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

                                                                                                Philippians 1:18 

Paul was happy! Although he was sitting in a Roman jail, the work of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus continued in his absence. There were those who were continuing the same work to which Paul himself was called and news of this reality gave Paul a reason to rejoice.

Today’s passage reveals that not everyone who was preaching the good news was doing it out of pure motives. Apparently there were those who were using Paul’s absence as an opportunity to seize notoriety for themselves. Others, however, were gladly and sincerely continuing the work of evangelizing that Paul had begun. Consider Paul’s description of these two groups: 

It’s true that some here preach Christ because with me out of the way, they think they’ll step right into the spotlight. But the others do it with the best heart in the world. One group is motivated by pure love, knowing that I am here defending the Message, wanting to help. The others, now that I’m out of the picture, are merely greedy, hoping to get something out of it for themselves. Their motives are bad. They see me as their competition, and so the worse it goes for me, the better—they think—for them.

                                                                                     Philippians 1:15-17 (MSG) 

Competition in the work of the ministry has existed since the first century church. This is fed by a human nature. We all want to find a place in the church where we can find a sense of acceptance, security, and affirmation. Because we seek such things, it is only natural that divisions would begin to take place in the church. Preferences in music, worship services, preaching styles, and of course doctrinal viewpoints has led to the separating of the body of Christ. Paul was no stranger to this as it was happening in the first century church in Corinth. Peter, Paul, and Apollos were all leaders in the church. The people were dividing themselves along preference in personality. Paul was alarmed at this trend reminding the church of the importance of unity by asking the rhetorical question, “Has Christ been divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13) Of course the answer to that question is, “no.” However, two thousand years later, we see these divisions compounded.

But Paul gives us a Christ-like example to facing division. As he was contemplating the reality that the gospel was being preached in his absence, he rejoiced. He wasn’t naïve. He knew that there were some who were preaching out of a sense of competition and strife with him. Paul had enemies. Anytime someone is actively using his/her gifts and talents in an effort to spread the gospel, there will be opposition. These objectors often work out of a sense of jealousy and envy. This too is fed by human nature. But Paul didn’t concern himself with the motives of the actors. He was rejoicing, nonetheless, that the gospel was being preached. Jesus taught on this same concept. Consider the following interaction:

John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” But Jesus said to him,“Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”

                                                                                                     Luke 9:49-50 

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the disciples were concerned about “others” who were performing miracles in the name of Christ. Jesus instructed the disciples not to prevent them from continuing in those works. The principle behind this attitude can be found in Jesus’ words, “For he who is not against you is for you.” Opponents to the gospel of Jesus will become obvious. But those who work alongside for the cause of Christ, regardless of their viewpoint, attitude, or motive, are to be considered fellow workers.

I believe it would be helpful for all of us to remember what public confession (proclamation) of Christ indicates:

1. Public proclamation of Jesus as Lord indicates salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

It is with our hearts that we believe in Jesus having been raised from the dead. It is with our hearts that we trust and wholly rely on His sacrificial gift at the cross as a means of our justification and acceptance by God. But it is our bold, unapologetic, and public proclamation of these things that indicate that we have been saved.

2. Public proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God indicates that God abides in us (1 John 4:15).

John reminds us that everyone who confesses that Jesus is the Son of God demonstrates that God abides in him. This is what separates unbelievers from those who are saved. Believers will always proclaim Jesus as God’s Son. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit that confirms this truth to us and gives us the ability to publicly proclaim His name.

3. Public proclamation of Jesus is a guarantee that Jesus will confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32).

Jesus makes a promise to us that as we proclaim His name boldly, unapologetically, and unashamed, that He will reciprocate that same gesture in heaven. In other words, believers who stand for the name of Christ on earth will be lovingly and joyfully accepted in heaven.

Regardless of attitude or motive, Paul rejoiced that the gospel was being spread. What about you?