The True Victim
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 1:15-18
Paul is in prison for preaching the gospel and stirring up trouble with his words about Jesus. Now lots of people are talking about Jesus but for very different reasons.
Two things I want us to notice here.
Firstly, here is a good opportunity to really reflect on this. Is Paul saying that it’s ok if people have bad motivations as long as they preach Christ? Is that what he would say to the prosperity preacher or the catholic priest today? I don’t think so.
I think Paul is talking about unbelievers who are talking about Christ. People who are saying things like:
“Do you know what that Paul believed? He believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. How wrong is that!”
But in saying such things. Christ is actually being preached through their motivation is to stir up more trouble for Paul. And Paul says, well, at least people are talking about Jesus!
Second thing I want us to see. Against the trends of our modern culture, Paul does not play the victim card. He’s in prison and people are whispering, preaching even against him and his faith.
But Paul rejoices because the true victim, Jesus Christ, is being spoken about and people are hearing about Him.
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father for His holy name that can never be stained or tarnished. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who was the true victim. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others speak of Jesus with good motivations and rejoice even in trials.
Philippians 1:15-18
Paul is in prison for preaching the gospel and stirring up trouble with his words about Jesus. Now lots of people are talking about Jesus but for very different reasons.
Two things I want us to notice here.
Firstly, here is a good opportunity to really reflect on this. Is Paul saying that it’s ok if people have bad motivations as long as they preach Christ? Is that what he would say to the prosperity preacher or the catholic priest today? I don’t think so.
I think Paul is talking about unbelievers who are talking about Christ. People who are saying things like:
“Do you know what that Paul believed? He believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah. How wrong is that!”
But in saying such things. Christ is actually being preached through their motivation is to stir up more trouble for Paul. And Paul says, well, at least people are talking about Jesus!
Second thing I want us to see. Against the trends of our modern culture, Paul does not play the victim card. He’s in prison and people are whispering, preaching even against him and his faith.
But Paul rejoices because the true victim, Jesus Christ, is being spoken about and people are hearing about Him.
For Today:
- When have you seen Jesus spoken about despite bad motivations?
- Do you feel like a victim sometimes?
- What is there to rejoice in today?
Pray: Praise the Father for His holy name that can never be stained or tarnished. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who was the true victim. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others speak of Jesus with good motivations and rejoice even in trials.
Posted in Philippians
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