It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:15-18a
Paul has been telling the Philippians that he is rejoicing because as a result of his imprisonment the gospel is being preached in Rome, and now he continues his thoughts on that subject. It would seem that there are people who are preaching the gospel with impure motives, that they would like to stir up trouble for Paul. He hasn’t told us exactly how this would happen for him, so I will leave the speculation to others, but let’s be honest; there are those today who preach for the wrong motives as well.
I have seen and heard of some who preach out of envy and rivalry, have you? I have seen some who simply can’t stand the thought of anybody else serving Christ in that way, who are always afraid that someone might supplant them or their ministry. Maybe they are afraid for their job or their position, or maybe they just have a sense of inferiority. Whatever the reason, they are only good “team players” is everyone else is on their team. It’s sad, really, for it should never be this way in the Body of believers, for all of us are on His Team! Most that I have seen, however, serve out of goodwill. As Paul has noted here, they serve out of love for others. As Paul put it, they know that he was put here for the defense of the gospel. Yes, isn’t that why all of us are “put here”?
“Selfish ambition” may be a reason that many preach, thinking that they can “be somebody” by attracting followers, just as a celebrity might attract fans. This sort of thing has no place in the church, and yet perhaps it is more common than we might like to admit.
I know about a particular case where there was a minster leading a growing church. He was doing good work, and yet like all us, wasn’t good at everything. His leadership considered adding an “associate” to staff who was much more experienced and who could handle the areas that the minister had problems in. When the minister heard about this, he became quite upset; all he could see was that the leaders were thinking he wasn’t doing the job right. He felt that if they added someone to help him, the people would see him as having been rebuked in some way. When the other guy heard of this, he removed himself from consideration, not wanting to cause any division. Was the growth and health of that church damaged by this? Would it have been even more vibrant had things worked out differently? We will never know; maybe that guy coming on board just wasn’t God’s plan, but I think you get the idea of what can happen… Right about now, we might want to jump on the bandwagon of condemnation and indignation, but before we do, maybe we should see how Paul reacts…
Paul recognized the situation, and while he did not endorse false motives in any way, he saw that good was coming out of it in spite of everything. What did it matter anyway? For whatever reason, the gospel of Christ was being proclaimed, and that is the most important thing.
Have you noticed how Paul views things? He isn’t overly concerned with his unfortunate circumstances, he isn’t overly concerned that everything isn’t always ideal, his sole concern is that the gospel of Jesus Christ goes forth so that some will be saved, that their sins may be forgiven, and that they may inherit eternal life. I wonder, is there a lesson in this for us today?
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Paul is one of my very favorite role models, he really did keep his eyes on the prize.
He sure did!
Paul was an amazing man, definitely someone to emulate, but how many of us could ever humble ourselves enough to make it to his level? quite a role model!
Maybe we can get to that level, maybe we can’t. Maybe Paul’s example will help more of us to get our attitudes straight, and that seems half the battle.
Yes I think you are right–attitudes are half the battle! Amazing what we can do with God’s help if our attitudes are in the right place.
It is ever!
I think we may have stirred a bit of a storm. I shared this on Facebook. It didn’t take long for a friend to challenge the statement that “at least the Gospel is being preached.” Of course I mentioned mega church pastors. That didn’t help. Even though I don’t agree with their often watered down message, they are preaching the Gospel and leading people to Jesus and causing people to read the Word for themselves.
Every little thing helps.
I think you’re right. It would seem that Paul is concerned about people being led to Christ, and if those guys are doing that, then good for them… and maybe some can do even better.
I really like this. Paul, in this situation, exemplifies the humility that we need to practice. He truly lived as Christ. He carries his cross and humbled himself for the good of the gospel…for the good of mankind. For the cause of Jesus.
GO PAUL!
Amen!
3 John was written by an elder to Gaius (about which brethren had given testimony). Gaius seemed to need help finding a decent group of believers. That writer, as part of a ‘we’ group (elder board?) recommended Demetrius highly while disdaining Diotrophes. Were John and his peers bad for this? Paul, himself, came out against Philetus and Hymenaeus. I think the threshold is whether they “preach Christ” or overthrow the faith of some with profane and vain babblings. (2 Tim. 2:16-18)
Paul defines the volume of acceptable teaching:
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Tim. 2:2)
I consider the writings of Paul, Luke, and Peter (the latter of 2 of which bore witness of Paul’s faith) sufficiently qualified to be “many witnesses” for me. (Naturally, I accept the rest of the New Covenant writings as testimony from others who saw the Lord.)
Paul is an example of humility. He did not care about his personal situation. He continued to care about the church and its spiritual growth. What an example for us to follow. Seeking the good and growth of the church rather than self.
So very true; a role model for all of us to follow
Elegant, Mr Merritt. Elegant. Thank you.
Thank you kind sir!
Guess it all breaks down to “Jesus”. Is your motive to present Him or is to get the approval of men? I guess we all have to check our motives whether they be pure and honest before God. vw
Yep
Paul is a wonderful example of moving the gospel forward no matter the circumstances, of placing Jesus first in all areas of his life. He walked his belief out every day of the week.
He is a great role model
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