Don Fredenburg
Jim Tucker
H.E. 'Hub' Bowen
Mike Coble
Ron Bowen6/6/2018
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength". (Philippians 4:13)
Usually when we see or hear this verse quoted, it's in a context where people are implying that they can achieve anything through Christ who gives them strength. That success will be ours because of the strength of Christ. It is extremely important to study any passage in the context in which it occurs. In this context Paul is writing a letter to Christians in the city of Philippi. They're being pressed on all sides to quit being Christians. This letter was written to encourage the Philippians to rejoice, even when suffering. Paul wanted them to recognize that this is not the end and their hope is not in comfort, but in Christ. Now look at the context:
(Philippians 4:10-13) I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Paul is taking the opportunity to encourage the Philippians about being content in all situations. We can rejoice even when things are bad or good, when we may be hungry or full, and when we are in need or have plenty. He says that he can do all these things through Christ who gives him strength.
Philippians is a book of encouragement. We need to continually grow in Jesus Christ. We must move toward maturity even though we will not reach completeness on this side of eternity. One definition of maturity is; "maturity is a developed and discerning competence as to how to live appropriately and to change rightly." There are several indicators as to whether or not a Christian is maturing.
v When our concern for others outweighs our concern for ourselves.
v When we detect the presence of evil or danger before it is obvious.
v When we have wisdom and understanding as well as knowledge.
v When our awareness of needs is matched by our compassion and involvement.
v When we have the willingness to change, once we are convinced that correction is in order.
v When we have the ability to grow spiritually by an independent intake of God's Word.
v When we are able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
v When we have the ability to be content in all situations of life.
v When we have learned to have confidence in God's power to help us mature.
If someone tells you that you cannot live the Christian life; remind them and yourself of this great passage from Paul, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us to live the life we have chosen to live as a Christian.
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
YOU ARE MY ALL IN ALL
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again, I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising up again, I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I get dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Songwriter
Dennis Jernigan
Published by
SHEPHERD'S HEART MUSIC INC.
