Having Friendships that Are Built on the Gospel

by Mitchell Tan
July 25, 2018

PAUL’S BRETHREN

Young people, what is it that brings us together as brothers and sisters in Christ? It is nothing less than the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the person of Christ and His words that bring us together as one. The apostle Paul wrote about this when he mentioned how he thanked God for the fellowship that he had with the Philippians in the gospel (Philippians 1:5). He addressed them as “brethren”. They were his brothers and sisters in Christ.

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel”
Philippians 1:12

He did not want them to be ignorant concerning how his imprisonment had brought about the advancement of the gospel. The whole palace guard have come to know that his chains were in Christ. And most of the brethren were further emboldened to preach the gospel (Philippians 1:14). Paul was indeed thankful for this development. Paul and his brethren were deeply concerned about spreading the gospel of Christ.

ENEMIES OF PAUL WHO PREACHED THE GOSPEL FOR THE WRONG REASONS

“Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife”
Philippians 1:15

“The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains”
Philippians 1:16

“Only that in every way, whether in pretense”
Philippians 1:18

Paul knew that not everyone who “preached” the gospel was a friend of his. There were those who preached Christ for the wrong reasons. These were actually enemies. Firstly, there were those who preached out of envy and strife. Their hearts were obviously sinful and wrong. These people were envious of Paul’s ministry and were striving against him. Secondly, these enemies of Paul were also preaching for their own selfish purposes. They had ill-intention in mind. They were vicious and wanted to hurt Paul through their attempts at preaching. Thirdly, there was no sincerity in all that they did. It was in pretence that they sought to “minister”. Young people, let’s be careful of those who serve the Lord and share the gospel for the wrong reasons. Let’s also seek to check our heart as we speak for Him.

BELOVED FRIENDS WHO PREACHED THE GOSPEL FOR THE RIGHT REASONS

“And some also from goodwill”
Philippians 1:15

“But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.”
Philippians 1:17

“In truth”
Philippians 1:18

On one hand, there were those who were vicious and wanted to add to the afflictions of Paul. On the other hand, there were those who were the beloved friends of Paul, who sought to help him. They became bold in preaching the gospel despite the persecutions that he faced. Firstly, it was out of the good treasures of their heart that they served the Lord. Paul was able to see the goodness that was in them. They served together with Paul without any selfish desires. Secondly, they preached the gospel out of a big heart of love for the Lord and for Paul. They knew that he was specially appointed for his work of soul winning. He was to defend the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Their hearts were joined with his to do this sacred work of spreading the truth. Truly, it is wonderful to know that Paul had such beloved friends who would stand by him. Let’s also learn to stand by each other in times of need. Let’s be joined together in doing the Lord’s work of winning souls with the gospel and for the gospel no matter what we may face.

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