1.  The true gospel (Phil 1:15a) must be preached. Although the gospel is a milk doctrine (as compared to meat doctrines), it must be preached to enable sinners to receive Christ as their Lord and Saviour. However, if a false gospel is preached, there will be no real salvation. Hence, it is vital that they must “preach Christ” (Phil 1:15), the Christ as revealed to us in the Bible. Then can the Holy Spirit work to convert sinners. All are born in sin and commit sins (either direct sins against God, such as idolatry, or indirect sins against God, such as those against their fellow men) in their life. The gospel is the only way for them to be cleansed of their sins and be right with God.

2.  The motive of sharing the true gospel must be right (Phil 1:15b-17). Some preached out of envy and strife, which cannot be seen outwardly, but can be found in all church ministries. Like Paul, they wanted to establish churches and be famous. Since Paul was in prison and unable to do God’s work, they wanted to stir jealousy in his heart, and to compete with him. They wanted to add to his affliction by making him upset that he was no longer famous.

But there are those who preached out of “good will” (Phil 1:15), desiring that sinners come to salvation. This is preaching out of love. The Greek word for “set” (Phil 1:17b) means to lie down, outstretched, i.e. to be firmly rooted in the preaching of the gospel to save sinners. They had been encouraged by Paul when they saw his faithfulness and courage amidst the persecution (Phil 1:14).

Some pastors take whatever opportunities to share the gospel, even in ecumenical churches. This is wrong. The preachers can only do so if they are allowed to point out the errors of the church they are invited to preach in. Thus, those who are saved under the power of the gospel, will not remain in these erroneous churches.

3.  Rejoice only when the true gospel is preached (Phil 1:18). Just by reading a tract with the right gospel, the power of the gospel can work. But woe be to those who preach the right gospel, but are not saved themselves, and thus preaching with wrong motives And God can see this. e.g. Billy Graham and Nicodemus who was told by Christ that he must be born again (John 3:5-7).

Let us not serve with wrong motives. When others serve better than us, rejoice with them and be glad that we can serve together as a family. Do not be envious of them. Strive to serve invisibly for we are but unprofitable servants. As John the Baptist says, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).