Philippians 1:15-17 ” It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the Gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.”

Paul is writing this letter from prison. The two groups of people he’s writing about here both preach Christ, but it’s their motives & attitudes that are starkly different. One group preaches Christ in a righteous & noble fashion. Their love for Paul is real, and they understand fully that he is “In chains for Christ.” The other group is envious of Paul’s stature and following, even from prison…and respond negatively to his success. Yes, they do preach Christ in a fashion, but it’s out of self-seeking duplicity…and a vying for power & prestige. To them, preaching Christ has become a competition… and a spreading of dissension among the brethren.

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1