Philippians 1: 13-16
- By: ckroboth
- On: 02/02/2009 20:34:41
- In: Philippians
Paul wants us to know that if we are called to preach to 1 or 1000, we must do so out of love. We must also know that there is a risk, as his chains show. Paul also is painting a picture of fellowship within the body of believers. We are called to recognize the commitment of other believers to Christ, and to be unified in preaching the gospel of Christ because of that commitment.
Whether it was one person or fifty, Paul found joy in knowing he was spreading the truth of Christ. Much like we are called to do. Sometimes we will be called to minister to 1 person for a year, other times we will be called to minister to 50, 100, 1000's... We never know. We must just allow God to use is in what ever situation.
Phil 1:14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.
Paul's fellow believers seeing him in chains recognized this is what Christ said would happen. We will be persacuted for our faith and profession of the Truth of Christ. The world today is against the believer in Christ more so than every before. Can we as the church maintain the unity an preach a consitent message based on the love Christ taught us.
Philippians 1: 15-16It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
Mathew Henry's commentary says.
--Now this would be a stumbling-block and discouragement to some, that there were those who envied Paul’s reputation in the churches, and the interest he had among the Christians, and endeavoured to supplant and undermine him. They were secretly pleased when he was laid up in prison, that they might have the better opportunity to steal away the people’s affections; and they laid themselves out the more in preaching, that they might gain to themselves the reputation they envied him: They thought hereby to grieve his spirit, and make him afraid of losing his interest, uneasy under his confinement, and impatient for release. It is sad that there should be men who profess the gospel, especially who preach it, who are governed by such principles as these, who should preach Christ in spite to Paul, and to increase the affliction of his bonds. Let us not think it strange if in these later and more degenerate ages of the church there should be any such. However, there were others who were animated by Paul’s sufferings to preach Christ the more vigorously: Some also of good will, and love: from sincere affection to the gospel, that the work might not stand while the workman was laid up.—
It hit me as I read what Mathew Henry said:
1. Churches today do this with each other. Church A might see that Church B is gaining membership. Church A may not wish ill will on Church B, but they will try to compete with "B". Preaching similar sermons, changing their music style. All because they are envious of the other churches growing attendance. Maybe they should look internally at their true motives for preaching the Gospel.
2. How often when in the conversation with christians, do we try to one up the other with our biblical knowelege. We use our knowelege to try and win the favor and affection of the others in the group. Sometimes taking it so far as to try an prove the other person wrong on trivial matters. Looking smarter or better as a motive to preach the gospel, instead of making themselves the least.
If we are to have true fellowship, we should preach the Gospel in unity with each other. Reconizing the love and commetment we each have for Christ.
Jumping ahead a bit we see Paul say...
Phil 2:1-2 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
