April 21 2026

Tuesday April 21

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Philippians 1:17-18

Today we’re moving on to Philippians 1:17–18. The Apostle Paul writes in these verses: “But the latter, out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel, what then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. In this I rejoice, and will rejoice.”

I don’t know about you, but for me today—with the internet, media, YouTube, Facebook, and all the social platforms, along with television programs and so many preachers coming to us in so many ways—there are many who present themselves as ministers of the gospel, yet some are doing it with wrong motives. Some do it in pretense. Some do it for money. Some do it in ways that we may not feel comfortable with. It can be very difficult to discern what is right and what is wrong. So how do we deal with it?

The Apostle Paul has just acknowledged that some were preaching Christ with wrong motives—out of envy, strife, and selfish ambition. Now he adds that others were preaching out of love and sincerity, understanding his calling to defend the gospel. So Paul asks this remarkable question: “What then?” In other words, how should we respond to this mixture of motives and methods in ministry? Paul’s answer is both simple and profound: “Christ is preached; and therein do I rejoice. Yea, and will rejoice.”

Now we must be careful to understand that Paul is not saying wrong motives are acceptable. He is not approving insincere or self-serving preaching. He has already exposed those motives for what they are—insincere, selfish, and even harmful. But at the same time, Paul refuses to lose sight of what matters most: that Christ is being proclaimed. This was the consistent focus of Paul’s ministry throughout his life.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1–2, Paul writes: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom…For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” Paul made a deliberate decision. His message, his focus, and his primary goal were to preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Then in 1 Corinthians 1:17–18, he wrote: “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

Paul understood that the power of the gospel is not found in personality, presentation, or human wisdom. The power is in the cross of Jesus Christ. We see this again in Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And in Colossians 1:28: “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” Do you see the pattern? The Apostle Paul’s message was not about himself. It was not about his reputation. It was not about comparison with others. It was Jesus Christ—and always Christ.

So when Paul says in Philippians 1:18 that he rejoices, it is not because he agrees with wrong motives. It is because he rejoices that the true message of the gospel is still going forth. This gives us a very important balance for our own lives today: We must not approve wrong motives in ministry. We must guard our own hearts before the Lord. But we must also keep our focus on Christ and the gospel, not becoming distracted or discouraged by the failures of others.

My friend, it is so easy—and you know it is—to become critical, cynical, or even sidetracked when we see people serving for the wrong reasons. But Paul reminds us here today: let’s not lose sight of the mission. Lift up Christ. Preach the gospel. Stay faithful.

In the end, it is not about personalities, preferences, or presentations. It is about Jesus Christ and Him crucified. May God help us to keep our focus, our priorities, and our eyes on Jesus Christ—our message centered on the cross and our hearts pure before Him. And like Paul, may we rejoice whenever Christ is preached, even as we walk humbly and sincerely before the Lord.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!