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A PROPER MOTIVE
TUESDAY, JULY 5
Philippians 1:15-18

Romans 16:17-18

 

“O that my ways were directed

to keep thy statutes!”

 

A PROPER MOTIVE
 
Scripture often speaks of the need to carefully observe those who come to us preaching the Gospel. We are told to consider their motives and the results of their ministry. It would be nice to think that everyone who preaches in the name of Jesus is burdened for the lost. But this portion of Scripture reminds us that there are some evil men who preach and teach from selfish motives.
 
Some preach to cause “envy and strife” (Phil 1:15), that is to say, to bring about rivalry or partisanship within the church. The object of this is to further their own group or particular desires. They are contentious men, hoping to undermine other teachers whom they see as rivals who stand in the way of their personal success. Such strife-causing is listed in the Scripture as a work of the flesh (Gal 5:20; James 3:14-15). Therefore, men who use their teachings to forward their own ambitions are totally unqualified for leadership in the church. Thankfully, there are many who preach because of a love for the Lord, His Church, and the lost. Surely this is the only proper motive for teaching the Word of God (2 Cor 5:14).
 
Paul was happy that in any case the Gospel was being preached. However, he was not excusing nor approving those who had improper motives. Often, he spoke against such selfish men who preached out of personal ambition (1 Tim 6:3-5). But he had confidence that God could overrule and bring men and women to Himself, even in spite of the preacher’s false motives.
 
As God’s people, we must praise Him every time a soul is saved. But within our churches we must observe the actions of those who preach. Let us look, for our examples, at those who obey Scripture both in preaching and living (Phil 3:17-19). And let us be concerned that the church be led by men who live the message they preach. Only in this way will the faith be shared properly and defended against error.
 
THOUGHT: Are all who preach the gospel men of good will?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the salvation of souls whoever the evangelist is.

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