The Epistle To The Philippians All Things Through Him

An All-Time Favorite Verse! One of our favorite verses in the Bible appears in Paul’s concluding statements to the Philippians It appears there as a statement of trust and dependence on God in times of great trial and difficulty. Unfortunately, the way it’s used often in our modern times has little to do with sacrifice and a lot to do with self-serving attitudes.

What is this verse? I can do through Him who strengthens me. all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Don’t Get Carried Away This is a statement of absolute trust and dependence upon God. As such, it is a vital piece of Christian doctrine But we have to be careful about getting carried away. Let’s consider the verse in context.

A Reason For Great Rejoicing Philippians 4:10-12, 14 – “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 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…. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.”

Immediate Contexts Paul is a prisoner in Rome. Paul has needs. The Philippians have just sent a gift to help Paul meet those needs. Paul is grateful. “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me….” Not lack of concern, but lack of opportunity.

A Look At What’s Important Paul makes several statements that help us understand his outlook on his situation. I don’t speak from want… I have learned to be content… I know how to get along with humble means… I know how to live in times of plenty…. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, of abundance and great need. Thank you, and my reliance is on God.

Paul’s Sacrificial Attitude Already stated that everything is loss as compared to knowing Christ. Now essentially says, “I don’t really have any needs that God cannot supply.” Praises them, though, for their thoughtfulness: “You have done well….”

Our Favorite Verse Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” What does ALL THINGS mean? Is ALL really ALL? What are the limitations on this verse, if any?

Some memes and jokes photo not included for copyright reasons

Understanding Context This verse joins many others that are commonly misunderstood and applied without context. Matthew 7:1 – Judge not lest you also be judged. Jeremiah 29:11-13 – I have plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Matthew 18:20 – Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in their midst. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God won’t give you more than you can handle.

An Example Of Misuse Joel Osteen – Today’s Word – Devotional thought on Philippians 4:13, January 21, 2013 “Most people tend to magnify their limitations. They focus on their shortcomings. But scripture makes it plain: all things are possible to those who believe. That’s right! It is possible to see your dreams fulfilled. It is possible to overcome that obstacle. It is possible to climb to new heights. It is possible to embrace your destiny. You may not know how it will all take place. You may not have a plan, but all you have to know is that if God said you can…you can!”

Part Of A Bigger Problem The TRINKETERIZATION of Scripture Reducing theology to a coffee mug faith. Wearing Scripture as a bracelet, or necklace, or using it as a mousepad or paperweight. Scriptural sound bites! Diminishes appreciation for the holistic nature of Scripture.

So what things DO count? IF ALL doesn’t always me ALL – what does it mean? How do I determine if what I’m applying a verse of Scripture to really applies? Perhaps some questions will help us make proper application.

Three Questions I. Is this something for which the Lord WOULD strengthen me? 2 Cor. 1:8-9 – “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead….”

Colossians 1:9-11 “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience….”

II. Is This Something God Has Assigned? Am I attempting something God has asked us to do? If so, He provides the strength to accomplish. 2 Timothy 4:17 – “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.”

III. Is This For God-centered Things? Do I need strength to keep my life centered on God? 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

What Things Don’t Count? Selfish things Egocentrism Dream chasing James 4:2-3 – “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

God Provides Strength Where Needed 1 Peter 4:11 – “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”