Philippians 1:15-17

Motives for Preaching

Evidently some were jealous of Paul's success as a preacher. They promoted a party spirit by encouraging others to follow them (1 Peter 1:15). Obviously, preachers who know God's purpose will seek to unite all Christians under the Lordship of Jesus with no emphasis on personal followings (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). In verse 16, the word translated "selfish ambition" actually suggests they were campaigning like politicians for support. These men had the right message but he wrong motive. In 1 Corinthians 16:14, Paul said, "Let all that you do be done with love." Certainly, the party spirit omitted that important element.

Others preached Christ with good will for Paul and a love for the truth. They apparently saw Paul's determination to defend the gospel and were provoked to a greater love of the truth (1 Peter 1:17). We need to have the right message and the right motive. Rather than being like children who believe whatever message they last heard, we need to speak "the truth in love," so that we might "grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 remind us that great works are made worthless when love is missing.