Chapter 1, Verse 18 “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,”
What does it matter if they preach out of pretense or if they preach out of truth? What matters is that they preach Christ and Him crucified. Paul has a vision of his end goal and it’s not about petty quarrels on who is greatest in the kingdom. Remember what Paul wrote to the Corinthians? “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2)
If these pretending brothers thought they would upset Paul they were very badly mistaken. Rather than being offended Paul is happy. He rejoices, and not only that, he planned on continuing to rejoice. Every day they preached the crucifixion of Christ, Paul was happy. Every time someone new hears the good news of Jesus we should rejoice just like Paul. All over the world men and women are sharing Jesus and we encourage them to do so even if we disagree with some part of their doctrine. That Jesus came to save mankind is universal “good news.”
Tasks for Today: First, don’t worry about what others are doing. Concentrate on what you should be doing. I’m speaking of gospel work. Are you preaching Christ and him crucified? Not speaking about church attendance or how much you give on a given Sunday. Are you preaching Christ at home, at work, at play. Tomorrow is too late. Someone needs to hear your sermon today.
This Week:
Wednesday, the blog will consider the Tabernacle of Moses. What was it’s purpose? Who’s idea was it?
Friday, the blog will publish the first episode of Shootout at the Spring, a western sequel to Dakota Marshal. Bad men, good men, confused men, and a parson. If you read Dakota Marshal, you’ll want to read the sequel. If you didn’t check it out on the Westerns page.
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