Christ Who Strengthens Me
8/9/2018

 

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:

 

 

Phil. 4:10-13 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; wherein you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.  I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.  I can do all things in him that strengthens me.  

 

 

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 great book to encourage us to be Christians.  We can grow and reach maturity in Jesus Christ.  We should be moving toward maturity even though we will not reach completeness on this side of eternity.   One definition of maturity is that "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.

 

When our concern for others outweighs our concern for ourselves.

When we detect the presence of evil or danger before it is obvious.

 

When we have wisdom and understanding as well as knowledge.

 

When our awareness of needs is matched by our compassion and involvement.

 

When we have the willingness to change, once we are convinced that correction is in order.

  

When we have the ability to grow spiritually by an independent intake of God's Word.

 

When we are able to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

 

When we have the ability to be content in all situations of life.

 

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, please 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?"  (Rom. 8:31)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Daily Devotions by Guy Roberson"


  

 

 

 

 

        




Direct Page Link
Powered By
TheLordsWay.com
Click here to host your
own church web site today!