SCRIPTURE:

"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." (Philippians 1:15-18)

EXPOSITION:

Observations/Interpretations:

False motives for preaching the Gospel:

1. Out of envy

2. Out of rivalry

3. Selfish Ambition

4. Not sincerely

5. Stir up trouble for others.

True motives for preaching the Gospel:

1. Out of goodwill

2. Out of love.

3. Taking the place of others who are unable to.

Interpretation:

Paul is more concerned about having the Gospel preached regardless of people's motives. He even says, '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'

 It is more than likely that the Philippians must have complained to Paul that there were those who were preaching the Gospel with false motives. Paul agrees with them in v.15 'It is true' but he wants them all to see the big picture.

We have to remember that Paul used to be a Pharisee and was well grounded in the Jewish law and commandments. He may have remembered an important fact from Isaiah 55.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways,' declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Paul knew that God's Word will not go void but accomplish its purposes regardless of individuals own motives. Because the Gospel was being preached, Paul rejoiced.

Interpretation/Application:

I learned it is important for us to realize that we are not commended to preach the Gospel with false motives but only with true motives. It is also important to realize that God's Word will accomplish its purposes.

I ASK YOU NOW:

I ask you now dear friends, how are your motives?

Dear friend, your motives for doing something can be for the right reason or the wrong reason. What I have realized is that even when we think we are doing good, if our motives for doing it is wrong, it will not bring us happiness and contentment. I have learned that from experience.

This can be in any area whether it is academics, relationships, career, etc. Take your motives to the Lord in prayer and allow Him to help you. He will; my friend. Yes, He will, for He loves you so much. Oh, yes He does!

May we realize God's ways are higher than our ways no matter what sin we are struggling with it. It does not help us to rationalize 'doing this and that is okay', if we are convicted by God's Word to refrain from a certain action. We are the created and our Creator has our instruction manual for our effective lifestyle. If we refrain from the manual and go our own way, sooner or later the consequences will come with a BAM! I don't want that for any of us.

If you are doing ministry and your reasons for being in ministry are false motives, it is important to ask God for forgiveness and refrain from operating on false motives. God's Word can go out from you to others and God can bless other people's lives but God will not be pleased with you for doing things with false motives. In this case, it would be hard for you to see God's blessings in your own life. If you are thinking about ministry, please continually pray to the Lord and let Him work through you rather than doing it with your own selfish ambitions.

If you are reaching out to others with the Gospel and do not see results in their lives right away, please do not give up. You are the sower but God is the One that makes the seed grow in people's lives. His Word will not go void and you should claim that promise! Amen!Our Messiah's Truth instructs us valiantly and enhances Scriptures now and always! Amen!

Messiah's Ongoing Truth Instructs Valiantly, Enhancing Scripture! (M.O.T.I.V.E.S)

PRAYER:

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for your abundant love for us. Thank you so much Lord Jesus how much you love us and care for us. Thank you for dying for our sins and coming back to life to save us. Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy. We confess that we have sinned. Lamb of God wash away our sins. I thank you Jesus for forgiving us and cleansing us with your precious Blood. Help us to live our life for thee and may we always have true motives as we serve thee. Help us please to proclaim your Word and not think that our pastors will do it or missionaries will do it but help us to be obedient to your Great Commission. Thank you so much Jesus. For you called each of us whatever our profession we are in to be Ambassadors for you Christ. Thank you so much that your Word never goes void. Thank you Lord for the promises we can claim from your Word! We turn our lives to thee and to the usage of your plans. We ask you to be in control of our lives. Thank you so much Jesus! We rest in thee Lord and walk with thee. Thank you that you have heard our prayers and answered us! Whatever your will is please give us the willingness and strength to bear it. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name We Pray Jesus! Amen!!!