Preaching Christ. Philippians 1:15. “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife, and some also of good will:” Apparently, there were gifted men like Timothy and Epaphroditus and others who held back from preaching the word because Paul was their leader and such an effective spokesman for the Lord. He was no longer to go from place to place preaching the Gospel, so some of those men went out with courage and boldness to “fill the gap” and make Christ known.
There were others who took advantage of Paul being limited in his public preaching and tried to step into the spotlight to preach, even though they weren’t suited for that role. Not everyone who desires to be a public preacher has been given the gift or responsibility to do so. Paul had no jealousy in his heart, even though envy and strife existed among them. The potential for bitterness was present when some believers, knowing Paul was in prison, began to preach the Gospel. The unfriendliness of some who preached Christ out of "envy and strife" did not make Paul bitter.
It is not uncommon for the struggles of one of God's children to impact other believers. We can choose to be glad when God uses others to continue what we have started or to feel bitter. Sometimes, those who are shy and hesitant are inspired to act by the misfortune of people who have fallen ill or are sidelined for some reason. We are clearly happy when they reach out with the Gospel to new areas or follow up on a work already begun. Then there are those who are restless and have "the itch to preach" and attempt to share the Gospel even if they're not very skilled at it. It is up to us whether we will be critical or grateful that Christ is preached.
Look for reasons to find joy; don’t let anything take it away from you. Don’t be harsh when sincere men, who are just learning the ways of God, the truth of the scriptures, and how to pass it on, make mistakes or lack discernment in delivering the message. Give them time and pray that they will be willing to learn that “he that wins souls is wise.” It may be that you are the one who can “instruct them in the ways of God more perfectly,” as Aquila and Priscilla did for Apollos.
Some people choose their words carefully but for the wrong reasons. Their intention behind preaching might be opposition or a personal grudge against someone who has been serving the Lord for a long time. Some talk about Christ but misrepresent Him by asking for money to support their pursuit of leadership and success. There is opportunism aimed at financial gain.
The faithfulness of the tested and proven laborers has inspired others to follow their example. Good will toward their own generation is what prompts them to preach the Gospel, and their strong faith and assurance motivate many hearts. They reach out to those who need salvation from their sins by preaching Christ despite the rivalry that others stir up.
I guess it is not my place to criticize what others do, but when they ask for money, I don’t believe they are always sincere servants who want to give freely what they have received. Those preaching that message, which is so different from how our Lord Jesus Christ preached, seem to want to fill their coffers with money to mark their passage.
I’ve observed and worked alongside some workers from a distance and others nearby, and they preached Christ with goodwill. You would never hear them ask for money of any kind. They would rather give what they received, passing on the Gospel and much of what they had. When Christ is preached, we should consider the true motivation behind the person doing the preaching. Listen to the words and compare them with what is true of the Gospel message when it comes from sincere hearts. Match the attitudes of people's souls with what you truly hear and see from those who claim to speak for God.