Philippians 1:15-19

Philippians 1:15-19

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Megann Graf

God can take anything and use it for good. . . .

Today’s scripture is Philippians 1:15-19 – (you can read it here)

We read that some people are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry.  I read in one commentary, that he was probably referring to the Judaizing teachers.  They did indeed preach that Christ was the Messiah, but they were still hung up on a lot of laws, particularly the ones that Paul, other apostles and even Jesus, broke.  They preached about Christ and about a religion, but they missed the relationship part. We also learn that many were indeed preaching with pure motives.  Ironically, Paul says that either way, as long as the message of Christ is being preached, that he will rejoice.  He will rejoice.  Even though he is sitting in a Roman prison. 

He will rejoice.  Even though he is being persecuted for the sake of Christ.  And he will rejoice, as long as Christ is being preached. 

He wasn’t going to get caught up on religion.  It’s a hard thing not to get caught up on.  There are a lot of things to debate.  There are a lot of people who preach religion and not necessarily a relationship with Jesus. 

We get caught up on feeling like someone else is doing God an injustice.  Maybe they’re preaching for wealth or fame.  Maybe we disagree with their theology. 

I realize some of this stuff matters, but I think Paul was trying to tell us to keep the bigger picture in mind. Even when others present a false picture or caricature of Jesus (which Paul elsewhere always seeks to correct), nevertheless God can and does use even that to make true believers.

I don’t believe any preacher, priest, rabbi, etc., is saving anyone.  If you are saved, it is because of Jesus Christ.  It is because HE has saved you.  And, He can work through every imperfect person who is preaching His gospel, whether his or her motives are pure or not.  The bigger picture has nothing to do with WHO is preaching the gospel.  The bigger picture is that YOU GET the gospel.  That it transforms you.  Whether you heard it in the most eloquent and sincere of ways, or whether it was just a small statement that made you think a little deeper about what you believe to be true about God.

In the end, it is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ that matters.  In the end, all that matters is that you come to know Christ.  But, when you look at those around you, you realize that they matter too.   That is why it’s important to share the gospel with them.  Whether you think you do it well or not, you’re not the one who will save them.  It doesn’t matter so much how well you tell them about Christ, but just that you DO tell them about Christ.  Christ is enough…  To fill in the gaps, to make more out of less.  Christ is enough.  We all need to hear that, know that, and believe.

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