Philippians 1: 17-19
- By: ckroboth
- On: 02/16/2009 20:15:09
- In: Philippians
What is your reason for preaching Christ's truths. In Phillipians 1: 17-19 Paul chalenges our motives for preaching Christ Truth.
17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
Two years ago I start Dicipleship class with Brian Swan as my leader. I was convinced that when I finished DC I would enroll in the seminary to become a preaching minister.
When God started me in Discipleship with Christ as my leader, he showed me that when finished with DC, he would enroll me in a life time of ministry.
In my selfish ambition to go to seminary, would I have been preaching the Gospel? Sure. Would it have been God's plan? No.
I was looking to make preaching a profession and not a ministry. I was looking to make it my identity instead of letting God reveal my identity to me. Maybe our turning Pastoring into a profession instead of understanding the ministry we are all called to, has lead us down the road of Selfish Ambition. We have allowed the influence of the world to dictated who and who can't be leaders of the Church, often to the piont of competition amoung churches for attendence. This continues the theme from 16. Most do not wish harm on another church, but they do find ways to compete.
18But 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.
Paul understood and found joy in knowing that no matter the circumstances Christ’s truth would win out above all things. Over our petty differences, and our selfish desires God will find a way for his Truth to be heard.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
Paul understood that his imprisionment was ment to spread the gospel of Christ. In the same way as we live in God’s will he will use our circumstances to move forward the Good news of His Grace. He will use our times of suffering and praises, to form testimonies about how His Spirit has worked in our life. Like Paul we must find joy and rejoice that we can communicate Chirst in such a way.
With that in mind. Do you have a story to tell?
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