14 day plan

Imperfection

Day 10 of 14

CSB

Philippians 1:15-17

15To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,  but others out of good will. 16These preach out of love,  knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition,  not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.

Reflection: Imperfect pastors

“Ex opere operato” is a useful Latin tag which means that Communion (or the Lord’s Supper) does not derive its value from the worth of the minister leading it, but is independent of him or her – it brings Christ to mind and heart.

The same may be true of preaching. You may have been taught by a minister who was later found to be morally deficient. Although your memories may be tinged with sadness and shock, God’s promises and truth remain whole. The Word of God is not bound by the weaknesses of the preachers you encounter.

The Jews in the synagogue in the town of Berea in Acts 17 are a good example for us. They were preached to by Paul and Silas, yet they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” It is our responsibility to do the same.

Most of us can praise God for our faithful pastors, who bring us both the Word and sacraments. I hope that is the experience of most who read this devotion.

Prayer:  Father, I pray for all who have been hurt or betrayed by a minister or pastor. May they feel lifted up and comforted in your arms today. Thank you for all faithful pastors and teachers. Please continue to shape and gift them to shepherd your people with integrity.

© 2017 Holman Bible Publishers

Days

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14

Philippians 1:1-30

Greeting

1Paul  and Timothy,  servants of Christ Jesus:

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,  including the overseers  and deacons. 

2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,  4always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day  until now.  6I am sure of this, that he who started a good work  in you  will carry it on to completion  until the day of Christ Jesus. 7Indeed, it is right  for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart,  and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment  and in the defense  and confirmation of the gospel. 8For God is my witness,  how deeply I miss all of you  with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And I pray this: that your love  will keep on growing  in knowledge and every kind of discernment,  10so that you may approve the things that are superior  and may be pure  and blameless  in the day of Christ,  11filled with the fruit  of righteousness  that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory  and praise of God.

Advance of the Gospel

12Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,  13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word , fearlessly. 15To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry,  but others out of good will. 16These preach out of love,  knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition,  not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives  or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19because I know this will lead to my salvation , through your prayers and help from the Spirit  of Jesus Christ.  20My eager expectation and hope  is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life  or by death. 

Living Is Christ

21For me, to live is Christ  and to die is gain.  22Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful  work  for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ  #— #which is far better  #— # 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,  26so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting  in Christ Jesus  may abound.

27Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life  worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm  in one  spirit, in one accord,  contending together for the faith  of the gospel, 28not being frightened in any way by your opponents.  This is a sign of destruction for them,  but of your salvation  #— #and this is from God. 29For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe  in him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

© 2017 Holman Bible Publishers