The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition…
Summary: This passage provides us with an opportunity to explore the nature of sin and its impact on sharing the Gospel with others.
How should we understand Paul’s words in this passage? I know that they sound straightforward, but are they? Let’s examine them more closely.
He writes, “The former (those who preach Christ out of envy and rivalry) preach Christ out of selfish ambition…”
“Envy and rivalry” are not very noble motives! It seems reasonable to equate them with “selfish ambition,” as Paul has done in this passage. But what does that mean?
“Selfish ambition” is a phrase that emphasizes the word “self.” “Self,” of course, does not refer to our spiritual selves, but to our “flesh.” Paul refers to the flesh this way:
“For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.” (Romans 7:5)
In this passage, Paul speaks of the “realm of the flesh” as if it were something that was in the past. The New International Reader’s Version of the Bible (NIRV) states it this way:
“The power of sin used to control us. The law stirred up sinful desires in us. So the things we did resulted in death.” (Romans 7:5, NIRV)
I like the NIRV translation because it clarifies Paul’s meaning. In fact, both translations are helpful in understanding what Paul is saying. The “realm of the flesh” and the “power of sin” are sin-onymous!
To fully understand what this means, we have to understand that our point of view changes everything.
For example, a person who hates pineapple on pizza would say that a pizza with pineapple is “bad.” A person who loves pineapple on pizza is just the opposite. They would say that a pizza with pineapple is “good.”
If we look at the world from God’s perspective, we see that he has two general rules that define what is “good.” The first is to love God above all else and the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Putting God’s will above our “selfish ambition” is good. The opposite is the opposite of good. Putting our “selfish ambition” above God’s will is the definition of sin, or as some might call it, “evil.”
“Selfish ambition” is the worst possible motive for preaching Christ. The person who preaches out of selfish ambition cannot model putting God first or godly love for our neighbors. Everything is subordinated to the self. Even so, preaching Christ out of selfish motives is still preaching Christ.
As Paul points out in the next verse, “What does it matter?” It seems to me that Paul’s trust in the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word is a good model for us to follow, even when someone preaches Christ out of “selfish ambition.”
Application: Trust Jesus, even when it seems like things are out of control.
Food for Thought: How is it possible that Christ preached out of selfish ambition could do any good?
“sin-onymous”
Your ability to place a pun is a talent.
Your meditation this morning brought to my mind the 19th century colporteurs, who made a living by traveling door-to-door and selling Bibles and “religious materials.” Some of these materials were “obtained” from genuine men of faith, and some were written specially to sell to the “hungry minds.” A combination of sermons and theological discussion detailing a closer walk with Jesus.
Not all colporteurs, but some, were in it for the money. Nevertheless, God used them to spread the Gospel. God used them to make the Bible available to those that may otherwise do without.
I think the same can be said about those that preach the Gospel out of selfish ambition. As long as the message remains pure, they are spreading the Gospel. Their reward, however, will remain on Earth. To preach the Gospel of Christ out of love for Christ yields an eternal reward. Also, I think it is important to recognize that the power of Christ can break through mankind’s selfish ambition. It is not unfathomable to see that a person can start out preaching from selfish ambition, and then come to realize the power of redemption and transformation through Christ in the Word.
Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Thank you Chris!
Glad to see you are a connoisseur of fine puns!!
Your story is an excellent example of today’s meditation! Thank you!
I agree with CH. Preaching out of selfish ambition does nothing for the preacher. But if the message remains pure, it is the power of God to salvation to the hearer who accepts the message. The messenger is not as important as the message.
And sin-onymous… just no words 😊
Yes!!!
I love it when a pun comes together!
Thanks, Rich! 😁
How is it possible that Christ preached out of selfish ambition could do any good?
The power in Gods Word, His truths are eternal, will never be diminished by the evil desires of men.
However, for the speaker:
Genesis 50:20, But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Romans 8:28, And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1 Timothy 4:4, For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude.
Ron
Well said!
The power of God to make lemonade out of lemons is un-lemon-ted.