or convenience, we remember: we are called by His name. This is a badge of honour, not a burden.
Acts 5:41 “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name.”
The apostles had just been flogged for preaching Christ. They were physically beaten, publicly humiliated, yet their hearts were full of joy.
Rejoice in suffering. Do not seek suffering for its own sake, but when it comes for the sake of Christ, let your response be praise, not complaint.
As John Piper wrote: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him—even when others oppose us.”
Piper’s words remind us that rejoicing is not contingent on comfort, but on the unshakeable worth of Christ.
IV. The Gospel Centre
Friends, the reason we can endure suffering, refuse shame, and rejoice is not in ourselves—it is in Christ.
Jesus Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).
He was buried (1 Corinthians 15:4).
He rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4–6), victorious over sin, shame, and death.
If you have not placed your trust in Him, Peter’s call to rejoice may feel impossible. The invitation is simple but life-changing: repent of your sin, believe in Jesus Christ, and be reconciled to God. This is not religion—it is salvation. This is life eternal.
V. Practical Application for Modern Disciples
Expect opposition – Social pressures, subtle mockery, and even family tension may come. Do not be surprised.
Refuse shame – Anchor your identity in Christ, not in approval from others.
Rejoice in your calling – When suffering comes for His name, lift your heart in praise.
Speak the Gospel boldly – Share your faith with love and courage.
Pray continually – Ask God to fill you with power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7).
Call to Action
Examine your life: Where are you compromising to avoid shame?
Take a step of faith: Speak boldly about Jesus in one place where you have been silent.
Place your trust in Christ: If you have never surrendered to Him, do so today. Repent, believe, and receive forgiveness.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you feel the weight of sin, the sting of shame, or the fear of the world, know this: Jesus Christ bore all these for you. He died, was buried, and rose again so you could live forgiven, unashamed, and filled with eternal hope. Come to Him. Trust Him. Call upon His name.
Romans 10:9–10 (NLT) – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
VI. Conclusion and Benediction
Beloved, suffering for Christ is not a mark of failure—it is a mark of honour. Do not be ashamed. Rejoice in your calling. Bear His name boldly. Let the world see in you a joy and courage that only comes from the risen Lord.
May the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, strengthen you, sustain you, and fill you with peace as you follow Him faithfully.
Go forth, not ashamed, not fearful, but rejoicing—called by His name.
