“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains” (Philippians 1:15-17)

God’s desire for all His children is that we grow into a full experience of salvation, by craving the “pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2). This is the true and full life that Christ promised to us (John 10:10). Yet, we are faced with a need to discern between those who preach Christ “out of envy and rivalry” (self-seeking ambition) and those who preach Christ “out of goodwill” (motivated by the love of Christ). Those who preach out of envy and rivalry do so because their “god is their belly” and they set their minds “on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19). Like savage wolves, they “will not spare the flock.” They also “arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).

For those who preach out of Christ’s love like Paul, he said: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you… I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing… You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you…” (Acts 20:18-20). How he lived, served, endured and helped. LOVE. Father, may our love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that we may discern what is best, pure and blameless in Christ. Amen.

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share