Meaningful Life
Date: Feb. 26, 2024
Bible Reading: Philippians 1:15-18
Take Home Point: What is Your Motive?
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of 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.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (NIV)
I love the book of Philippians because it is one book in the Bible that is, so Christ focused. In chapter one alone of this book, the name Christ is mentioned 18 times, this is a Christ saturated chapter, and one of our plans as Hope church is to saturate Moreno Valley with the gospel of Christ like the Apostle Paul. Another word that is used a couple of times in this chapter alone is the Gospel. Six times we find it in this chapter. Following these two words is Joy. Joy is used four times in this chapter. What does this tell us? It simply means that for us to have a meaningful life as Christians, and for our joy to be full, our lives must be tied to Christ and the Gospel. Paul found joy in Christ whenever the gospel message was shared.
In verses 15-17 of our text, we see two categories of Christians with different motives for sharing the Gospel message. These are Christians who preach the gospel with:
1. Envious Motive & Strife:
Wherever there is envy, there will always be strife. In verse 15a, and verse 17 Paul writes that; “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry….” I like the way the Ryrie study Bible puts it “Some, to be Sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife….”
2. Those Preaching Christ with Goodwill (Defending the Truth):
This class of Christians (preachers) did so with a pure heart. They preached and practiced their Christianity with love. They were ready to defend the truth of the gospel without fear even if it would cost them their lives. They had no personal goal or gain in mind.
The apostle Paul therefore cautions us in Galatians 5:19-21
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
We should also avoid these things in our relationships with fellow Christians, neighbors, and colleagues at the workplace if our goal is to spend eternity with Jesus. Our motive for sharing the gospel must be pure and out of love for Christ and unsaved souls.
I wish you a meaningful week.
Pastor David Kachi Jite