The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Philippians 1:12-18, “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, 14 and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.

15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.

18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice.”

It has been said that the disciples of Jesus were “either in trouble, or just getting out of trouble, or they were headed for trouble.” Paul himself was writing this letter from a jail cell in Rome. It’s a circumstance that can easily apply to many today. We are free to share the Gospel of Christ; but when we do, we are often viciously attacked by those who don’t want to hear it and don’t want anyone else to hear it. Satan is behind this dasterdly scheme.

Paul’s attitude, however, was neither one of anger nor of self-pity. He was rejoicing because his circumstances had given courage to others to speak up for Jesus Christ. Some were speaking up so they could glory in persecution. They were not genuine; they believed that their preaching would cause Paul greater persecution and stress. How terrible is that! Just imagine!

Others, however, were genuine. Their motives and their sharing were out of love for Christ and for lost souls. Of course, Paul wished that all of them would have been genuine; but he rejoiced that the Gospel was being declared, whether their motives were pure or not. How could he have had an attitude like that? I used to believe that Paul was wrong in his thinking about those who were not genuine in sharing the Gospel. But the more I studied, the more I came to believe like Paul. If Isaiah 55:11 is true –and it is!—then we need to rejoice. Isaiah 55:11 says,

“So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

How comforting is that? Sharing the Gospel and having it succeed does not depend upon us; it depends entirely upon the LORD Himself. That’s why encouraging Bible reading is so helpful. Even those who don’t know much about Christ, will learn as they read because first, the LORD has prepared everyone to know that He exists (Rom. 1:20), and second, the Holy Spirit then explains His Truth to those who listen and believe. That makes our job much easier. Push Bible reading and don’t forget to pray. God bless you!

We love you all and remember you in our daily prayers,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”