CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE IN CHRIST MINISTRIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL BIBLE STUDY ON YOUTUBE
Philippians 1:15-18
For those who, “ are much more bold to speak the word without fear” (Philippians 1:14c, NKJV), Paul goes on to note in Philippians 1:15-17, “15Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.” The main point that the Apostle Paul is making is that the gospel is being preached – these are not false teachers, even though some are preaching the gospel for their own gain, as to have a following or simply to make a living while some are preaching the gospel in sincerity of heart to the Lord. Paul states in Philippians 1:18, “18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.”
This is an example that we should rejoice in that the gospel is being preached and the good news of Christ Jesus is being shared with others regardless of the motivation behind the preaching.
We must make sure to understand that the Apostle Paul is referring to the truth of the Bible being preached – not false teaching. In the world today there are priests and pastors who are preaching the gospel because they figured it would be a good job to have in making a living for their family or because they want to be a leader. Paul has stated that the main point is that the gospel is being preached. Hopefully this statement was made to convict the hearts of those who are not sincerely seeking Jesus in their lives as priests and pastors; that it would lead them to put Jesus first in their lives.
Dear LORD,
Please touch the hearts, minds, and souls of all the priests and pastors in the world today and lead them to a calling and desire to put You first in their lives with a passion to sincerely lead others to You in salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ. Please convict all our hearts to know that Lucifer/the devil sought to put himself above You and was cast out of heaven for it (Isaiah 14:12-15). Please fill all our hearts, minds, and souls with joy in knowing that the gospel is being preached. In Jesus name I pray, amen.