by Larry Ferrell | December 16, 2017
Every now and then we hear that someone wishes that today’s church was like it was back in the “good old days”. If we look closely at the New Testament we will find that they had the same problems we have today. Paul wrote about problems in the churches in Corinth and the churches in Galatia. There were also problems at Rome. Even though some of the members of the Praetorian Guard had been converted, and those who were already Christians were encouraged to bear witness for Christ, there was also a darker side to the situation. Paul writes that some Christians preached the gospel out of partisanship, hoping to make life more miserable for him (vv. 15, 17). Think of it! Some preached Christ to add affliction to Paul’s bonds. Such were the “good old days” in the Christian church at Rome.

If we are to get an idea of the full impact of Paul’s experiences in Rome, we need to remember that it was Christians who were trying to get Paul into trouble by their preaching. The verses we are studying tell us that these Christians preached Christ out of unworthy motives – jealousy, strife, and partisanship. This was deplorable. But what does Paul say? Strangely enough, he points to the fact that even in the midst of such conditions Jesus Christ was preached and the gospel was spread, and in that, he says, he rejoices. If we are honest, we must admit that all the envy, strife, and partisanship that was present in the church at Rome is present in our churches also.

What should our attitude be toward those who are responsible for it? It is easy to speak up against it. It is easy to dismiss all those who are unpleasant in their preaching of the gospel. But if Paul’s example is to count for anything, it must teach us to rejoice if Christ is proclaimed, even by those who do it out of less than worthy motives and who seem to dishonor the gospel in their methods. You should say, “The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice” (Phil. 1:18).

Never in the history of the world have the opportunities been greater for the proclamation of the gospel. Yet never has the believing church been more irrelevant or more divided. Paul gives the solution to this situation in the next chapter. First, he says that we are to develop a low opinion of ourselves. This is often hard to do, but it should be easy. We are merely to see ourselves as God sees us, and this will happen as we study His Word. Second, we are to have a better opinion of others, especially those who are troublemakers. Paul says, “Consider others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3). This will come about as God makes us sensitive to the work of His Holy Spirit within other believers. Third, Paul says that we are to posses the mind of Christ. He challenges the Philippians, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). We develop this mind through fellowship with Him as He works in us, gradually molding us into His own image.

I know that someone is going to object, “Oh, but that is hard. First you say that we are to rejoice when people preach the gospel, even if they do it in a nasty way and try to hurt other Christians. You say that we are to think highly of them for the sake of God’s work within them. Then you say that we are not to be like that ourselves. That is unreasonable. Are we to go against all that is most natural within us?” Yes, you are. That is God’s way, and God will give you strength to do it. You are to see His hand at work in the lives of other Christians, even those who are obnoxious to you, and you are to think highly of God’s work in them. Moreover, you are to work with them, as far as possible. For in this way the gospel is spread, believers are strengthened, and Jesus Christ is honored.

Philippians 1:15-18 Reflection Questions:
Why do you think there is strife in churches?
What can you do when you come across some of it?
Have you had some Christians come against you? If so, how did it make you feel?

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