Is
this true? Can we really do ALL things
through Christ who gives us strength?
With
the current popular interpretation of this verse, no, it is not true.
Firstly,
we know from experience that we cannot do all things; and, secondly, God allows
us only to do the things He wants us to accomplish according to His will, not
because we wanted to do them ourselves according to our own desire and wishes.
In
order to arrive at the proper understanding of this text, we must read the
complete statement, from verses 10-12, and the context there is THANKFULNESS FOR
THE GIFTS.
And
the key verses here are (vs. 11, 12).
ALL
THINGS = to have plenty or be in want;
to be well fed or hungry
The
context here is Paul’s contentment in whatever circumstance he finds himself: LIVING
IN PLENTY or BEING IN WANT.
Therefore,
Paul reminds Christians at Philippi that, although they shared what they had to
support his (Paul’s) needs, he was contented in plenty or in want; and because
of the strength from the Lord Jesus he knows how to be content in both.
We
cannot use (Phil.4:13) to justify ALL that we want to do, for that is not the
thought being communicated here by Paul.
++++++++++++
[(Philippians 4:13)
I can do
all this through him who gives me strength.]
[(Philippians 4:10-20)
10 I
rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no
opportunity to show it.
11 I am not
saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know
what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned
the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or
hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do
all this through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it
was good of you to share in my troubles.
15 Moreover,
as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the
gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in
the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16 for even
when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in
need.
17 Not that
I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
18 I have
received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that
I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a
fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19 And my
God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in
Christ Jesus.
20 To our
God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.]
