Philippians 1:15

“Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will.”

1. Context:The book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, likely around AD 61-62. The letter is addressed to the believers in the city of Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. Paul wrote this letter to express his gratitude for their partnership in the gospel and to encourage them in their faith.

2. Preaching Christ out of envy and strife:In this verse, Paul acknowledges that there are people who preach about Christ out of envy and strife. This implies that there were individuals who were motivated by wrong intentions, such as jealousy or personal conflicts, rather than a genuine desire to spread the Gospel.

3. Preaching Christ out of good will:Paul contrasts those who preach Christ out of envy and strife with others who do so out of good will. These individuals genuinely desire to share the message of Christ with others, motivated by a sincere love for God and a desire to see people come to faith.

4. Lessons for us:

• a) Be aware of wrong motives: This verse reminds us that even in the context of sharing the Gospel, wrong motives can exist. It is crucial for us to examine our hearts and ensure that our intentions are pure when we engage in any ministry or service for God.
• b) Motivated by love: Paul’s mention of those who preach out of good will emphasizes the importance of having a genuine love for God and others. Love should be the driving force behind our actions, including sharing the message of Christ with others.
• c) God can work despite human shortcomings: Although there were individuals preaching out of envy and strife, Paul recognizes that God can still use their message to accomplish His purposes. This reminds us that even in imperfect situations, God can work through His Word to bring about transformation and salvation.

5. Application:

• a) Examine your motives: Take time to reflect on your own motivations when engaging in ministry or sharing the Gospel. Seek to align your intentions with a genuine love for God and others, rather than personal gain or competition.
• b) Cultivate love: Let love be the foundation of your actions, both in sharing the message of Christ and in your interactions with others. Love should characterize your relationships, your service, and your speech.
• c) Trust God’s sovereignty: Even in situations where people may have wrong motives or conflicts arise, trust that God can still work through His Word. Remain faithful to the truth of the Gospel and pray for God to bring about His purposes despite any human shortcomings.