SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
Scripture: Philippians 1:12-16

In Philippians 1:12-16 Paul talks about his generation of ministers. He says, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;” Selfish ambition tries to choose what it wants to do and the magnitude of it. Selfish ambition is me-centric with self at the center of one’s own path. In such a place decisions are made to benefit self. When we choose the path of the Spirit our decisions benefit God and His kingdom, not our own! By choosing to avoid what might offend, we have already lost the battle because we are not serving God but self! God is willing to offend the mind to challenge the heart! God condemns self-willed people to their own devices opening the door to darkness. Why does God kill more than He saves in Revelation? Because at the end of the age, selfish ambition and self will rule man. Most people choose their own path and rebel against God’s path to avoid the cross!