The Meaning Of True Defenders Of The Gospel

By Ann Murray


The book of Philippians Chapter 1 verses 15-17 separates preachers into two groups. There those who preach because of rivalry and envy and those who do so because they love Christ. It is those who do it for love that are called to be true defenders of the gospel. Those who seek rivalry are working for self-interest and should be disregarded and condemned.

Unfortunately, the true disciples are not labeled on their foreheads. This makes it difficult to identify them in a crowd. In fact, most are confused and followed by many only to realize that you are walking into self-destruction. A Christian should not be worried about identifying the true from fake preachers. Matthew chapter 7 and verse 15-20 clearly gives you the formulae to use in identifying preachers.

These true and false prophets are identified by their fruits. Matthew has used the example of a tree where it either bears good fruits of bad ones. In fact, Jesus says that it is impossible for people to look for good fruits in a tree that produces thorns. Similarly, they should not expect to get good results from a bad preacher.

A lot of attention should go to verse 19. In the verse, there is an assurance of the fate that will befall people who mislead others. According to Matthew, their reward is coming in the form of being cut down. Only trees that bear good fruits will be allowed to thrive. This is a warning to fake preachers. There is emphasis on chapter 3 verse 10 where the warning is very clear. Christ has put an axe at the foot of all trees that do not bear good fruits. These trees will be eliminated from the garden.

It is common to find preachers who prosper despite being unfaithful to the word. This is one of the most confusing elements for Christians and non-believers alike. Peter in his first letter chapter 2, verses 1 to 3 points at what awaits such people. Because of misleading the flock with their sweet words, their destruction is near and certain. Their bloom should not be read as the inability of God to deal with them.

The reward for true defenders is also coming. They will be rewarded by thriving and prosperity. They will reap the fruits of righteousness. In fact, it is said that they will experience growth such that they become the envy of other tribes. Their prosperity will not sublime like smoke on a windy day.

It takes time to reveal who a defender is and the imposter. God tells Christians to be slow in passing judgment. When the Lord takes action, he will reveal the true prophets and also take the time to uncover the false ones. He will disclose the motives hidden in the hearts of men and the truth shall be known.

The outright sign that one is a false preacher lies in the actions of such servants. Their words lack conviction and are driven by material gains. They are more interested in getting people to their churches than having them to accept Christ. As Christ says, their day is coming and they will reap their rewards.




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