Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment (Philippians 1:12-17 NAS95).
Paul had a mission to preach the Gospel at any and all cost. His devotion to Christ and the Gospel was a source of great encouragement to many. No matter in what circumstance he found himself, he would preach the good news of Jesus Christ. For Paul preaching the Gospel was not something he tacked on to his Christian life. It was his life. As he would say, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21 NAS95).
It is surprising to hear so many believers complain about the difficultly of sharing the Gospel. This is especially alarming when their complaints are based on fear. What does it say about a believer’s spiritual condition when they are so timid? Something is wrong when the two great commandments are to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself and then to cower when a chance to preach the Good News presents itself. Isn’t that an indication the believer is clinging to this world and the things it affords? This is an all to common ailment today.
Paul told Timothy to, preach the word; to be ready in season and out of season. Many of us suffer from an unbalanced tendency to “be ready” only “out of season.” The season does not refer to time it refers to us. This verse says “Preach the Word!” Be ready in season and out of season. In other words we should be ready whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would never do anything (Oswald Chambers).
A believer would do well to ask himself if he is ready in season and out of season. If he is ready to preach the Gospel at all cost like Paul. Most would probably have to answer, “I am not there yet.”
If Paul is to be an example to follow, then consider what he says in the Book of Romans. So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH" (Romans 1:15-17 NAS95).
Paul was eager to preach the Gospel, first, because he was not ashamed of it. Shame can manifest itself in different ways. Some who know the Gospel simply won’t preach it for fear of possible consequences. Others, will only preach a partial Gospel seeking to soften its impact and thus lessen any adverse reactions. Still others, will only preach it in private to put on a facade for other believers.
Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. Who wouldn’t throw a drowning man a life preserver if he could? Yet the Gospel is an eternal life preserver that many hide from a dying world. What kind of love is that?
Lastly, Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel because it revealed the righteousness of God. The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving; they need the truth to set them free.
Paul was so consumed with his mission, he didn’t care that his enemies sought to do him harm by preaching the Gospel. Even when he recognized their selfish ambition, he was glad to have the Gospel preached.
It would do all believers well to look at Paul’s ministry as an example to emulate. Believer’s who are truly thankful for their salvation and who want to glorify their Savior should not be ashamed of the Gospel. Remember, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!"
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