Adversity is a Reason to Seek and Preach Jesus

In Philippians verse 12-18 Paul addresses the church pointing out that he himself is always experiencing adversity. In this case he is in Rome in prison being bound to Praetorian Guard night and day. Although Paul was in prison, he took full advantage of his situation and penned most of his epistles in jail. In verse 12 he wants to ensure the church that the things he has experienced was for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse 3-14 Paul explains that it is in his prison cell that God moved not only in him but in the palace and in the guards. In His chains he was inspired to preach and share Jesus. It did not matter to Paul where he was at or under what circumstances he was living under. It mattered that he shared Jesus to everyone around him. In fact he believes that in prison it helped to embolden others to get out and preach about Jesus. In Verses 15-17 Paul identifies two types of preaching that is taking place in the church. One type is preaching with the love of God in you. Preaching sincerely from your heart and always pointing towards Jesus. The other addresses the preaching methods such as preaching with envy, with anger, with insincerity and selfish ambition. Paul makes the distinction between the two methods of preaching and has a very low opinion of the selfish preaching. Paul takes the position that those preaching in this method are doing it to add affliction to the circumstance he is in. Being held in prison and held in chains. But continues in verse 18 to state that although he does not approve of what is taking place, he is glad or the word he uses is “rejoice” that the word of God is being preached.

Paul’s message is not only for the Philippians church, it also extends to the modern day church and the motivations of some pastors and church leaders. I recall not so long ago that during a critical time in our country that the government was forcing churches to suspend their services. Preventing congregants of meeting in their places of worship. I read in several instances where pastors were offered incentives to keep the doors closed. I believe these are the types of pastors and preachers Paul is addressing in the church in Philippi and in the region. The ones with selfish ambitions and really not sincere to God or his word.

Do I believe it is essential to have the gospel preached throughout our communities in ways that benefits the people providing them an alternative to the world views they are bombarded with? I believe the answer without question is yes. Do I believe the gospel should be preached with the utmost sincerity without envy and jealousy? Again, the answer is yes. Do I believe that there are going to be consequences to those who do it with an insincere heart or dubious motives? The answer is still unequivocally yes.

We are all called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in whatever capacity God is calling you. The point that needs to be emphasized is that when we serve God we need to serve him with all sincerity and love for the people he brings in our FOV (field of view). Always pointing people away from ourselves and pointing people to Jesus. When we achieve this as Paul does, we can see the love of Jesus spreading through our communities, through our families and into each one of us as individuals.

We are all given ample opportunity to share the gospel. When we believe that God is doing the internal and external work in and through us, then we are on the right path to showing people the love that Christ has poured into us. Our goal is supporting Jesus in every way possible to build the kingdom of heaven. Our job is not to take control and do things in our own understanding. If we approach ministry without the love of Christ believing that He died for our sins and start to follow the world view and how our Christian walk should look, then we are at risk of not only following distorted doctrine but even propagating it.

We can stay true to God and His word when we allow Christ to build in us His love and understanding of His word and to share with others equipping us for the role we are to embark upon. Following the “doctrine of the day” does not edify Christ or His Father. It does not edify the ones we are preaching to and most assuredly it does not edify our souls. The full depth and breadth of the word of God does that, The Holy Spirit indwelled in us does that, God the Father sending His Son to forgive our sins does that. Without the Triune God in our lives we become hollow shells of what God has intended us to become. Faithful servants, serving the Lord Jesus Christ and His Father for the rest of our days into eternity.

I pray that we as the body of Christ become closer to God receiving the message of Jesus Christ. I pray that we would open our ears to God’s word and allow the Holy Spirit to discern the message of Christ through God’s word. I pray that we would see Jesus clearly and follow Him with love and respect and He deserves it. I Jesus Mighty Name I pray Amen! Amen!