Guilty or Not Guilty by Association

[Guest]

Let's not forget the many religious organizations, many of whom call themselves "churches" who plead and beg for money from people, only to use it to make their leaders rich. Some of these leaders are very persuasive, and their dupes believe the money is being used to promote the purposes of God.

Would this passage apply to that situation?

Philippians 1:15-18

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.

18What 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,


Also, would you consider the 'dupes' to be guilty of sin by association or innocent because of ignorance?

[Guest]

Hi TK,

I agree with your viewpoint. I guess I am trying to see the other side of the coin from those who view it differently and if there are verses that I am unaware of that claim we are guilty by association.