11/19/2023 0 Comments I do all things through christ![]() ![]() Just as Jesus faithfully endured suffering on the cross, we too can faithfully endure our sufferings and learn to be content in all circumstances. But we can be assured that God will provide the power required to endure anything the world may throw at us. We may all experience times of abundance and times of need-just like Paul. Materialism and anxiety about getting through tough times do not need to consume our hearts. Rather, Paul learned to endure his intense suffering through a purposeful desire to be content in his circumstances and continued faith that God would provide for his truest needs (Philippians 4:11). He did not miraculously build bridges or keep Paul from being adrift at sea. Christ did not give him superpowers so the beatings didn't hurt. Read 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 for a long list of the awful physical and emotional trials Paul had to go through up to that point in his faith. Paul suffered greatly throughout his ministry. Christ's strength is provided for endurance-not as an assurance that everything will be easy.Ĭhrist's strength helps us overcome worries and earthly desires no matter how bad our circumstances may be. But what Paul explains here is that Christ, who is all powerful (Colossians 2:10), will provide strength to help us endure those inevitable hard times. No one really enjoys suffering, right? Yet suffering is an inevitable part of every Christian's life (John 16:33). What's this secret Paul speaks of? "I can do all things through who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).Īs we go through life, many of us tend to worry about what needs to be done, what might get in our way, and how we might suffer if there are obstacles. In Philippians 4:10-20, Paul starts by assuring the Philippians that they need not worry about his financial needs or his suffering because "in any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need" (v. While that sounds great and has good intentions behind it, if we look at Philippians 4:13 in context, we find that Paul actually meant something quite different. Some even use this verse to argue that God will provide finances to accomplish our every desire-if only we have enough faith. ![]() Or that our lives will be somehow easier because of Christ. Many like to pluck this verse out of context to assert that we can do anything imaginable because Christ will give us strength to do it. Unfortunately, his statement that "I can do all things through him" (that is, Jesus Christ) is often terribly misunderstood. The Apostle Paul said these words to the believers in Philippi to explain something about his faith in Christ. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13 Can I really do all things through Christ? ![]()
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