The Lord Jesus has given us sincerity, usefulness, and fearlessness. These are the privileges of transforming grace.

First, some preach the gospel for high position. Vs15-17, “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment." They want to be somebody in this world. They want notoriety, fame, and the approval of others. They want to be seen as great. They want to be better than others!

Oh, what a horrible ambition. What selfishness is in our nature? It's nothing but pride.

Root out this monster, or God will break you. Root him out, or you won't be used! You'll spend your life striving against the Spirit with truth in your mouth! Proverbs 13:10 Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice." Let us confess our sins, and God will heal us. Let us admit our errors of pride. There’s nothing to be afraid of: He will receive you! God promises us good things, if we live for His glory and seek to please Him. He'll show us pleasures instead of troubles. We'll be honored for honoring Him.

Secondly, Paul says that he'll rejoice because he's needed! Vs19, “Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,"

While others are trying to outdo him, they're really making him more needed! The fact that others can't do the job properly means that he must come out of prison. Vs24-25, “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

Bless God! We can NEVER BE SIDELINED while living for His glory. We can never be put on the shelf by man. Exaltation comes from the Lord, and He sees the heart [Ps 75:6-7]. He does not look as man looks, and He cannot be fooled.

Gossip and slander open doors that no man can shut. Revelation 3:8, “I know your works. Because you have limited strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name, look, I have placed before you an open door that no one is able to close.” Faithfulness is always rewarded. Small faith and selfishness get small rewards. He's the just God that sees everything.

Therefore, don't be bitter. Rejoice when mistreated. 1 Pet 3:9, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” God's giving you more grace and magnifying you by the evil deeds of others. We can't lose.

Thirdly, Paul doesn't care if he lives or dies. Vs20, “according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death."

We need this attitude! We cannot be so wrapped up in life that we are unwilling to suffer. We can't see the losses as more than the gains. We can't say, "I'll honor Christ, if it's convenient." No, we must be lion-hearted and bold, because we do not fear death. We're going to honor Christ no matter what. This is wise and useful, and it is ours in Christ. No longer are we motivated by fear. God's glory has been pushed to the forefront. Honoring Christ is more important than anything in the world. If we lose house, wife, and children…no matter the cost… we're going to glorify God. If the world hates us, Christ will be magnified regardless. This is the heroic life of faith!

Finally, this is why: death has lost its sting. Vs21, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Christ's death has sucked the poison out of death. It's turned the great enemy into the last enemy! Nothing will happen after death but heaven. We'll be with the Lord forever. There'll be nothing but "Well done," for all eternity, and nothing but joy. There'll be no sorrow, no pain, and no regret. There'll be no looking back, except with thanksgiving and wonder. Our toils will be over.