“What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18
This passage above is completely taken out of context. So let me fill you in with the juicy details.
During Paul’s ministry, he was not only confronted by Jews and gentiles, but by other Christian’s too. The Christians would follow Paul everywhere he went, scrutinizing everything Paul said and did. When Paul would leave an area, they would come in a teach contrary to what Paul taught. This happened during his entire ministry.
Now, Paul is in prison for preaching the gospel as he is writing this letter. But, he is cool with that. Why? Because word is getting around that he is in jail because of what he is teaching about Jesus. He is fine with being in jail because the gospel is spreading.
Paul goes on to say that it doesn’t matter why people are preaching either. Some people preach out envy or rivalry. In others words, they preach because they think they are smarter or better than someone else. Still others preach out of selfish ambition while some do it out of genuine love.
Paul says it doesn’t matter why people preach. The only thing that matters is that Jesus is preached. Think about that for a minute…
It doesn’t matter if you are Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Apostolic, Jehovah’s Witness, or Seventh-day Adventist. What matters is the gospel being preached. Yes, some people and denominations preach false doctrines. But don’t we all fall short? These denominations don’t agree with each other’s doctrines. But doctrines will never save you. Knowing the truth will never save you. Only Jesus will save you! So, as long as Jesus is being preached, I will rejoice along with Paul.
How many times have you criticized someone for being a hypocrite, or doing something wrong, or saying something wrong, or believing in something that you don’t agree with? That’s what this is all about. Just because someone knows more or understand more about the Bible doesn’t make them a superior Christian.
It is the job of the Holy Spirit to lead people to all Truth. We don’t have all truth. We can easily be wrong and not even know it. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit do His job. Stop attacking other Christians because of what they believe in. Stop looking for faults in your pastors, priests, and ministers. They are sinners just like you. All you need to worry about is living your own life according to God’s word and tell others about the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ!
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