UUU | Wk 2: UNASHAMED
This three-week teaching series studying the book of Philippians is all about evangelism. We want students to develop an overwhelming thankfulness for their salvation and for God’s goodness. His love for them is Unshakeable! As an overflow they will embrace their identity as children of God and become Unashamed ambassadors of the good news of His kingdom. Ultimately, God is Unstoppable in His mission to bring His lost children back into relationship with Him.
BOTTOM LINE
Unashamed to share the Gospel.
SCRIPTURE
Philippians 1:20-26 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
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We are in a series walking through the book of Philippians, a letter written by a guy named Paul while he was literally chained up in a Roman prison. Most people in prison are full of regret or fear, but Paul was full of joy. Why? Because he realized three things:
UNSHAKABLE: (*Last Sunday) Because God is in control, our identity and our future cannot be shaken by bad days, breakups, or even prison bars.
UNASHAMED: (*Today) Because we know the Truth, we don’t have to hide our faith or "filter" our love for Jesus to fit in.
UNSTOPPABLE: (*Next Sunday on Youtube) Because the Holy Spirit is at work, nothing—not even death—can stop the message of God’s love from spreading.
Last week, we learned that God is unshakable. Today, we’re talking about the natural "side effect" of knowing an unshakable God: becoming UNASHAMED.
Think about how much time we spend curating our lives. We are obsessed with protecting our image. But when you realize you are a child of the Creator of the Universe, your image doesn't matter as much anymore. Being unashamed isn't about being loud or annoying; it’s about being so secure in who Jesus says you are that you don’t have to hide Him to fit in. HAVE A STUDENT READ Philippians 1:20-26: Paul explains his mindset
Paul in Philippians also talks about his "partners in the gospel" (Philippians 2:19-30) He had a squad—people like Timothy and Epaphroditus who had his back.
The Truth is this: You are called to share the Good News, but you aren't called to be a "lonely ranger." The Church is a team meant to reach a broken world together. Ask a student to read this outloud: “Sharing your faith isn't about winning an argument; it’s about joining what the Holy Spirit is already doing. Remember, when you live UNASHAMED, you might face some pushback. People might ignore you or think you're weird. But Jesus promised in Matthew 5:10 that God blesses those who are teased/persecuted for doing what is right. Your job is to be faithful; God’s job is to change the heart.”
Challenge: Identify 5 people in your "circle of influence" (math class, track team, family) who don’t know Jesus. Put their names in your phone (or whatever practice to help you remember them) and pray for them every morning this week.Next time you’re with a friend, ask a deeper question. Instead of just talking about sports or school, ask, "What do you actually believe about God?" Then—this is the key—just listen.
Quick Questions:
1–On a scale of 1–10, how much do you "filter" your faith when you're at school or with certain friends? Why do you think we do that?
2–Paul said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." If you were in prison for your faith today, what do you think your "status update" would look like?
3–Who are the people in your life that actually encourage you to follow Jesus? If you don’t have a "Timothy" or a "partner," how can this small group become that for you?
4–Without naming names if you want to keep it private, what is the biggest "barrier" you feel when you think about sharing Jesus with those in your social circles? (Fear? Not knowing what to say? Worrying it’ll be awkward?)
Action Step: What is one UNASHAMED thing you can do this week? (e.g., inviting someone to Moxie, praying for a friend in person, or posting a verse that actually means something to you).
*Ask 1-3 students to pray for boldness this week.
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–Heads Up: Moxie is moving back to Wednesdays starting April 15th. (This is our last Sunday until we meet on Wednesday, April 15th.)
–Next week’s teaching will be on YouTube. Search ‘Moxie Students’ OR ‘Moxie Student Ministry’
–High School: Register for CIY MOVE | July 6-11 @ Lee University (Cleveland, TN)
–Happy Easter! Be safe and have fun during Spring Break!
–Head to the main space for Movie and Popcorn.