RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-06-02	I Can Do All Things (Ph.4:13)
		Php 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Php 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: Php 4:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Php 4:14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Verse 13 is one of the most popular verse quoted by believers. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. It teaches a wonderful truth. But usually they quote it with a meaning the text does not teach. Paul gives his perspective on a financial gift he received from the Philippians, that was brought to him by Epaphroditus (Ph.2:25). When they had an opportunity to give they flourished. Paul reminded them that their giving was not because he was needy (though in fact he was). Their giving was better for them than it was for Paul. He is saying his thankfulness was not based on his need. His thankfulness was that their giving was good for them. Paul emphasizes the important lesson he had learned. And that is contentment (v.11). Contentment is not natural to mankind. This is something we must learn. Paul had been financially well-off and financially in need. Whether he was rich or poor materially he has learned to be content. Christ is the One who strengthens Paul to be content in all things. The strengthening of verse 13 leads to contentment. The verse is not some general empowering to do whatever you want. The strength of Christ in Paul's life was evident by his ability to be content when he suffered need. Notice the phrase “through Christ” (v.13). Joh 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. I can do all things in the context of Christ's will for my life. We must function in the context of His will. Christ is the One who strengthens us to do His will, and thus learn contentment. So yes, we can do all things God wants to do in our lives. When we quote this verse our thinking should include two things: (1) We are learning to be strengthened to be content in our situation of life. (2) We are strengthened by Christ to accomplish what GOD wants for our lives. This verse does not teach that God will give us unlimited power to do whatever WE want. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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