Thank you for the question on preaching Christ.
Here are some thoughts for your consideration:
A. The motivation of preaching the Gospel of salvation.
The Apostle Paul recognized that some followers of Jesus Christ proclaimed the Gospel of salvation from selfish motives. Although he doesn’t state their motives, one can surmise that there are individuals who speak for fame or recognition, for financial gain, for comparison, or for gaining followers.
When a minister or fellowship leader speaks, only God knows the heart and spirit of that person. One day that motivation will be revealed at the Bema Seat of Christ and that person will receive his reward in heaven or have already received it on earth.
B. The content of the Gospel of salvation.
The Apostle Paul presumed that the those followers of Jesus Christ are preaching the Gospel of salvation by faith, apart from world (Eph. 2:8–9). If it was a different Gospel, he would have corrected it.
There is a distinction between preaching the Gospel and teaching the Word of God. When we use the phrase, preaching the Gospel, it is more in the context of evangelism. The focus is more on the person and work of Jesus Christ in obtaining forgiveness of sins for mankind and his or her response to the offer of salvation.
The phrase, teaching the Word, is more broader that would include the whole council of God or making disciples for Jesus Christ. In other words, one phrase is about leading a person to Christ as Savior while the other phrase is about maturing a believer in Christ.
Matthew 28:19–20 implies with the word, go, in proclaiming Christ, while the phrases, baptizing making disciples, and teaching, emphasize the growth process of the new believer.
The motivation is important but as listeners we may correctly or incorrectly comment on one’ motivation. If we suspect that the speaker’s motive is impure, then speak to that person privately for clarification, not accusing him or her.
Summary: We can’t judge the heart, but we can ask for clarification of that person’s heart.
For more perspectives: