Philippians 1:12-18 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 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. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
We see in the above scripture that Paul rejoiced even though some in the church said and did things that were diametrically against him, his ministry, and his authority as the spiritual father of many churches. Paul rejoiced, for regardless of the motives whether false or true, Christ is preached. Paul had the same faith as Jesus when Jesus told John not to stop a man who was driving out demons in Jesus' name, but he was not one of their group. Jesus accepted this man's work, saying, whoever is not against us is for us. (See Mark 9:39-40) Paul knew the purity of the message was that Jesus saves, heals, restores, rescues, provides, and loves. He knew as John knew: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (John 5:11-12) Paul was not just fighting flesh with the Word, he was fighting the principalities of the air, even Satan himself. He knew these spirits, demons, did not want the name of Jesus spread throughout the world. But the name of Jesus is greater than the world. The wonderful name of Jesus heals, restores, rescues, provides, and loves. This powerful name above all names brings fear into all the principalities of the kingdom of darkness because the name of Jesus means their kingdom will eventually end. The name of Jesus reveals that judgment, and a concomitant eternal punishment awaits them. The demons of the world that encourage hatred, arguments, conflicts, wars, and all that is evil would be eliminated from man's existence because of the name of Jesus. Paul knew this fact about the Son of God's power. For Jesus is the light, and the darkness does not want light, for it knows its reign will disappear. John wrote: This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)
How often do we in the flesh forget the primary message of God: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) We say these words, but in all situations, we are not guided and governed by them. This message was always in the hearts of Jesus' apostles. They risked their lives for this message. They left their families to spread this message; instead, we oftentimes make this message all about ourselves, focusing upon making our lives more comfortable and happy. When Paul talks about those who stirred up trouble for him and his ministry, he talks about their motivations: they were those who would preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, and selfish ambition. Their focus was earthly, not heavenly. They were trying to win the world: their affections and goals were still bound by the principalities of the air. They were still under the authority of the dark kingdom. Why? Because these kinds of attacks are just the opposite of the fruit of the Spirit. The troublemakers actions hurt the purity of the gospel and the call of Christ. Such behaviors strayed from God's plans and the name of Jesus to fleshly exploits, ambitions, and power. But Paul says, regardless, the name of Jesus is still more powerful than their selfish intentions. He knew Jesus, he talked to Jesus. Jesus directed Paul to Damascus when He called him: He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:4-6) Paul became a mighty force for the kingdom of light. He understood that eternal life exists for all people who put their trust in the powerful name of Jesus. As we read in God's Word: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’” (Romans 14:11) Through Christ alone comes eternal life. There are no other avenues to life forever except through Jesus Christ and his shed blood. We sing: What can take away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. This is gospel truth, God's truth!
Fellow breakfast members, is eternal life through Jesus Christ your focus, or do your eyes stray to the fascinations and cares of this world and how they affect you personally? Are you thinking more often of the ups and downs of life, human relationships, attainments, and desires that elude your grasp. Paul was in prison, yet he wrote the book of Philippians, a book about joy and rejoicing in the Lord, a theme he repeats throughout this letter to the Philippians. When he says that Christ is preached regardless of people's motivations, he says, And because of this I rejoice. Even though he was attacked outwardly by being in prison and inwardly by leaders in the church, he still rejoices in all things. His life was focused on eternal life, not on temporal setbacks or personal suffering. He knew, as other followers of Christ knew, that this life is temporary, a wisp of smoke, soon to dissipate. James wrote: What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (James 4:14) Similarly, we hear from Peter: “All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.” (1 Peter 1:24-25) The grave will hold our earthly remains, but our spirits will be with God if we endure to the end, claiming the name of Jesus. For his power has broken the chains of the grave, of death. We who are alive IN CHRIST ARE ETERNAL BEINGS SET APART FOREVER. This world is not our home. Therefore, we should live so that Christ is preached through our lives. As Paul rejoiced because even his enemies were preaching Christ, let us rejoice that our lives are preaching the message of eternal life. We are equipped to be his witnesses: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Today, may each of us at this breakfast table refocus our attention on the Light of the world, the Light of our lives, and may we follow the words of our Lord: In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
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