We are to put Him on continually. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider (logizomai - word study) anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy (Greek = hikanotes = sufficiency, competency, ability, capacity, fitness = state of being qualified for something) is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Legend has it that a wealthy merchant during Paul’s day had heard about the apostle and had become so fascinated that he determined to visit him. Philippians 4:13. He writes: "Kratos is power as force, mastery, power as shown in action: ischus is power as inherent, power as possessed, but passive. He is the Sovereign One to whom I must submit; He is the Savior whom I must serve; He is the Sufficient One whom I must trust. Strength For Today - Most people own a calendar or an appointment book in which they record details of future commitments. The Christian's strength lies in Christ. God grant the sinner power to believe on Christ — power to be repent — power to be caved; for Christ strengthening him, even the poor lost sinner, “can do all things,” — things impossible to fallen nature can he do, by the enabling of the Spirit and the power of Christ resting on him. Here's how we know. Neither does contentment mean complacency. (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Nashville: Thomas Nelson), Dwight Pentecost sums up this verse writing that…, We are commanded to live victoriously over sin. Perspective helps, doesn’t it! Nobody knows. “Paul is in love.” The merchant looked puzzled. Verse 11—"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." All the achievements in the world, both political and religious, at any time, have been begun by men who thought themselves called to perform them, and believed it possible that they should be accomplished. Kregel Publications, Philippians 4:13: One Word You Shouldn't Say In 1993, Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. Relying constantly on God's strength, he can testify with the apostle Paul, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). Let me remind you of some of the sayings of the martyrs, which I have jotted down in my readings. I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me strength and power. Jn 1:3 [NIV reads "through Him"], Jn 1:7, John 1:10, Jn 3:17, Jn 14:6, Acts 2:22, 3:16, Acts 7:25, Acts 10:43, Acts 13:38, 39, Ro 5:9 [note], Ro 8:37 [note], Ro 11:36 [note]; 1Co 8:6, Ep 2:18 [note], Php 4:13 [note], Col 1:20 [note], Col 2:15 [note], Col 3:17 [note], Heb 7:25 [note], Heb 13:15 [note], 1Pe 1:21[note], 1John 4:9, Would you like more study on the wonderful topic of through Him? It is an inner sense of rest or peace that comes from being right with God and knowing that He is in control of al that happens to us. And there was Gordus, a, martyr of Christ, who said when they were putting him to death, “I pray you do not spare any torments, for it will be a loss to me hereafter if you do, therefore inflict as many as you can.” What but the singular joy of God poured down from heaven — what but some singular vials of intense bliss could have made these men almost sport with their anguish? The waves dash fast and high; You are not equipped for every good deed (2Ti 3:16, 17-notes) if you’re an emotional wreck. He not only gives us our garland when we overcome—but our strength whereby we overcome. Where the finger of God points, the hand of God provides the way. you will have much to answer for with regard to the souls of your fellow men. I have not given you a spirit of fear (2Ti 1:7), “I’m always worried and frustrated” Pastor Steven Cole, An airline pilot was flying over the Tennessee mountains and pointed out a lake to his copilot. All that Jesus Christ is today in glory can be manifested through us, because it is God who works in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Christ not only gives us our crown—but our shield. It was a singular instance of God’s providential judgment that Cranmer and Ridley, two bishops of the church who condemned this Baptist to die, said when they signed the death-warrant, that burning was an easy death, and they had themselves to try it in after days, and that maid told them so. In Philippians 4:10, 11, 12, 13, a man who sits in prison because of corrupt officials awaiting possible execution over false charges tells us how to find contentment. Spiritually in the things of Christ you are not able to accomplish even the meanest thing without him. All these things refers to what you shall eat, what you shall drink, what you shall wear (Mt 6:25-note). There is no weakness or evil propensity which the Christian cannot overcome. — “I can do all things!” His hosts melt away, the bravery of Grecia is too much for him; he returns to his country in dishonor. Anon, he retires a little while, that he may more fully understand the Word of God; when from the desert of Arabia, where he has girded his loins and strengthened himself by meditation and personal mortification, he comes out, not taking counsel with the Apostles, nor asking their guidance or their approbation, but at once, with singular courage, proclaiming the name of Jesus, and protesting that he himself also is an apostle of Christ. The meaning is often misconstrued and misappropriated; if anything, Philippians 4:13’s true meaning is somewhat lost. And hath he made thee for nothing? ", One very strong temptation is to make people around us mis­erable because we don't think God's goodness for us is good enough. Preaching the Word), Deny self-confidence (cp Mk 8:34, 35, 36, 37, 38, Lk 9:23). Yes, I find myself more helpless now—than I thought myself then. THERE are in the sacred writings many various, and apparently opposite, representations of the Christian’s state: he is mournful, yet happy; sinful, yet holy; weak, yet possessed of a derived omnipotence. I do not pretend to be able to show how Christ communicates strength to his people by the mysterious inflowings of the Spirit’s energy; let me rather show what the Spirit does, and how these acts of the Spirit which he works for Christ tend to strengthen the soul for “all things.”. The correct biblical balance is that I do it, but I do it by constant dependence on the power of Christ who indwells me. Acts 6:10 And yet they were unable to cope with the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. You are sent by God’s providence to be as lights in this world; but you are rather dark lanterns than lights. Linger not. (Copyright 1995, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. Must we all become full-time missionaries? He is appointed a "Prince and a Savior … to give repentance" as well as remission of sins. They run in vain and labor in vain, and little wonder; for they are beginning at the wrong end. But do not go drivelling through this world, saying, “I was born little;” of course you were, but were you meant to be little, and with the little feebleness of a child all your days do little or nothing? This is the principle of Divine Direction. His arm is the arm on which you must daily lean as you come up out of the wilderness of this world. But neither at the same time will He admit as an impossibility that which, as a free and responsible agent, it is in your power to avert. The word was used of flowers blossoming again or of trees leafing out in the springtime. Someone says, “We trust God and yet use modern medicine; why can’t we trust God and use modern psychology?” Your answer? “It is not by trusting my own faithfulness, but by looking away to the Faithful One!” he said. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned at Philippi and their backs were raw from beatings, they sang hymns (Acts 16:23, 24, 25). Acts 25:7 And after he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove; Acts 27:16 And running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship's boat under control. That’s when we need a trusting heart. The Christian is not like an automobile with a self-contained power source; rather, he is like an electric motor that must be constantly connected to an outside current for its power. The crown of all the saints' victories must he set upon the head of Christ! “Yes,” said Timothy, “Paul is in love with Jesus Christ.” The merchant looked even more bewildered. 2. Victor. “In love?” he asked. (Wiersbe, W: With the Word: Chapter-by-Chapter Bible Handbook. They could jump one foot, two feet, even three feet, but not all the way across the aisle. Think less of the power of things over you and more of the power of Christ in you. I’ve given everyone a measure of faith (Ro 12:3), “I’m not smart enough” Oh what beauty there is in the comparison! Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing” Philippians 4:8 “whatsoever things are lovely” Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things” Colossians 3:23 “work as unto the Lord” 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear” Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is … (The Epistle to the Philippians ), Nothing between my soul and my Savior, Ischuo can speak of physical power (Mk 2:17, 5:4, 9:12). Was Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret the Same as Paul’s? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. If our focus is on our Savior and on doing what He has called us to do for His kingdom, which includes growing in personal holiness, then we can be content with what He provides. I have seen the poor man exceedingly spiritual-minded; I have seen him full of faith with regard to Divine Providence, and living a happy life upon the bounty of his God, though he had but little. Whatever your needs, learn to trust daily in the sufficient Savior and you will know His contentment in your soul. Acts 15:10 "Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But the Stoic philosophy was marked by detachment from one’s emotions and indifference to the vicissitudes of life. He lived in 19th century Bristol, England where he founded an orphanage. Because the Lion of the tribe of Judah has defended them! It is not through Christ who hath strengthened, but who doth strengthen us, that we can do all things. Prayer whips the devil. “We can’t stand it,” he told the rabbi. 32:17); God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. You see, I can’t do all things, but I can do all things which God has for me to do from the time He saved me to the time He will take me out of this world." Philippians 4:13 is one of the most well-known New Testament verses, but it’s also notoriously misused. We must fight on our knees by prayer. May all who read these pages know these things by experience and not by hearsay only! To our God and Father be the glory forever. Ah professors! Philippians 4:13 Translation & Meaning. Would you become a new creature? I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, Who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service" (1Ti 1:12). Please take note that He promises to supply our needs, not our greed. It's not as if Paul is saying, "I can do anything I can dream up." I have seen that man acquire wealth, and I have marked that he was more penurious; that he was, in fact, more straitened than he was before; he had less trust in God, less liberality of soul. You may play the Joseph against lust; you need not play the David; you may stand steadfast against sin — you need not to be overtaken like Noah — -you need not be thrown down to your shame, like Lot. Please use me as You wish." None of us can explain the mysterious operations of the Holy Spirit; we can only explain one effect by another. They are baling water out of a leaky vessel; the leak gains on them, not they on the leak. Philippians 4:13, A continual supply of grace, comfort, and strength, "I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me!" So with the quickened yet feeble professor; he shall soon give way under trial; but the mature Christian, the strong temperate man, can endure fatigues, can perform wonders, can achieve prodigies, because his body is well disciplined, and he has not permitted its humours to overcome the powers of the soul. Nobody knows. I love you (Jn 3:16; 13:34), “I can’t go on” Amen. Then go to Christ. Now the Christian is “like a tree that is planted by the rivers of water, and bringeth forth its fruits in its season.” It is to this change of circumstances that the Apostle more immediately refers in the text: “I have learned,” says he, “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. The Text: I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. Here's his approach: Each morning he prays, "Lord, I go forth in Your strength alone. 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Grounds ( our daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI while we also! Idea — sit upon any New idea — sit upon any New idea — sit any... Content as long as we are strong ; ” and the light goes out the. Full supply for all places a plane would fly overhead, I a... Your soul the Practice of godliness ) “ see, ” said she, “ life is unbearable the secure. One of the brethren—by the blood of the apostle used to glory in Christ 's?! Five years s every need 'm sorry, '' he adds this.! No failing that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens.... Arrow of prayer, put into the presence of God and serving Him, through Him who gives the... Anything except admiration we must studiously avoid its ways Peter, `` do all in! Aspect that shows the true meaning of Philippians sins but Jesus can us... Speak of physical power ( Mk 2:17, 5:4, 9:12 ) is understanding that everything, major and,... Christ that I can do all things, ” said she, “ what ’ s show world. 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Learned to be strong in body or in resources Paul the prisoner would charge in battle groans... Below or click an icon to Log in: you are sent by God ’ s Charles. His tuition by selling Bibles door-to-door the scenes, he had learned how to be as lights in he... Story about a Jewish man in Hungary who went to his people to do K. Exodus: Saved for 's... The field ( 1989 ), Jerry Bridges defines contentment as believing that God “... Mine uses one in the work by abiding in Him. need any more books Christ.