Paul’s words are interesting to me. Indeed, they are a bit odd on the surface but when considered properly they make all the sense in the world. Paul is rejoicing over the advancement of the gospel even though it is being preached by men with ulterior motives (v17). Some are preaching for selfish ambition, preaching for their own purposes as well as their own personal fulfillment and not so much for the honor of Jesus Christ.Â
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They also preach it without sincerity. They don’t mean or even come near to feeling the weight of their words because it is not about that for them. It is superficial at best and self-seeking at the least. Some in that day were preaching to rival themselves against Paul. Paul was in prison during the writing of this letter and some are seeking to one-up him and gain the favor of the Philippian church in his absence. They see the gospel as a means to make themselves something and there are many today, who are preaching in and pastoring churches for these same reasons.
Yet, Paul rejoices.
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Paul rejoices because, in the midst of these ill-motivated people, there are some who are preaching with the honor of Christ as their aim and purpose. Regardless, however, of who preaches and the motives that prompt their proclamation Paul rejoices simply that the gospel is advancing. It must be stated at this point that it is the true gospel that these pretenders are preaching. Paul is not celebrating, nor would he ever validate preaching that merely sounds Christian but is far from the presentation of the true and genuine gospel. We must never think Paul to be endorsing false preaching because he never would (See Galatians 1:6-9)!
What we see in Paul is a man who is not full of himself but full of Christ and full of love for the gospel. He is not worried that others are getting noticed in his absence. He is not angry that some are gaining a following nor that some are hearing others over him. He is always and centrally concerned with Christ and His glory. Though the motives of others may be false their gospel is right and Paul knows that the Lord can use an ill-motivated man to transform an unsaved man eternal destiny.
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The gospel mattered more than motives to Paul because the gospel mattered more to Paul than anything else; more than fame, adulation, commendation and recognition. He simply wanted Jesus glorified and if ill-motivated men preached a supreme and glorious Christ and many were saved by such preaching, Paul is satisfied. Indeed he rejoices!
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Are you this way? Or do you need the praise and recognition that comes from being made much of by people? Is it Christ that matters more to you than the fame that so many others with ill-motives seek? Are you a preacher or Christian who shares the gospel for self-gain and promotion or for the singular glory of Christ? Are your motives right or wrong? Again, God can and has used Christians whose motives were and are selfish but, do understand, He will judge such people too and it will not be nice. He never shares His glory.
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I am in love with the Christ of the gospel and what matters more to me than anything is that He alone is glorified. He, alone, will deal with false motivated Christians. I simply rejoice if the gospel is being accurately preached and the genuine Christ is being adored by those who hear the gospel, even if the preachers, themselves, are vain.
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