The Place to Be #43

Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. 

We saw yesterday that Paul considered his circumstances as inconsequential. No matter where he was or how difficult life might become, God had a plan for him to be there in that situation. He, and we, just need to be willing to be used by Him and obedient to Him, and we will see how and why He will work things out. Paul now considers motives.  Paul could get envious or resentful that others were "out there" in the free world preaching Christ, while he was chained to his "pulpit," but he refused to think that way. He did not even get upset, knowing that some were doing so to seek wealth and fame, and looked down on him, thinking he must deserve to be in prison. Paul demanded of himself that he rejoice because the Gospel was being preached, and that was the purpose of his life and calling.  That goal overshadowed all else. When we get to Paul's repeated call to rejoice in every and any circumstance, we must understand that it all starts here with his own resolve to rejoice no matter what.  He is not calling on them to do something he does not.