I. Improper priorities in preaching the gospel.

A. Envy and strife

Romans 13:13 - Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

2 Corinthians 12:20 - For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;

B. Selfish ambition

James 3:14-16 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

C. Marks of shepherd with improper priorities

-False shepherd – focused on dishonest gain (1 Peter 5:2)
-Diotrephes – focused on having the preeminence (3 John 9)
-Hireling – focused on self-preservation (John 10:12-13)

II. Proper priorities in preaching the gospel.

A. Goodwill / supporting Paul

2 Timothy 1:16-17 - The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.

B. Love

John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (also 1 Cor. 13; 1 John 3)

C. Marks of a shepherd with proper priorities

1 Peter 5:1-4 - The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (also 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)

D. Jesus as our shepherd

John 10:14-15 - I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. (also 1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:20; Ezekiel 34:11-16)

III. Sovereign goodness of God.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Genesis 50:20 - But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Philemon 15-16 - For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Next Sunday’s Sermon Text: Philippians 1:19-21