How God Brings Good Out Of Bad Series

Spiritual Application: God is just as concerned about my motives for serving Him as my methods of serving Him.

Here we have two kinds of people using the same method but from very different motives.

Both were using the method of preaching.

The word Paul uses that is translated ‘preach’ is the greek word karusso. It means ‘to publicly announce something, to proclaim’.

Preaching is one method God uses to meet the needs of people.

There are many other methods God uses in the Bible for ministering to people.

Here in this passage Paul references the method of preaching.

Both groups are preaching but with very different agendas.

One group’s motive was love. The other group’s motive was rivalry.

One preached from compassion the other out of competition.

God cares more about our motives than our methods in ministry.

While we’re looking for better methods God is looking for men…women…boys…girls.

Spiritual Application: God uses people with mixed motives.

Paul tells us that either way Christ is preached.

How to apply this passage to my life: What am I going to do with what I’ve learned tonight?

1. I will rejoice.

“And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” – Philippians 1:18c (NIV)

Instead of complain, or give up, or leave, or quit, or whatever, I will rejoice.

I will turn “Ain’t it awful” conversations into “I am thankful” conversations.

Paul never prays for God to change his situation.

While we are looking for God to change our situation God is looking to change us.

2. I will check my motives each time I serve Christ.

“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.” – Philippians 1:15-17 (NIV)

• Am I preaching/teaching because I want to put others in their place or because I want to put Christ in His rightful place? Why am I doing this?

• Am I serving because I want people to recognize me or because I want to please God?

• Am I serving because I’ll feel guilty if I don’t or because I am grateful for God’s grace?

• Do I love the people I’m serving or do I just love to serve? Do I love the people I preach to or do I just love preaching? Do I love the people I teach or do I just love teaching? Do I love the people I’m leading or do I just love to lead?

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV)

3. I will help others understand Jesus better with my behavior.

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” – Philippians 1:20 (NIV)