Philippians 1:15-16 - Serving the Lord—But Why?

Todaywe are continuing in Philippians 1, and we are looking at verses 15 and 16.This is a very searching passage of Scripture where the Apostle Paul says: “Someindeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. Theone preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction tomy bonds.” This is a sobering statement. The Apostle Paul is saying thatthere were some people actually preaching Christ, but doing it with the wrongmotives. Wecould have entitle our chat today: “What kind of motives do you have as youserve Christ?” Are we serving Christ with the right motives, or are we servingHim for the wrong reasons? Paul said, some were driven by envy, jealousy, andselfish ambition. He says they were not sincere. In fact, they were hoping tomake Paul’s situation even more difficult while he was in prison. Thisreminds us of a very important truth: it is possible to do the right thing, butfor the wrong reasons or the wrong motives. As we understand, Paul even goes onto say that although some preach Christ for the wrong reasons, he stillrejoices that Christ is being preached. So yes, Paul rejoices that the gospelis going forth. But this does not mean that God ignores the motives of theheart. One day, every motive will be examined. In1 Corinthians 3:12–15, we are told that our works will be tested by fire: “Ifany man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall besaved; yet so as by fire.” This is not a judgment of whether or not we aresaved—that was settled at the cross when we trusted Christ. But it is a matterof our works and our motives. The fire will reveal what kind of work it reallywas. Thenin 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes: “The Lord will bring to light the hiddenthings of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” Didyou catch that? Not only what we did, but why we did it will be revealed. Jesusspoke very plainly about this in Matthew chapter 6. He warned about giving,praying, and fasting just to be seen by others. And each time He said: “Theyhave their reward.” In other words, if the praise of people is what theywanted, then that is all the reward they will receive. There will be no rewardfrom our Father in heaven when we do things just to be praised by men. Thisbrings to light the words of Jesus in John 15:5: “Without Me, you can donothing.” That does not mean we cannot stay busy or accomplish thingsoutwardly. It means we can do nothing of eternal value apart from Him—nothingthat will count for eternity, nothing that will stand the test when it passesthrough the fire at the judgment seat of Christ. Sowe must continually ask ourselves the question: Why am I serving the Lord? Am Iserving Him out of love for Christ? Am I serving Him for His glory? Or is therea desire to be seen, to be recognized, or even to be compared to others? I knowsome people serve Christ out of what might be called “religious compensation”.They are trying to make up for the wrong they did before they were saved. Myfriend, we can never repay Christ for what He did for us on the cross. That isa wrong motive and a wrong reason to serve Him. InColossians 3:23–24, we read: “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as tothe Lord, and not unto men;Knowingthat of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you servethe Lord Christ.” Wemust always remember that one day we will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ,and everything will be revealed. The things done for Him, through Him, and independence upon Him will remain—and they will be rewarded. But the things donein the flesh, for self, or for the praise of men, will be burned up. MayGod help us to serve the Lord with a pure heart, in full dependence uponChrist, and for His glory alone. For in the end, that is all that will matter. MayGod help us to do that today. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!