Critics that Preach Christ (Philippians 1:15-18)
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:15-18)
Just as it is today, in Paul’s day there were two groups of people (with two different motives) preaching Christ. Some preached out of “love” (1:17) and “goodwill” (1:15) while others preached out of “pretence” (1:18), “envy” and “strife” (1:15). These ‘pretentious preachers’ sought to apply pressure to Paul by their actions by capitalizing on his chains and taking advantage of his imprisonment to displace him in the hearts of the saints.
The untrue motives of these men were envy and strife. Envy seeks to exalt one’s self by tearing down another. Strife seeks to add to one’s party by subtracting from another. Both of these motives are unworthy of the name of Christ. We dishonour Christ when our preaching is motivated by either self-ambition or party-ambition.
Yet in all of this, Paul displayed looked past their evil motives (in which he could only sorrow) and latched onto a great truth in which he could rejoice – His Christ was being preached!
Three Great Questions for Those who Preach Christ
1) What is my motive?
Envy puts my interests ahead of Christ. Strife puts the interests of my party ahead of Christ. Envy stands up and preaches with thoughts of my own image. Strife stands up and preaches with thoughts of adding people to my following or to my way of thinking. Envy seeks to exalt myself by criticizing others. Strife seeks to convert others from ‘their group’ to ‘my group’ rather than aiming to draw them to Christ. Neither of these motives exalt Christ.
2) What is my attitude?
When a soul is saved or Christ is magnified through another believer with whom I cannot agree, what is my attitude? Do I rejoice in the glory that is brought to Christ? Many preach Christ with an impure heart, and though I may sorrow over their motives, I can also rejoice in the wonderful fact that Christ is preached.
3) How is my zeal?
If men who are taken up with only themselves can be so diligent and dedicated in preaching Christ (as these men were), ought not I, who am taken up with Christ, to be all the more devoted in my service for Him?
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This article is part of the “Fridays in Philippians” series.
Footnotes:
1:17 - set” – Strong gives “to be appointed”. Paul had been appointed to his place in prison for the defence of the gospel. Where is the place that God has set you to defend and promote the gospel?
