I would like to talk about two things today. One concept is mentioned from verses 15-19 and the other one is taken from verses 20-26.
It is interesting how out of an individual's wrong motive, Paul has seen something good and useful.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice
So many denominations have emerged over the years and those who are not familiar with the bible tend to get confused on who and what to believe in. Unlike them, we must be well adept in His word so that we are not easily swayed by false teachings i.e. we know WHO to worship, how to live our lives and our purpose. We have witnessed many people use religion for their selfish desires (money, power and the like) but like what apostle Paul said, out of false motives, Christ is preached therefore we consider it part of God's bigger plans for the nation.
Paul is one of God's extraordinary men.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
In a non-believer's point of view, only a crazy man would be torn between death and life filled with persecution. Having these two options and knowing that either way, one cannot win, is somehow impossible for an ordinary man to bear. Thankfully Paul was not ordinary and thankfully WE ARE NOT ORDINARY! If we have fully discerned God's love for us we would think like Paul. It will not matter to us whether we live or die because either way it would mean life in Christ.
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