APRIL 7, 2025 – SELFISH AMBITION

READ: Phil.1:15-18: Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice …

This text can be misunderstood. It might seem as though it does not matter whether a sermon is truly faithful to the Bible, as long as Christ is preached as the Saviour. Differences in biblical doctrine would then be of secondary importance.

However, if you read carefully, you will see that this passage is not about the content of the preaching. Of course, the message must be completely in accordance with God’s Word. False teachings must not be proclaimed (compare Phil. 3:2; 4:1), nor should sins be excused (compare Phil. 1:10, 27; 2:15; 3:17-19).

In other letters, Paul never allows room for false doctrines; on the contrary, he speaks out against them very strongly (compare Galatians 1:6-9).

No, the situation here is different. Despite his imprisonment, Paul rejoices that he has been able to testify about Christ to his persecutors, encouraging others to overcome their fears and speak about Christ as well.

Furthermore, Christ is being preached within the church. Paul is happy about this, and his joy will continue (v.18), even though some preachers in Rome have a negative attitude toward him.

Apparently, they see him as a rival now that he is also speaking about Christ in prison, inspiring others to do the same. They fail to recognize that Paul is in Rome specifically to fulfill the Lord’s mission of defending the Gospel (see also Acts 23:11). Because of this, they make things more difficult for Paul.

However, there are also others—perhaps the majority (Phil. 1:14)—who do recognize Paul’s mission and therefore love and honor him. No matter the circumstances, Paul rejoices in the preaching of Christ.

Can you preach Christ out of self-interest?                    

Sing: Ps. 40:4,7