[Robinson puts the writing of Philippians at ‘Spring 58,’ during Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea.] Paul wrote to the church in Philippi urging them to live in faithfulness to Jesus, constantly praying for them with joy because they were partners in sharing the gospel (Philippians 1:3-5). Sharing the gospel was a big deal to him. Although he was not happy to be in jail, he went so far as to comment that that his imprisonment had “actually helped to spread the gospel” (1:12).

Then as now, people have different motives for the things they do. In Paul’s situation, some people were talking about Jesus with courageous articulation, because they wanted others to discover the difference Jesus makes in a person’s life (1:14, 16). Others were talking about Jesus just as a way of drawing attention to Paul’s imprisonment, seeking to stir up trouble in the hope that it would cause his sentence to become more harsh (1:15, 17).

What would Paul think, about people who were preaching Jesus in order to get him in more trouble? I think I would resent it; but apparently Paul was all for it: “Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice” (1:18).

What will motivate you to explain to others why you believe in Jesus? What will enable you to overcome your own resistance to doing that? Will saving souls from hell do it for you? Or needing new church members to help support the budget? How about wanting people to discover the power of Jesus in their life? Maybe the competitive urge where you feel like you’ve got to grow your church more than the one down the street? Whatever. Paul’s insight is this: if it will succeed in motivating you to talk about Jesus with the people around you, that’s a good motivation: it’s lots better than not being able to overcome your own hesitation to talk about Jesus.

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Ah Lord Jesus! You make such a difference in our lives: you are the forgiveness for all the ways we’ve failed, and you are the power to transform our lives. Help us find the motivation to share your gospel with all the world: everyone needs you so much.

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