A Letter to the Church in Philippi-Pt. 8

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

(((Joel Thoughts))) On the surface, this is not the most “Protestant Friendly” passage in the Bible, but I will take a swing at it.  Paul starts off the passage by reminding the Church in Philippi to obey the commands of Jesus and to live a Godly life–all the time.  Not just when he is in town checking up on his church plant.  Paul also alluded to staying on the course in his absence in 1:27.  The idea of acting more in tune with God when spiritual leaders are around is not a foreign concept if we evaluate Christianity today.  We should live obediently to Jesus 24/7 and not just at Church on Sunday mornings or at Youth group.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul tells the Church to “work out there salvation in fear and trembling”–at first this can look like a confusing and scary passage to those of us who believe that we are “saved by grace through faith.” We must take a step back and look at a wholistic picture of what salvation is.  Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven but a way of life that is to be lived out on earth.  Salvation is the freedom from sin and perfect community with God.  Therefore, salvation has a present form and a future form (eternity, heaven).  If salvation is gained by confessing Christ as Lord–then there are certain obligations–you will not live the same way as before, but you will live a life in obedience to Jesus. “Working out” salvation is most likely referencing the idea of acting like we are saved in this life. Living in obedience and continuing to pursue the life that God has in store for us.

Paul’s reference to living in “fear and trembling” is not a contradiction to the freedom and joyful heart that comes to any believer, but a healthy fear of the God who holds the universe in His hands and went to extreme circumstances to save humanity from sin.  We should take that seriously and not mock God by living in foolishness and sin.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul probably detects some confusion and trepidation from the Philippians after the “fear and trembling” bit.  Paul quickly reminds them that it is God who works through you and in you to complete His will.  He says this to remind the Philippians that it is God’s presence that empowers them to walk with Him in obedience and to walk the world in faith.  The Philippians do not have to “attempt” to be a Christfollower by themselves but they carry with them the resurrection power of Jesus into ever situation they may ever face in life.  That is power.  That is something Christians need to carry with them and realize everyday!

A Letter to the Church in Philippi-Pt. 7

⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,

(((Joel Thoughts))) We must look at the context to understand what the “therefore” is there for. We see in verses 5-8 to see that Jesus humbled himself to become man and to die for the sake of mankind.  Verse 9 explains that his humble service to His Father and mankind is the reason that He is now the most exalted name ever.  He is the highest King and Lord of all…because he humbly served. Do you see how upside down God’s way is? The Lord of all becomes the highest by not being served but by serving. By lowering himself–he is forever the most famous and glorious name. Beautiful. What an example for us! How do we really gain success in this world? We serve. We lower ourselves.  We make ourselves less so that others can have more–have God.

¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

(((Joel Thoughts))) This is an awesome verse because it helps encompass both Jesus’ divine and human natures.  Jesus was both completely human and completely God (let that one soak for a few). It is quite possible this verse is an allusion to Isaiah 45:23 which says, “By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” This verse of course was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born and was referring to Yahweh (Lord God) of the Old Testament and the Israelites. By Paul alluding to this phrase and claiming that Jesus was the name that all would bow to is a HUGE statement.  Paul is claiming once again that the God of the Old Testament and Jesus are equal and are both parts of the Holy Trinity that has reigned eternally.
¹¹and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul reminds us that not only will their be a bending of the knee to the Lordship of Jesus but their will also be a vocal confession by all peoples of the earth.  Paul is definitely not referring to universalism (every person will find salvation in Jesus and live with him eternally)  By every knee bowing and every tongue confessing, Paul is referring to every soul who has ever lived either confessing Jesus as Lord with joyful faith (in His presence) or by dispair, resentment, and pain (eternal separation from God).

(((Joel Thoughts))) The phrase Paul ends this section with, “to the glory of God the Father” his doxology to a brilliant theological exposition of Christology.  Paul never loses sight of the end game while discussing the implications of Jesus’  incarnation, servitude, and exultation. The end and goal of everything in life is to give God glory.  Everything Jesus ever did on earth was to bring His Father glory and honor.  Paul wrote Chapter 2:1-11 to help show the believers in Philippi that if they want to be identified with Jesus they must follow in his footsteps and serve like Him and live like Him–in good times and hard times.  Paul writes this final doxology in verse 11 to remind them that just as the good came after people thought that evil had prevailed and love had lost in Jesus’ death—-God recieved glory and Jesus was alive and is alive in our broken world and in His followers today.

A Love Incomprehensible

“The mystery of God’s love as I understand it is that God loves the man who was being mean to his dog just as much as he loves babies; God loves Susan Smith, who drowned her two sons, as much as he loves Desmond Tutu. And he loved her just as much while she was releasing the handbrake of her car that sent her boys into the river as he did when she first nursed them. So of course he loves old ordinary me, even or especially at my most scared and petty and mean and obsessive. Loves me; chooses me.”-Anne Lamott

A Letter to the Church in Philippi-Pt. 6

I have been very hesitant to tackle this next passage just because it is straight HEAVY. Scholars and Bible historians have referred to this passage as the “Hymn of Christ” because of its rich theology and Christology (theology of Jesus).  Paul is waxing poetically as he writes in an ancient form of poetry in the Greek to express Jesus and his humble service to God and the world.

⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

(((Joel Thoughts))) To pick up where we left off, Paul was explaining to the Church in Philippi that they must be humble and loving to all if they were to follow the ways of Jesus and live in the Holy Spirit.  Paul says, “Hey, if you want an example look no further than our leader, Jesus.” Although Christians cannot completely imitate the exact ministry of Jesus while he was on earth, but we are called to approach every situation we might find with the same attitude that Jesus carried with his life, death, and resurrection.

⁶Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

(((Joel Thoughts))) It is highly orthodox to believe that Jesus was fully God and He was fully God.  He was preexistant and was always with the Father and the Holy Spirit even during the creation of the world.  Jesus has always been just as God the Father, and the Holy Spirit has always been.  The Holy Trinity has always existed and lived in perfect loving community with eachother…(just try to wrap your mind around that!!)

(((Joel Thoughts))) The thinking can become messy because the text says Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.  Does that mean that he could not grasp equality with the father???–Stay away from that because you run into Trinitarian heresy. Throughout Church history, 2 major interpretations of this passage both do justice in my opinion. 1) Christ always possessed equality with God the Father and chose not to cling to it on earth. 2) Christ had no need to grasp at equality with God because he already had it.  In my opinion, the first interpretation fits the context of what’s to come a little better.

⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

(((Joel Thoughts))) This verse has also caused up plenty of controversy throughout the history of the Church and Bible teachers.  Some have suggested that this is the Kenosis passage meaning that Christ emptied himself of his divine powers and abilities such as his omniscience and omnipotency while he was on earth.  I have a hard time believing that because of many other passages of prophecy during Jesus’ ministry and his miracles that he performed while on earth.  I tend to lean towards this interpretation—–Jesus was and is God who was sitting on an eternal throne in heaven where he was being magnified and worshipped by leagues and leagues of angels.  He deserved to be there in all of His glory and splendor.  Although Jesus rightfully deserved to be on his throne—His great love for mankind led Him to leave the heavens and come to mankind to teach us how to live in the Kingdom of God and reconcile us back to Him.  Jesus was born as a normal, poor, Jewish baby so that we might see the power of God in a weak vessel such as ourselves. 

⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

(((JoelThoughts)))  If the reincarnation of Jesus-the eternal son of God as a lowly, poor baby wasn’t enough….Jesus came to earth and suffered a Roman crucifixtion. The Romans used crucifixtion as the ultimate public humiliation and punishment for vile criminals.  Jesus knew what was ahead of Him, and yet he humbled himself to a public execution—for us.  Let us remember that Jesus was being worshipped without ceasing in heaven and came to earth to live with us and for us.  He also died for us in humility.  This is the ultimate example of how we should live life in humility.  We should consider others just as we consider ourself.  Because of Jesus’ humble service to live and die for us….He is the most famous one…the Holy one who one day will receive all praise from ALL creation.

If we follow Jesus’ example of living humbly and living for others…when our time is done, just as God told Jesus after His baptism, “This is my son, whom I am well pleased,” we will receive the same response.

Shoe Shopping and the Bloody Toe.

Last Thursday April 16th I had the interesting experience of going an entire day without wearing shoes.

Going to a Christian college, there seems to be a new effort (by giving or experience) every week that is designed to help people who “have” understand just a little bit what it is like to “have not.”  I am naturally pretty skeptical when it comes to the thousands of booths set up throughout the year in our student center.

Things go through my head like, “I don’t have time.” “I am a student and work at a church.” “I have got to get my paper done.”

Sometimes I even think, “Oh, look another thing to make people look super-spiritual.”

So a couple weeks ago, I heard about another opportunity that was available and it was not just from Indiana Wesleyan but all of the country.

Tom’s Shoes is a company that brilliantly mixes business with philanthropy.  For every pair of shoes that the company sells, they also give a pair of shoes to a child from a Third World country—-a brand new pair of shoes for someone who doesn’t even understand the concept.  Tom’s Shoes was organizing a country wide  “Day Without Shoes” where people who had shoes would go without shoes to identify with what its like for thousands and thousands of children everyday.

Some startling facts about the Third World and lack of shoes:

Fact #1:
In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to food, clean water and to seek medical help.

Fact #2:
Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.

Fact #3:
Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.

Fact #4:
In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.

Fact #5:
Podoconiosis is 100% preventable by wearing shoes.

My skepticism immediately took over and I started to think about what the real problem behind this issue was.  How could this day without shoes truly change anything? What was I doing and why should I do it?  It could have only been the Holy Spirit because nothing else could ever shake my foundation and my skepticism.  I decided to participate in the “Day without Shoes” and I am so glad that I did.

I got up for my 7:50 class and had to walk across campus to my first class.  It was cold, really cold.  It was wet.  I tripped on a small rock and cut my toenail.  It hurt, a lot.
So here I am walking a five-minute walk across my small campus to a building that had central heating and carpet….complaining and moaning and groaning.

Then in the midst of my lament, it hit me.  This is everyday for so many people—-so many people and they don’t just walk 5 minutes to a heated building.

This is when this silly day of doing a “Christian” thing became a sacrament of experiencing God’s grace.

Every step I took the rest of the day was a painful and beautiful experience of identifying with the hurting.  I don’t think I have ever prayed as much as I did that day—for people who experience no shoes in much worse terrain than concrete–every day.

Instead of a simple, forgetful lament, my prayers ended up flowing in to love and action.

It is simply just not acceptable that so many people go without something simple like shoes when I have 2 pairs that I don’t even wear.  Its just not okay.  I am so ridiculously blessed and 1. I don’t recognize it enough 2. I waste so much. 3. Giving shoes to people who need them literally changed and sustain lives. SHOES–sustain lives.

So what did the day accomplish?

Although the day itself did not raise money or directly help kids get shoes, it raised so much awareness about the issues of the Third World and lack of shoes.  Through Twitter and Facebook so much awareness and information was dispersed about the issues.  There were a few women from our Church who after reading some of the information we put out on Facebook contacted us and wanted to give us boxes of kid’s shoes so that we could take them to Haiti when we leave in June.

It got people talking and raised a lot of awareness.  People need to know and be reminded that WE ARE SO BLESSED. AND THE ONLY REASON WE ARE BLESSED IS TO BE A BLESSING TO THE WORLD.

So if you have extra shoes, let me know and we will make something happen, because some things are just not acceptable.

www.tomsshoes.com

Joel@oakbrookchurch.com

A Letter to the Church in Philippi-Pt. 5

Thus Chapter 2 begins.

¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul continues his teaching on Christian unity and love as he sets up a conditional (if) statement that helps the reader examine his own life as he/she reads the letter.  Paul’s logic goes as follows: If you are a Christian—>you are united in and with Christ. If you are united with Christ—->you will naturally have the Spirit’s encouragement, comfort, participation (fellowship) with the Holy Spirit, tenderness, and compassion.  There is no separation between being a Christian and being synonymous with these traits.  In a time where Christians are known for being judgmental, narrow-minded, and selfish……these qualities are “tell-tale” signs of the Spirit in our lives. Pray these things….fall in love with God more and more….experience Him and help others experience Him.

²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul then appeals to the community of believers (Church) to all be of like minded in experiencing and knowing Christ deeper and deeper.  To be like minded is not to be robotically turned in to intellectual conformists with other believers.  To be of like mind is to have the end goal on the front of the action—to be of like mind is to move with one spirit, with one heart, with one passion.  All believers are gifted with many different and unique spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12) that further the Kingdom of God, but the goal of all these gifts is to bring Glory and Fame to God.

³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul is probably referring to his opponents who were preaching good news out of selfish ambitition in Chapter 1.  Paul does not want the Philippians to be like that, but he wants them to act out of a radical humility that considers others better than oneself.  This was a radical thought for both the ancient world and for today.  Self interest is something that each human deals with day in and day out….is Paul saying that we can or should abandon our self-interest in regard to dealing with other people???

⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

(((Joel Thoughts)))  Paul quickly answers my question.  “each of you should look not only to your own interests”—so we are to look after our own interests, but we need to take a more holistic view. John Piper sells millions of books on this stuff! God has wired us to want the best for ourselves and seek pleasure.  God knows that He is the greatest pleasure anyone could ever experience and our hearts our restless until they find rest in Him.  God made us this way.  We seek our self-interest and that is okay, but the Christian needs to broaden his scope to also consider his fellow man just as much as himself! This is a truly radical idea. Paul believes that this Christ-like attitude is what causes any sort of disunity in the body of Christ to cease. How do we stop disunity? We put aside silly personal preferences and remember the end goal of bringing glory to God and we take care of eachother and their needs just as we would ourselves.

Q. What does this radical humility even look like?

A. Christ.

Rethinking:the Cross

I have had the distinct pleasure of reading Mark Driscoll’s “Death by Love” over the last several months.  It has been one of those books where I read a chapter a week and truly sit on the truth and argument of every chapter. The thesis of the book is that there are many different theories of the atonement that have been prevalent throughout historical Christianity (other than penal substitutionary atonement which is highly favored in most evangelical Churches today) and Christfollowers must look at all the theories of atonement to have a holistic picture of what Christ truly accomplished on the Cross. Driscoll looks at all of the different views of the atonement and gives life experiences of people and why they need to view the cross in a certain light because of their circumstances.

Many theological concepts such as Christus Victor, propitiation, justification, expiation, gift righteousness, revelation, ransom, Christus exemplar, and reconciliation are considered in the picture of Christ and his atoning work on the cross.

This book and some lectures I have sat in this semester have led me to rethink my view of the atonement to include and emphasize these other aspects of Christ’s atonement on the cross.  I have grown up and basically only experienced Christ’s work on the cross being explained as penal substitutionary atonement (or Jesus paid the price I couldn’t pay for my sins).

It is interesting to me that most evangelical Churches who emphasize this theory are living in a time when most people who are not Christians do not consider themselves to be bad people or people who carry shame of a sinful lifestyle.

Maybe, just maybe, the Church is not emphasizing the right part of the atonement to reach the world in its current culture of “shame and guilt-light.”

One chapter of “Death by Love” that I read today was a letter Driscoll wrote to a young woman who had been raped and he reminded her that Christ was her expiation.  The theological term, expiation, refers to the cleansing act of Christ that gives believers the ability to overcome shame of their past guilt.  Driscoll made a fascinating point about modern church and its narrow view of the cross with this quote.

“The typical Christian gospel presentation only deals with sins for which we bear responsibility and guilt.  It only addresses sins of commission (things we did) and stands silent about sins of omission (sins that were committed against us).”

Here, Driscoll points out that through Christ’s cleansing expiation of our sins at the Cross, we can be forgiven of our actions AND we can be free of the guilt and shame from acts that were committed against us.

THAT IS POWERFUL. Christ’s work on the cross not only saved me from my sins, but it freed me from the sins that were committed against me that lead to bitterness and broken relationship with my fellow man.

I thought this was an absolutely powerful way to exemplify the majesty of what Jesus did on the cross. There is so much there and throughout the history of the Church, many different (and valid) views were held by leaders of the Church.

NOT ONE VIEW OF THE ATONEMENT IS SUFFICIENT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT JESUS ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED ON THE CROSS.

All of the different views are taking a picture of the cross of Christ, but from a different angle.

I encourage everyone to read this book. Its been formative in my life and theology

May we continue to look in to the depths of what Christ accomplished on the Cross so that we can truly live out the love that was displayed in every facet of life.

Galatians 6:14-May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

A Letter to the Church of Philippi-Pt. 4

Let’s finish Chapter 1…

²⁷Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel

(((Joel Thoughts)))  I love the phrase “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.”  It sort of reminds me of my mom saying stuff like, “we raised you better than that.” or “that’s not the way we brought you up” or “remember, that you are representing our family.” Its interesting because the Greek verb that Paul uses here is politeuesthe, which literally means “to live as a citizen.”  Paul is reminding the Church that even though the believers in Philippi were citizens of the Roman Empire, they had a much higher and more important citizenship as joint heir of the Kingdom of God.  If you know me at all, you know that I think nationalism is a dirty word and very often cheapens Christ and His much more important and Highest Kingdom.  Paul is calling the believers of the early Church and today to remember our true citizenship is in Him and not in the Roman Empire or America.

²⁸without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul again encourages the Philippian believers to stand firm in the face of their persecutors.  Paul ensures the Philippians that God does win and the truth and love that is the Gospel does prevail.  Stand firm in the face of the enemies and have faith that you win and sadly the will be punished for their lack of relationship with the True God.

²⁹For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,

(((Joel Thoughts))) This a great verse that scares the living youknowwhat out of Christians living in “comfortable” places such as America.  Scripture is clear that if you follow Christ you will suffer for Him.  There is no doubt in my mind that Paul considered suffering for Christ a means to which he found himself much closer to God.  He felt this way because Christ’s life was completely marked by suffering and not comfortability.  This has been hitting me upside the face sooo much lately.  How do we in America share in the suffering of Christ when things are so comfortable and safe? I think it would be to our benefit and the world’s benefit to find the answer to this question (a blog post in itself!!!)

³⁰since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul was pleased that the Church was sharing in the same sort of suffering that he had become so accustomed to because again it was a sign that the Church was truly following Jesus.  Maybe, just maybe, Pastors are too grateful when troubles pass their congregations and should pray that “hard” life circumstances happen more often so that they could rejoice in the true joy and comfort that is Jesus and his gospel.  Wow, I probably sound too radical there, but in reality the Apostle Paul saw suffering and persecution of the early Church as a sign of true discipleship. Let that one soak in for awhile.

On to Chapter 2.

A Letter to the Church of Philippi-Pt. 3

so we continue…

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, ¹⁹for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. ²⁰I 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. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Verse 19 has Paul requesting the continuation of the believers’ prayers for his deliverance from prison.  He also confidently believes that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the believers’ prayers, he would be released.  In verse 20, it seems that Paul is referring to his trial before the Roman authorities and winning his case (no way be ashamed).  The important thing was not life or death to Paul, but it was to bring God glory and to exalt God through whatever circumstances he found himself in. Verse 21 is one of the greatest theological statements of the Bible with “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul found every motive and reason to live and act in this life on earth in Christ crucified and resurrected.  He identified with Jesus with His sufferings and in his teaching.  No life circumstance (imprisonment, torture) could ever shake Paul from his faith in Christ crucified and resurrected.  For Paul to die— that would be even a greater gain because he would see the reward that he had been persecuted for for many years.  He would be with God–in His presence.

²²If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

(((Joel Thoughts))) These next few verses let us in the psyche of Paul and the dilemma that he is feeling over which he would rather face–life or death…

The life of an apostle in the first century was not a desired life…beatings, getting thrown of town, imprisonment, many times going hungry because of refusing meat sacrificed to idols (if there were weak Christians around), and being called heretics by many angry Jews.  Paul knew that if he were to die and be with Christ, things would be much easier for him than they were now, but he says,  “it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Paul, knowing Christ’s character and attitude of service (Jesus came to serve and not to be served) recognizes that it would be much more beneficial to the Church if he would be released and stay alive to serve the Church and to guide them to spiritual maturity.

²⁵Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul again shares his confidence that he would be released because he is sure that there is still is work to do in advancing the Philippians’ progress and joy in the faith.  Paul restates his mission and purpose in serving the believers in Philippi by stating—-”your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow.” Only a mature, holistic relationship with God can bring the believer the fullest joy.  Paul was confident that through his ministry the believers in Philippi would continue their journey towards maturity in Christ.

A Letter to the Church of Philippi Pt.2

Ok, here we go. Some more fun stuff. Remember, read the text and comment anything that stuck out to you or anything God impressed upon your heart.

Philippians 1:12-18

¹²Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. ¹³As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Overall, through the rest of the first chapter, Paul is reassuring the believers in Philippi that although he is in jail as he writes this because of his proclaiming the gospel, God will be sovereign and the message of the risen Son Jesus will keep spreading and spreading.  What a powerful message from a man who has been thrown in jail for his faith! Can you imagine the early believers getting this letter from Paul, the great missionary and church planter, and gathering around to see what is going on? They read that although he is in jail, (or in chains as Paul writes) God is winning…although the current circumstances may not look good…Love wins…the Gospel wins…I do not think that the world can hear that truth enough.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul even states that his imprisonment because of his message had helped spread the gospel to even more people.  Paul was thrown in jail by the Roman empire that probably imprisoned him because of his denial of the Roman gods or Emperor worship which were both extremely popular and mandatory in that day.  Paul seems to suggest that the entire prison guard had learned  of the gospel because of Paul’s imprisonment and they knew he was in prison because of his faith in Jesus. Paul even suggests that many other believers were encouraged to spread the good news because of Paul’s imprisonment and his belief that the gospel was winning and spreading more and more.  Paul gives a couple brilliant practical examples of lifestyle evangelism.  1. Paul used even the most horrendous of life circumstances (being thrown in jail) to spread the gospel.  2. Paul recognized God’s sovereignty and provision for influence in the worst of life’s circumstances. 3. Paul made the most of every opportunity by sharing his story to even the prison guards who were holding him captive. 4. Paul leaned in to the leadings of the Holy Spirit and used his imprisonment to show  boldness to encourage other believers to share their faith. You want life application?? You got it…Boiiii!

¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

(((Joel Thoughts))) Paul is mostly likely referring to some of the people who were boldly proclaiming Christ because of the encouragment of Paul’s ministry in prison, although Paul’s ideas here have some universal application for today and in ecclesiology (theology of the church).  Paul says that some are preaching out of love and others are preaching out of, let’s just say, not the purest intentions.  Whatever the specific teachings or attitudes of the “other preachers,” Paul’s response is brilliant—–”Who cares???” The importance of the gospel is that it is being proclaimed—its being lived out? Paul puts aside his personal preferences on teaching angles or styles and he celebrates the fact that the message is going out.  I think this is an awesome lesson (especially for me) because I can get so caught up in style and I have a tendency to be judgmental of people and their intentions in churches.  Paul teaches us that we can’t judge the human heart, we can only celebrate when the message is going forth.  That is something I need to hear every Sunday or everytime I am in a church setting. Maybe you do too.