Party spirit: theres a lot of it about. Its the same spirit that wants a country broken up into separate parts - to be self-ruling, to be self-identified. It is not a particularly good motive for doing anything. But here Paul is saying that those who want to be seen as Christians, although they do not have the Holy Spirit, can also be used for the good of the gospel. Yes if Scripture is read out, then the powerful, living Word can touch people who think Christianity is just a party. There will always be an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work where His Words are spoken and there is a heart open to receive. Thats the power of the gospel - the Good News from God. Philippians 1 Amplified Bible (AMP) 15 Some, it is true, [actually] preach Christ (the Messiah) [for no better reason than] out of envy and rivalry (party spirit), but others are doing so out of a loyal spirit and goodwill. 16 The latter [proclaim Christ] out of love, because they recognize and know that I am [providentially] put here for the defence of the good news (the Gospel). 17 But the former preach Christ out of a party spirit, insincerely [out of no pure motive… 18 But what does it matter, so long as either way, whether in pretence [for personal ends] or in all honesty [for the furtherance of the Truth], Christ is being proclaimed? And in that I [now] rejoice, yes, and I shall rejoice [hereafter] also.
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 07:16:33 +0000
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