Philippians 1:17-18 - Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

“But the latter, out of love, knowing that I am appointed for thedefense of the gospel, what then? Only that in every way, whether in pretenseor in truth, Christ is preached. In this I rejoice, and will rejoice.” Idon’t know about you, but for me today—with the internet, all the social platforms, television programs and somany preachers coming to us in so many ways—there are many who presentthemselves as ministers of the gospel, yet some are doing it with wrong and doing it in ways thatwe may not feel comfortable with, iIt can be very difficult to discern what isright and what is wrong. So how do we deal with it? TheApostle Paul has just acknowledged that some were preaching Christ with wrongmotives—out of envy, strife, and selfish ambition. Now he adds that others werepreaching out of love and sincerity, understanding his calling to defend thegospel. So Paul asks this remarkable question: “What then?” In other words, howshould we respond to this mixture of motives and methods in ministry? Paul’sanswer is both simple and profound: “Christ is preached; and therein do Irejoice. Yea, and will rejoice.” Nowwe must be careful to understand that Paul is not saying wrong motives areacceptable. He is not approving insincere or self-serving preaching. He hasalready exposed those motives for what they are—insincere, selfish, and evenharmful. But at the same time, Paul refuses to lose sight of what matters most:that Christ is being proclaimed. This was the consistent focus of Paul’sministry throughout his life. In1 Corinthians 2:1–2, Paul writes: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, camenot with excellency of speech or of wisdom…For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Paul made adeliberate decision. His message, his focus, and his primary goal were topreach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Then in 1 Corinthians 1:17–18, he wrote:“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not withwisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. Forthe preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto uswhich are saved it is the power of God.” Paulunderstood that the power of the gospel is not found in personality,presentation, or human wisdom. The power is in the cross of Jesus Christ. Wesee this again in Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, savein the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And in Colossians 1:28: “Whom wepreach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we maypresent every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Do you see the pattern? TheApostle Paul’s message was not about himself. It was not about his reputation.It was not about comparison with others. It was Jesus Christ—and always Christ. Sowhen Paul says in Philippians 1:18 that he rejoices, it is not because heagrees with wrong motives. It is because he rejoices that the true message ofthe gospel is still going forth. This gives us a very important balance for ourown lives today: We must not approve wrong motives in ministry. We must guardour own hearts before the Lord. But we must also keep our focus on Christ andthe gospel, not becoming distracted or discouraged by the failures of others. Myfriend, it is so easy—and you know it is—to become critical, cynical, or evensidetracked when we see people serving for the wrong reasons. But Paul remindsus here today: let’s not lose sight of the mission. Lift up Christ. Preach thegospel. Stay faithful. Inthe end, it is not about personalities, preferences, or presentations. It isabout Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May God help us to keep our focus, ourpriorities, and our eyes on Jesus Christ—our message centered on the cross andour hearts pure before Him. And like Paul, may we rejoice whenever Christ ispreached, even as we walk humbly and sincerely before the Lord. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!