Is Christ Being Proclaimed?
Philippians 1:15-18
“Some Indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains, but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
One thing I love about Paul is that he didn’t sugar-coat anything. He directly called people out or confronted those who were sent to disturb the ministry of the gospel. However, in his maturity, he differentiated between those who were false teachers and those who were true ministers of faith. In these few verses, Paul is calling out these two types of people.
Paul had many enemies. Those who abhorred him because of his change from Judaism to faith in Christ and because of the message he preached pertaining Jesus Christ. He states that people are preaching Christ with different hearts. Some with envy and strife and others with love. Oxford Languages Dictionary describes envy as “a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else’s possessions, qualities, or luck.” Envy goes to the next level of Jealousy, in the context of desire. When a person strongly longs for another person’s life, this can become disruptive and conflicting to the one who is being attacked. Strife coveys “conflict; angry or bitter disagreements over fundamental issues” (Oxford Languages Dictionary).
Paul stated that the envy and strife he was experiencing was adding to his affliction. He was already imprisoned in Rome and chained to a Roman soldier, not knowing if he would live or die. However, Paul, in his maturity, chose to take the emphasis off his pain and celebrate Christ. He realized his affliction, although great, was nothing in comparison to that of Jesus Christ. His response is huge! He says, although people are preaching Christ with ill-intents in the heart and ignorance, they are preaching the right message. He rejoices in knowing that Christ’s name is being proclaimed.
Paul was also encouraged because some like-minded believers were proclaiming Christ with good intentions. They were preaching the gospel from the goodwill of their hearts and with sincere devotion to Christ. They meant well and they were in support of Paul’s call as a minister of faith. They were not competing with him; they were upholding the standard of truth.
The truth of the gospel is that no matter what excuse or reason people compete and give in to their flesh, believers must maintain focus and be careful not to join or extend the conflict. We must Continue to present Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and return and Jesus Christ will be up- lifted and God will be glorified.
Keep in mind:
People will seek to deter those who are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We must maintain focus in ministry even when there are distractions.
God knows the hearts of all people. If Jesus is being preached, we must rejoice!
Encourage and Be Encouraged!