S) "11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:11-13 (NASB)
O) There seems to be a recurring theme over the last year or so, as I study the Bible. Context is vital to understanding promises in the Bible (or instruction, or warnings, or anything really!). I have been going to church, cumulatively, for about twenty years. In that time, I couldn't even guess how many times I've heard brothers and sisters quote v.13 above. But, I can count how many times they have quoted all three of the verses above in conjunction. Zero. But, understanding vv.11 and 12 are critical to understanding that Paul didn't mean he could do whatever he could imagine, because Jesus gave him strength. However, if we start from that statement of strength and work backwards, we ask why Paul was strengthened in Christ. Multiple times, Paul wrote about churches being strengthened, or the faith of others being strengthened, but we have to look no further than his own conversion, to read about himself being strengthened. Starting in Acts 9:19, Paul had just regained his sight, and then took some food and was strengthened. But that was clearly physical, having to do with the food. Immediately, we read about him preaching the gospel, then receiving opposition, then overcoming that opposition because of increasing strength, confounding the Jews by proving Jesus is the Christ. That strength is what he means in v.13 above. So next, we consider what are the things he can do? All things, sure, but what does that mean? Context in vv. 11-12 shows us that he is referring to the means that support his ministry. He had just been expressing thanks for the Philippians supporting him in ministry, but he reassured them that he wasn't concerned with finances or food or shelter (the main human needs, and the main things given to support his ministry). He wasn't concerned because he's learned the secret of being content with much and with little - relative to his ability to minister. The reason, is because he recognized that his ministry only depended on the strength he received in Christ. That strength was to fulfill his ministry calling, to spread the gospel and show that Jesus is the Christ, and the gospel is the free gift of God to all men, both Jew and Gentile.
A) To be sure, this verse remains an excellent promise and a great encouragement! Instead of this promise being "scaled back" from the broader application in which I have always heard it used, the context actually draws purpose into focus. While it's great to think that God might give me the strength to stay up all night playing video games, that seems quite pointless in view of eternity. While that example may seem silly, it does beg the question of purpose. If I ask God for strength, what will I do with it? On the other hand, if I am seeking to glorify God, to spread the gospel, and to share His peace, hope, and love in Christ, then I can have every confidence I can do the thing. I will have no concern about lack with God strengthening me. If I feel called to mentor a young couple with my wife, I don't have to worry about getting some kind of official support from a church, if I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If I want to eat a bunch of ice cream (I'm lactose intolerant, and it's unhealthy) without any medicine or restraint (not even to speak of gluttony) because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... I'm seriously misguided. If I want to go on a mission trip, I don't have to worry about how it might be funded, if I can do all things who strengthens me. Context. Now, there is some question as to good intentions without commission (so to speak). If I want Christ to strengthen me to be a professional athlete, because I want to use that platform to spread the gospel, my good intentions won't mean much since He has clearly not given me that kind of strength. But I know my strengths. I know the was God has blessed me. If I am seeking to use the strengths He has already given me (just as Paul had already been strengthened for evangelism), then I can do all of those things through Him who strengthens me.
P) Father, thank You for giving me strengths in Christ Jesus. Thank You for the grace at work in me. Help me to recognize purpose, and to have confidence, that if I am using my strengths for Your glory, then I can do all of the things that glorify You with those strengths, because I have been strengthened to do them. Help me to focus, Lord, on seeking opportunity to use the strength You have given me, even the physical strength I have to work and protect and serve. Remind me that I can be content in all circumstances when I am answering the calling You have given me. Have Your way with me, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) To be sure, this verse remains an excellent promise and a great encouragement! Instead of this promise being "scaled back" from the broader application in which I have always heard it used, the context actually draws purpose into focus. While it's great to think that God might give me the strength to stay up all night playing video games, that seems quite pointless in view of eternity. While that example may seem silly, it does beg the question of purpose. If I ask God for strength, what will I do with it? On the other hand, if I am seeking to glorify God, to spread the gospel, and to share His peace, hope, and love in Christ, then I can have every confidence I can do the thing. I will have no concern about lack with God strengthening me. If I feel called to mentor a young couple with my wife, I don't have to worry about getting some kind of official support from a church, if I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If I want to eat a bunch of ice cream (I'm lactose intolerant, and it's unhealthy) without any medicine or restraint (not even to speak of gluttony) because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me... I'm seriously misguided. If I want to go on a mission trip, I don't have to worry about how it might be funded, if I can do all things who strengthens me. Context. Now, there is some question as to good intentions without commission (so to speak). If I want Christ to strengthen me to be a professional athlete, because I want to use that platform to spread the gospel, my good intentions won't mean much since He has clearly not given me that kind of strength. But I know my strengths. I know the was God has blessed me. If I am seeking to use the strengths He has already given me (just as Paul had already been strengthened for evangelism), then I can do all of those things through Him who strengthens me.
P) Father, thank You for giving me strengths in Christ Jesus. Thank You for the grace at work in me. Help me to recognize purpose, and to have confidence, that if I am using my strengths for Your glory, then I can do all of the things that glorify You with those strengths, because I have been strengthened to do them. Help me to focus, Lord, on seeking opportunity to use the strength You have given me, even the physical strength I have to work and protect and serve. Remind me that I can be content in all circumstances when I am answering the calling You have given me. Have Your way with me, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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