Philippians 1:12-18 Serving with Right Motives

Philippians 1:12-18

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Background

This passage reveals the remarkable quality of Paul’s character. First, he is able to see his imprisonment from the perspective of God, which is really to further the gospel into the palace community and the prison. Second, he became a source of strength for other ministers to stand firm in the face of oppositions. Third, despite being falsely accused while in prison by the ministers of pretense, he rejoices because the gospel is preached. Paul shows us the character of one who is endorsed by God, and whose teachings have wide-ranging and far-reaching effects. In God’s assessment and choice of his servants, one’s character is more important than his capabilities.

Observation

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.

Paul consoles and guides the Philippians believers into having the right perspective concerning his imprisonment. It is not a setback for Paul or for the ministry but rather a divine orchestration of God’s will to further the gospel: what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. Hence, they should see oppositions as God’s divine means to further the gospel and not as threats to be feared. Apparently, the imperial guards who watched over Paul came to know that he was imprisoned not for lawbreaking but for his stand concerning the values of Christ: my imprisonment is for Christ. Paul’s preaching inevitably put him on a collision path with government officials who practice corruption and immorality. In an effort to silence Paul, they locked him up unaware that the palace guards themselves would subsequently be exposed to the gospel.

And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul’s imprisonment has a knock-on effect on other ministers in that they are emboldened to speak the gospel without fear. Not only did the gospel spread among the palace guards, this “unfortunate” event for Paul positively impacted the gospel environment as a whole. To be more specific, it is Paul’s attitude towards his imprisonment that encouraged other believers to press on for the gospel. Fellow ministers are confident that if God would strengthen Paul in his tribulation (as evident by his attitude), God would likewise strengthen them.

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

Paul takes occasion to surface the hidden motives of certain ministers: Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. Some ministers afflict Paul while he is in prison by accusing him of actual lawbreaking and giving others a false impression as to the cause of his imprisonment; they intend to damage his reputation in order to shore up their own credibility and draw people to themselves. Such preach the gospel out of envy and rivalry and not from a pure desire to save the lost; they see their ministry as a means to fulfill their personal quest for recognition, power and wealth.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.

Paul’s response to the movement of the gospel ministry as a whole reveals his selfless attitude. Even though his reputation may be tainted by the ministers of pretense, he is nevertheless comforted because the integrity of the gospel message is still preserved in their preaching.

Truth

There is always a divine reason for everything that happened. God has a knack for using the bad to accomplish the good and that which cannot be accomplished through normal circumstances. Believers must try to see God’s hand in all their circumstances and to work with Him. However, the challenge is to stay above the onslaught of pessimistic interpretation of bad circumstances. By entering into praise and worship, we accentuate God’s wisdom, love and power in our circumstances and cause us to see things from His perspective.

People are more encouraged by one who maintains a positive attitude while in the midst of their struggles than one who has no struggles. Hence, we should use negative circumstances to our advantage by understanding God’s purposes and maintain a faith-filled attitude. When we harbor a faith-filled attitude in our circumstances, we exude positive energy through which others are encouraged and emboldened in their own circumstances. It is more beneficial for us and for others when we choose to see things God’s way and believe in His power to deliver than to be entrapped in pessimism.

God sees the motive of doing ministry as more important than the result of it. God rewards those who have a pure heart, who possess the fruit of righteousness. Ministers must preach the gospel not out of pretense but out of truth. A minister who preaches the gospel out of pretense and personal ego will not obtain the heavenly reward. Paul says,

If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3

Therefore, the motive of doing ministry is more important than the results of it. If ministers have a thriving ministry in their name and attack other ministers out of envy and jealousy, their work will not amount to any reward. Even if one is savvy and skilled in miraculous works, but if his heart is not pure, God will not approve of him. Jesus says,

On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? ’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. Matthew 7:22-23

Application

1. Consider your current difficulties, how do you think God would perceive your circumstances? Does your current circumstance pose an opportunity to further the gospel? Or is it a discipline from God? What do you think God wants you to do?
2. Consider the colleagues or ministers who are more gifted than you. Do you envy them? Do you secretly hope for their downfall so that you may be exalted at their expense?
3. What drives you in your current work or ministry? Is your desire for promotion and monetary rewards driving you? Or is it your desire to do God’s will, and to contribute to society?

Dear Lord, give me a pure heart and right spirit so that I can serve you and be a blessing to all. Help me to be strong and use me to encourage those who are in similar circumstances. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.