stephen R Harrison

(Read Philippians 1:15-18)

Not everyone preaches the gospel with the right motivations. As you read this, allow the Holy Spirit to check and change (if necessary) your intentions. I know I have, and I think about these verses often.  Ashamedly, I have had wrong motives when preaching the gospel. Sinfully, I desired my church to grow larger than another pastor’s. Selfishly, I wanted to rob attention from the Lord. Thankfully, the Lord was patient, forgiving, and redemptive. I’m humbled he used those messages and times of ministry despite my flesh.  

Paul understood that some of his contemporaries preached out of “envy and rivalry.” He called out the specifics of their envy and rivalry. They desired to stir up more trouble for Paul while he was in chains (v. 17). There was another group preaching the gospel as well.  They preached “out of goodwill” (v. 15b). Their preaching was done in love and desire to advance Christ and further Paul’s mission while in prison.  Those who preach out of goodwill see other gospel preachers as partners, not competitors.  They believe they are on the same team, not rivals.  They pray for other pastors and churches and perceive them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul didn’t preach Jesus for praise and wouldn’t stop preaching because of criticism. This is the heart from which we must preach Christ!

Although some preached Christ with wrong motives, Paul did not retaliate or seek to tear down their ministries.  He often wrote about false teachers, but these were not. While their words were valid, only their motives were wrong.  Paul knew the gospel could stand on its own two feet and penetrate hearts and change lives even from the lips of sinners – and that is what we all are!  Paul understood he couldn’t change their motives (heart).  Only God could do that.  It’s almost as if he was giving them over to God.  The same gospel that came from their lips could change their hearts!  Paul didn’t have time to become sidetracked in offense toward them.  His sole mission was the advancement of the gospel.  Perhaps in writing this to the church, those who preached selfishly would realize their error and repent.  Paul wasn’t bent on retaliation but rejoicing!  

Questions for the Head (Think)

• Have there been times when you have preached or ministered with impure or improper motives?

Reflection for the Heart (Worship)

• Ask the Lord to search, seize, and purify the motives and responses of your heart in ministry and those who would criticize it.

Action for the Hands (Do)

• Is there a believer you’ve disagreed sharply with concerning a doctrine or philosophy of ministry?  If this caused division, ask the Lord how to step toward reconciliation.