The Gospel Cannot Be Stopped: Philippians 1:15-18
“15) Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16) the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17) the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” Philippians 1:15-18
The gospel has always had both true and false workers. The genuine workers preach the truth in love through the power of the Holy Spirit. They clearly proclaim the gospel message that Paul gave his life to defend.
False workers twist and distort the gospel message. They do ministry from false motives. Often they seek to exploit people or prey on the poor and ignorant. Their goal is personal wealth while they leave people wounded, confused and disillusioned. Their ultimate goal is to hinder the spread of the gospel.
But Paul rejoiced that the ultimate goal of the good news about Jesus Christ was under the active and dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. He has a way of directing sincerely seeking people to the truth about Jesus Christ.
Saul himself had become a prime example of this principle. He thought he was serving God by killing Christians and hindering the message of Jesus Christ. But God miraculously saved and transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul.
The true gospel cannot be stopped because it is tied to the active power of the Holy Spirit. He has ways to miraculously move people to the truth of the gospel and transform them.
Harsh opponents can become zealous proponents of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Persecutors can become preachers. Sinners can be forgiven and set free. These kinds of miracles happen constantly on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The gospel changes people.
Never give up on anyone nor get distracted from your call to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and the gospel. God always prevails and His Word accomplishes its purpose. (See Isaiah 55:10-11)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“15) Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16) the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17) the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 18) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” Philippians 1:15-18
The gospel has always had both true and false workers. The genuine workers preach the truth in love through the power of the Holy Spirit. They clearly proclaim the gospel message that Paul gave his life to defend.
False workers twist and distort the gospel message. They do ministry from false motives. Often they seek to exploit people or prey on the poor and ignorant. Their goal is personal wealth while they leave people wounded, confused and disillusioned. Their ultimate goal is to hinder the spread of the gospel.
But Paul rejoiced that the ultimate goal of the good news about Jesus Christ was under the active and dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. He has a way of directing sincerely seeking people to the truth about Jesus Christ.
Saul himself had become a prime example of this principle. He thought he was serving God by killing Christians and hindering the message of Jesus Christ. But God miraculously saved and transformed Saul into the Apostle Paul.
The true gospel cannot be stopped because it is tied to the active power of the Holy Spirit. He has ways to miraculously move people to the truth of the gospel and transform them.
Harsh opponents can become zealous proponents of Jesus Christ and the gospel. Persecutors can become preachers. Sinners can be forgiven and set free. These kinds of miracles happen constantly on the front lines of spreading the gospel. The gospel changes people.
Never give up on anyone nor get distracted from your call to faithfully proclaim Jesus Christ and the gospel. God always prevails and His Word accomplishes its purpose. (See Isaiah 55:10-11)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
