Beginning at verse 15 of chapter 1, Paul instructs the Philippians regarding those who preach Christ but do so from wrong motives. There is some discussion about the order of verses 15, 16, and 17, since translations such as the King James Version and the New American Standard Bible present them differently. Yet the meaning remains clear. These verses reveal six flawed motives behind what appears to be faithful ministry. Paul does not deny that Christ is being proclaimed, but he exposes the heart behind the proclamation. As I considered these motives, I could not help but notice how familiar they feel. They are not confined to the first century. They are alive and well today. I admit this with some hesitation, because it is easier to recognize these patterns in others than in myself, yet they seem to surface more often than I would like to admit.
The first motive is envy, a competitive spirit that seeks to outdo others. Closely tied to it is strife, which naturally follows jealousy. Gromacki explains that strife can arise even in theological discussions, when people argue over wording or align themselves with certain leaders. Paul addressed this in Corinth, where “there is quarreling among you” (1 Corinthians 1:11). Envy leads to strife, and strife leads to divisions, another motive Paul identifies. People draw lines, form groups, and defend positions with surprising intensity. Then comes insincerity, where outward religious activity masks a desire for reputation rather than genuine devotion. Another motive involves affliction, where rivalry deepens into a desire to harm others. The image is vivid, like chains rubbing painfully against a prisoner’s skin. Finally, there is the use of religion as a cloak, a way to hide personal sin while appearing righteous. It is a sobering list. I say this carefully, because I have seen traces of each in my own thinking, often dressed up in language that sounds respectable.
The New Testament continually brings the focus back to the heart. Paul writes that some preach Christ “out of rivalry, not sincerely” (Philippians 1:17), yet he still rejoices that Christ is proclaimed. At the same time, Scripture calls for something deeper. Jesus warned against outward religion that hides inward corruption, saying, “You clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). He also taught that “from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts” (Mark 7:21). Through Christ, the issue of motive is addressed at its source. God does not merely refine our actions; He reshapes our hearts. As Paul writes, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Him, the message and the motive are brought together, forming a life that reflects both truth and sincerity.