George Whitefield confesses, “Other men may preach the gospel better than I, but no man can preach a better gospel.” The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Remember Paul warned about those who preach “a different gospel, which is not another” (Galatians 1:6b-7a). He explains there is only one genuine gospel (Galatians 1:6-10). In Philippians 1:12-18, Paul provides his personal principles about preaching Christ.

Christ is preached with perspective. Paul explains, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). Paul was able to see the big picture. This is a deliberation of the outcome of preaching.

Christ is preached with persecution. Paul refers to “my chains” three times (Philippians 1:13, 14, and 16). Paul also wrote about his chains in 2 Timothy 1:16, and 2:9. He explains, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). This is a demonstration of the cost of preaching.

Christ is preached with persistence. Philippians 1:13-14 reads, “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.” Just because Paul found himself in prison, he did not stop preaching the gospel. He preached the gospel to the guards and others. In His Great Commission Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Everyone needs to hear the gospel! This is a determination of the value of preaching.

Christ is preached with persuasion. Philippians 1:15-17 reads, “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, but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.” This is a dedication of the heart of preaching.

Christ is preached with perseverance. Philippians 1:18 reads, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Paul recounts his perseverance to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10. Paul declared to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:22-24, “And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” This is a declaration of the joy of preaching.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.