DEVOTION
PHILIPPIANS
CHRIST IS CHRIST
Phil 1:15-18
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 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.
NIV
In these verses we surely see Paul was not concerned as to how Christ is preached or who is preaching Christ, but that Christ is preached. It is true today we have men and women who use the Gospel as a means of selfish gain, both financially and for fame and glory. The question is, are they preaching Jesus Christ crucified? If so then it is a great thing these people do. They are out on the front lines sharing the Gospel with those who need to hear, repent and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Motives are something I, who am human, cannot be the judge of. These things are up to the divine creator of all mankind and it is he alone who will pass judgment on all people. As Paul does, I need only rejoice because of the preaching of Christ to the lost and dieing world. Among those who hear and come to Christ could be the next D L Moody, or Billy Graham, or perhaps some unknown soul who does the will of the Father in some less public forum. The case is I must rejoice because of Christ is being preached. True I should discern if in fact Christ is being preached or just the teaching of doctrine. I know both true and false teaching and preaching is occurring. But when Christ is preached, I too must rejoice!
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