Category Archives: Gospel

Bible, Gospel, Motive, Rejoicing, Scripture, Truth

REJOICE IN CHRIST

PHILIPPIANS 1:18

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. But not only that, I also will rejoice,”

Sometimes people’s motives for doing something is outweighed by the result they have. Case in point – today’s verse. We’ll get there in a second or two. “The end justifies the means” is NOT what Paul is saying here. That is an unbiblical statement. We can’t do anything we want any way we want as long as we point to God. I could name examples I know about, but I shall refrain from doing so. That in itself would do exactly what I am saying we should not do.

Many scholars say this about what Paul says here. “Of course, this rejoicing does not refer to the impure intention of the preachers, but to the objective result.” These Jewish believers in question were preaching Jesus but were holding the Gentiles to the Mosaic Laws regarding festivals and ordinances. They were attempting to “steal away” Paul’s followers and build their own. BUT they were preaching Jesus as the Messiah Who had come to save all mankind. For that, Paul is rejoicing.

APPLICATION

Matthew, Mark and Luke all use the word for “pretense” when they quoted Jesus as He taught against the Pharisees and Scribes. Luke 20:46-47 says, “46 ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love personal greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive all the more condemnation.’” (See also Matthew 23:14 and Mark 12:38-40)

Notice Jesus wasn’t condemning their prayers. He was condemning their motives for the prayers. Perhaps there were those in the synagogues who were moved by their prayers, the mentioning of the name of Yahweh or the recitation of God’s Word in their prayers. Jesus didn’t say they shouldn’t pray. He warned of their motives.

How can we apply this to our lives? Don’t judge the eternal results of someone’s ministry. That’s for God to decide. We should be careful whom we support to ensure they are not teaching false doctrine or anything that would lead someone away from Christ. We have way too many Christian denominations with way too many traditions and teachings. Not all line up with the Word. But if someone of another denomination leads someone to Jesus, let’s celebrate that. Let’s rejoice in Christ as Paul did.

Father, help me ensure that I focus on the eternal results of anything I teach about Jesus.

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Bible, Envy, Gospel, Motive, Scripture, Strife

THE RIGHT MOTIVE

PHILIPPIANS 1:15

“Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill;”

If you turn on the television, especially on Sundays, you can find some preachers who are, to say it politely, a little questionable. One may ask themselves what their motive is for preaching the Gospel. My paternal grandmother was hooked by a televangelist back in the 80’s. After she passed my dad found where she had sent him a good bit of money, hoping for some miracle. That has always made me check my ego at the door when I share the Word.

This issue isn’t anything new. Today’s verse has Paul discussing this very thing. While some were stepping up and preaching the Word boldly while Paul was imprisoned, others were taking advantage of that void in the early Christian world. They were pursuing all the wrong things in their preaching. Paul says they were “preaching Christ even from envy and strife.” That’s pretty bold, don’t you think? Some things never change.

APPLICATION

Our application today is pretty clear – check your motive. When you share the Gospel, when you witness to someone, check your motive. Make sure you are doing these “kingdom works” for His glory and not your own. Remember 1 Corinthians 3:12-13? “12 Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.”

Many scholars believe these people in question were the Judaizers who were always opposing Paul. They taught that you had to keep the Mosaic Law even after receiving Christ. They even tried to force the Gentile believers to embrace this. They were all about building themselves up in front of the people, not Christ.

Now, your methodology may not be envious or strifeful, but if the motive is not purely to glorify Christ, you’ve got the wrong motive. Ask yourself If I receive no credit for this, would I still do it? Ask the Lord if your motive is pure. He will definitely tell you. Preach the Word. Share the Gospel. But do it for Jesus and no one else.

O Lord, keep my motives pure as I share the Gospel with others.

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Bible, Circumstances, Gospel, Prison, Progress, Scripture

IS THIS AN APRIL FOOL’S JOKE?

PHILIPPIANS 1:12

“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,”

Today is April Fool’s Day, a day when people try to pull pranks on others. Sometimes they are funny. Other times – not so much. I have been the perpetrator of pranks and the victim too. Being a jokester myself, I kind of like this day. If you pull a prank today, make sure it is harmless and demeaning. Just saying!

Paul was NOT pulling a prank when he wrote this verse to Philippians. He wrote this epistle from prison, so how could his “circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel”? That just doesn’t make sense to me. But Paul knew something about his circumstances. God would use them to spread the message of Jesus far and wide. He was sure of that.

APPLICATION

Today we have a very interesting word that is used by Paul. We translate it “progress.” You have to see what HELPS Word Studies says about this word. “Prokopḗ (from pró, ‘in front of’ and kóptō, ‘cut, chop down’) – properly, advance (progress) – literally, ‘advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress’; furtherance. For the believer, this means going forward in sanctification, cutting through obstacles by the Lord’s power. [This root (prokop-) is also used in antiquity of pioneers and armies – clearing away (chopping down) forests in order to reach their destination.]”

Prokopḗ is only used two other times in the New Testament. Later in Philippians 1:25 we read, ”Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,” And in 1 Timothy 4:15, Paul tells Timothy, “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.”

To borrow the definition we saw in HELPS, are you chopping and clearing a path with the Gospel? We have been given the Sword of the Spirit, God’s Holy Word, to do just that. Memorize, meditate and apply His Word today in all your interactions with others. Look for ways to say as Paul did that you see a greater progress of the Gospel.

Father God, use me today to be Your instrument to share Your Word with others.

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Bible, Gospel, Letters, Scripture, Sharing

PASS IT AROUND

COLOSSIANS 4:16

“When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.”

I had an image flash through my mind when I read this verse. It was not a spiritual image, more of a memory. I remember sitting at my Grandma Carter’s dining room table with all the family gathered around it. We would have this huge spread of food before us, and after saying grace, we would begin passing it around the table. We made sure everyone got the fried chicken and potato salad. Of course, you have to grab one of Grandma’s “cathead” biscuits and then came all the homegrown vegetables. Yum!

Paul wasn’t fixing Sunday dinner, but he was giving instructions to the church in Colossae to pass on this letter to another church body in Laodicea. They, in turn, would pass the letter they had received (which we don’t have) to them. Today, we would just forward the email or the text, right? You have to remember that back in Paul’s day, letter writing was a laborious process, taking lots of time and resources. That’s why he wanted them to share with each other.

APPLICATION

This seemingly unimportant verse here at the end of Colossians is just as important as any other verse. Why? Because it is part of God’s Word! How do we apply what this verse says? Simple! Pass it around! Share the good news. You have been given the greatest story ever told – Jesus Christ came to die for you, was crucified, buried and rose again to give us eternal life. Woohoo! Pass that on to someone.

There was a song in the 70’s that was popular with the teenagers and young adults entitled “Pass It On.” The lyrics were:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone;
You want to pass it on.

Won’t you pass it on this week? Share the good news with your neighbor, friend or a stranger. Don’t keep it to yourself. Pass it along. Just like the fried chicken at my Grandma’s table, pass it along. Let everyone have the opportunity to taste of the goodness of God.

Lord, give me opportunities today to pass on the good news of Your Son to someone.

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Bible, Gospel, Proclaim, Scripture, Witnessing

PROCLAIM!

COLOSSIANS 4:4

“that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.”

I was called to full-time ministry as a high school senior. In fact, shortly after my salvation, I knew the Lord was directing me to that. Little did I know all that was involved in that. But there was one thing I knew it involved – proclaiming the Gospel. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean you are called to preach. You can proclaim the Gospel in a lot of ways.

Paul knew he was called by God on that Damascus road to reach the Gentiles. What?! A Pharisee reaching out to Gentiles? Do you remember what the Lord told Ananias to tell Paul? In Acts 9:15, we read, “‘This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.’” Paul knew he was called to proclaim!

APPLICATION

In 2 Corinthians 5:11 Paul tells the Corinthian believers that we all have this calling – to proclaim the Word. “Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.” We have the duty to try to persuade others using God’s Word. Persuade to what? To follow Jesus.

Acts 20:20-21 tell us Paul’s thoughts regarding this call to proclaim. “20 I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike about repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul knew his calling and was always telling others to proclaim and share the Gospel.

Don’t think for a moment that you are exempt from this as a believer. Don’t try to claim Moses’ excuse (stuttering) or Simon Peter’s excuse (too busy fishing). Ask the Lord how He wants you to proclaim the Gospel. You may be surprised at the way in which He leads you. Just proclaim!

O Lord, use me to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in whatever manner You desire.

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Bible, Body, Church, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

COLOSSIANS 4:3

“praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;”

Praying for others is such a privilege. I have been praying for some of my friends and some missionaries I know for over twenty years. As part of my role with Every Man A Warrior, I lead the Prayer Ministry. I ask quite often for prayer requests from our leaders so I can share those with some of our Intercessors. It truly is a privilege to pray for others.

Paul is asking the Colossian believers to pray for him. He asks specifically that they pray for an open door to “proclaim the mystery of Christ.” Don’t miss the point that he is asking this even though he is in prison for doing exactly that. Paul was not afraid. He wanted more and more opportunities to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul asks the Ephesians a similar request. “19 and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Paul was asking everyone to pray for him.

2 Corinthians 1:11 gives us another glimpse into Paul asking for prayers from others. “if you also join in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons in our behalf for the favor granted to us through the prayers of many.” Even the writer of Hebrews asks for prayers in Hebrews 13:18-19. “18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things. 19 And I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you more quickly.”

So, what’s my point? Pray for others and let others know your requests. The Body of Christ needs prayer. We need to be praying for others. We need to lift each other before the throne of God daily. Don’t be bashful to ask for prayer. God may just use your request for prayer to spur someone to drop to their knees, thus drawing them closer to Him.

O Lord, I lift up all my family and friends today and ask You to work in their lives according to Your perfect Will.

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Bible, Gospel, Scripture, Witnessing

WITH YOU IN SPIRIT

COLOSSIANS 2:5

“For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.”

Don’t you just love that we can now video chat with others no matter the distance? On my recent trip to East Africa, I was able to FaceTime with my wife and other family as long as I had reliable internet. It was as if I was right there with them. I video chat with people all over the world on a regular basis. It helps so much to see and hear them as we talk.

Paul didn’t have FaceTime or WhatsApp. I wonder how his missionary journeys may have changed. I think he had rather be there in person. He had received reports on their faith and was “rejoicing to see” all that was taking place in their lives. Can you imagine as he sat in a Roman prison how he was encouraged that the gospel was still strong?

APPLICATIONS

In 2 Corinthians 5:3, we see Paul using similar language. “For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present.” In this instance, he was exercising his authority, even though he was not physically present in Corinth. Paul’s words meant something.

How does this apply to us? We cannot be everywhere at once. It’s just not possible. But we have the privilege to influence others in a variety of ways even though we are not physically present. As mentioned, we can video chat through FaceTime, WhatsApp or other applications. This can have tremendous impact.

We can continue to use other media like radio, television, livestreaming or even just phone calls. Is there someone you need to reach out to? How can you do that? Which way will they respond to the best? Tell them, “I am absent in body, but I am present in spirit.”

Lord, use me to reach others around the world. Thank You for the technological advances we can use to spread the gospel.

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Bible, Commissioned, Commitment, Gospel, Scripture

COMMISSIONED

COLOSSIANS 1:25

“I was made a minister of this church according to the commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,” 

I take my calling seriously. Having been called into the ministry at an early age (17 years old), I have been responding to the Lord’s leadership for a lot of years. I was a senior in high school when God called me. There was no mistake about it. I did not want to be a minister, much less a missionary. God had other plans. Now, 47 years later, God is still directing me. That “commission” I received from the Lord back in 1977 is still in effect.

Paul had been a Pharisee before he met Jesus on that Damascus road. His calling was a little more dramatic than mine. I am sure he was also surprised that God intended for him to reach the Gentiles, not the Jews. His calling was to a people that he had despised as a Pharisee. His calling was to “fully carry out the preaching of the word of God.” I think we can all agree (if you have studied Paul’s life) that he did that well. He was faithful to the end. He is one of the first people I want to meet in heaven one day. I am sure he has lots of other stories about his missionary journeys that are not recorded in Scripture.

APPLICATION

The word “commission” is the Greek word oikonomia. Strong’s Lexicon says, “this concept was easily understood by early Christians and was applied metaphorically to describe the stewardship of spiritual truths and the administration of God’s redemptive plan.” According to that, we are all commissioned by God. We all should be good stewards of spiritual truths and should all be sharing God’s redemptive plan.

In 1 Corinthians 9:16-18, we see Paul further explaining his “commission.” “16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a commission nonetheless. 18 What, then, is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.”

You may not be a preacher. You may not be a missionary. But you have been commissioned by God to carry forth His truths to the world. You have in your possession as a believer the greatest story ever told. Fulfill your commission today. Tell someone about Jesus.

Lord, send me out to the world to share Your truths and Your redemptive plan.

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Abundance, Bible, Fruit, God's Will, Gospel, Scripture, Unfruitful

FRUIT BEARING

COLOSSIANS 1:6

“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth;” 

Trees that don’t bear fruit often meet a fatal end. The farmers can’t afford to have a tree take up valuable land and nutrients if isn’t producing fruit. There are so many stories in the Bible about fruit bearing. Jesus told several Himself. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells this parable. “6 And He began telling this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, “Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?” 8 But he answered and said to him, “Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.”’”

The Greek word Paul uses for “bearing fruit” is karpophoreó. Strong’s Lexicon says karpophoreó “is often used metaphorically to refer to the visible results or outcomes of a person’s life or actions, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. The term implies productivity and the manifestation of inner qualities or virtues.” Just as God expected Israel to bear fruit (the image of the fig tree in the parable), He expects us to do the same.

APPLICATION

But Carl, I’m not a preacher. Nobody said you had to be a preacher to bear fruit. Our verse today says the gospel will itself bear fruit, if we will just share it. You don’t win a soul to heaven. God does through the Holy Spirit. You are simply the tool He has chosen to use. If you didn’t realize it already, God still uses people to accomplish His will.

This word karpophoreó is used eight times in the New Testament. Four times it is used in the Gospels (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20, 28; Luke 8:15) where Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Paul uses it twice in Romans (7:4, 5) referring to the battle between law and grace producing fruit for life or death. Then finally we have the last two occurrences in Colossians (1:6, 10). We will see verse 10 in a few days.

Why am I telling you all this? Because fruit bearing is important. Take a minute and read John 15. Look at how the vine and branches are meant to produce fruit. We are the branches designed by God to produce fruit for His kingdom. Share the gospel. Share His Word. Tell someone about Jesus this Christmas season and watch how God will produce the fruit.

Forgive me Father, for not being more bold in witnessing about Jesus. Use me to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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Bible, Boldness, Gospel, Prayer, Scripture

IT’S OKAY TO ASK FOR PRAYER

EPHESIANS 6:19

“and pray in my behalf, that speech may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,”

It hard to ask for prayers for yourself, isn’t it? I remember when I went through my second stem cell transplant, I truly believe the Lord told me to not pray for my healing. Instead, He burdened others to pray for me. When I was asked by others how they could pray for me, I told them to pray I would be an example of humility and faith for others to see. I hope I was able to do that well to please the Father.

So, we find Paul here in today’s verse asking for prayer. He didn’t ask them to pray for protection from his enemies (and he had many). He asked them pray for him to be bold in his speech so he could present the gospel well. Remember where he was when he wrote this letter to the Ephesians. He was under house arrest in Rome. Humility and meekness were what Paul exhibited. I truly believe God gave him an audience there in that Roman incarceration.

APPLICATION

Paul asked that he be given a divine utterance. That is what the original language truly says. The word used for “speech” is the Greek word logos. That is the same word used to describe Christ. Just look at John 1. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Paul is asking that Christ fill his mouth. Shouldn’t we ask for the same?

The word “opening” is only used here in the New Testament. Now, let’s just talk about that for a second. We are in the middle of a pretty heated political season here in the U.S. Perhaps if both candidates would pray for the correct “opening” of their mouth, this campaign season would be a lot less volatile. Don’t you think? We should do the same. We should weigh every word that comes out of our mouths.

Finally, Paul asks for boldness. That Greek word means, “leaving a witness that something deserves to be remembered (taken seriously).” (HELPS Word studies). Paul wanted all those who heard his words about Jesus to remember them. He wanted to see others come to Christ. We should have the same motive when speaking. Do that today. Share the gospel with someone in your circle of influence today.

Lord, You promise to give us the words to speak when we need them. Stop our mouths with Your Word today.

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