Today’s reading comes from the English Standard Version.
Philippians 1:12-18 ESV Read and think about the passage written below.
I want you to know brothers , that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and I rejoice.
Think about this for a moment. How much has the gospel advanced since Christ ascended into heaven? The book of Acts begins the story of the body of Christ known today as the church.
How has the gospel advanced in your life time?
Are you confident in the Lord to speak the Name of the Lord Jesus and proclaim what HE has done in your life with boldness and without fear? Describe a time in your life when you felt this way and ask HIM to help you to encounter new opportunities to do so.
In the country where you live in this earth are you able to freely worship and advance the gospel if not be encouraged that this letter was written to the Philippians while Paul was imprisoned and moreover your brothers and sisters around the world are standing in the gap for you in prayer. Even in some countries where there is freedom to assemble there is also much opposition.
Have you ever encountered any opposition for defending the gospel, if so describe it here below: Feel free to write it on a separate page, if not enough space.
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What does Paul mean when he says in verse 15 that some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry but others from goodwill?
Does envy and rivalry exist in the body of Christ today?
How sincere are you in sharing the gospel? Do you do it out of love or out selfish ambition?
Do you rejoice in the gospel being spread?
Think! Reflect! Seek GOD!
Living Fountain 