Vol. 17 No. 42 | October 20, 2014
In the second part of the opening chapter of his letter to the believers in Philippi after he expresses his love for them and the joy he finds in their partnership in sharing the gospel, he explains the joy he is experiencing as a result of his imprisonment. His joy exists, it seems, not in spite of the chains, but because of the chains. His confidence in God’s plan, though unclear at the time, reminds us that we, too, can find joy in our struggles and still carry out our mission for the Lord.
In the middle of his description of his unpleasant circumstances he shares another reason for his joy.
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, NIV)
Christ is preached. Paul rejoices.
He knows that some use the name of Christ for their own benefit, or to create problems for him. He does not care. He rejoices. He knows that some have good intentions. He rejoices. Because he is in chains the message of Jesus is being preached. Even though he is in prison the message of Jesus is being preached. He may not get the credit, he may not get the recognition, and he may not see the results, but he rejoices because Jesus is preached.
Can we do the same?
Have you ever noticed how many churches we have in our communities? There are churches of all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of teachings that are specific for a particular tribe. Each one carries out her ministries in ways that may differ from ours. We have one thing in common: Jesus is preached. The externals are different. The insider language may be different. The practices vary. The styles of worship may not be like ours. We have one thing in common: Jesus is preached. They are organized differently from us. The teaching materials they use are not like ours. The methods of sharing the messages are not like ours. We have one thing in common: Jesus is preached.
Paul rejoiced because others were preaching Jesus regardless of their motives. With all the issues that divide us, all the walls that separate us, and all the arguments that alienate us it is good that we can rejoice when others preach Jesus.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.