Because many of the women believed and were saved and baptized, and so the work of God really began with women, and they had a very important part in the ministry in the church in Philippi. The Lord had to prove that to me. Reciting 4:13 under these premises is not biblically accurate and is a wrong dividing of the scripture. When first he tasted it, he found it so sweet that he cared for none other. The Lord is near. . ", Finally, he calls them again to rejoice, and now with more emphasis than ever. To abound in love is far from declension. This is open to the heart now. It is not the Lord at hand to succour one now and here from time to time. When the fruit of their charity abounded towards the apostle, it appeared that the fruit of his ministry abounded among them. 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things have the dignity of holiness on them, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are winsome, whatever things are fair-spoken, if there are any things which men count excellence, and if there are any things which bring men praise, think of the value of these things. He associates Timothy with himself, not merely, as elsewhere, himself apostle and Timothy in some other relation, but here conjointly "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ." This, carefully remember, does not mean forgetting sins. Your trials are not wasted. That implies two things. Something that Jesus mentions, something that Paul mentions, something that John mentions in the book of Revelation. This is the unfailing secret of it all the true source of humility in service. Thus the two things are repeated the past judgment and the present power: "and do count them but dung, that I may, win Christ." Its not anyones place to decide what means what for someone else. He excuses their neglect of late. Trying to be more like Jesus each day. "Laboured" gives a wrong sense. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also . He too in love still keeps up the servant-character, and gives them as it were the Christ-character. Your strength will fail you, but Gods strength wont. There is the present joy of Christ; but this does not content the soul. Observe, 1. Philippians 4:13 is one of the most popular verses in any of the 66 books of the Christian Bible, having been printed on millions of key chains and t-shirts, cellphone cases and coffee mugs.. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. What he means by forgetting the things that are behind is, that we should not think of any progress we may have made in following Christ, that we should lose sight of everything calculated to give us self-satisfaction. I do not desire a gift for the gift's sake, for I have all, and abound." Hes wrapping up his thoughts. But the yokefellow would be one who had labored together. Patience is in Greek hupomone ( G5281) , which never means simply the ability to sit down and bear things but the ability to rise up and conquer them. Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil." The way to peace is in prayer to entrust ourselves and all whom we hold dear to the loving hands of God. Does this mean we can do as we please and ask Christ to supply the strength ? Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice. But the apostle is willing to suppose, in favour of them, that they would have done it if a fair opportunity had offered. The word (epieikeia, G1932) translated moderation is one of the most untranslatable of all Greek words. The secret is this--that happiness depends not on things or on places, but always on persons. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meput it into practice. Each Bible verse is written on its own page, except Philippians 4:8. admits that the external testimony is quite in its favour, though it is hard to see what he means by the internal evidence being in this case denied; for he suggests himself that may have been a correction proceeding from those who thought that the sense which the context requires, "the resurrection from the dead," could not be extracted from . The crucified Galilaean carpenter had already begun to rule those who ruled the greatest empire in the world. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things ( Philippians 4:8 ). Start your free trial today! I can do all things through him who strengthens me.". what than the testimony for God? Interesting how we like to think on other things, isn't it? Paul truly felt that it was impossible for life to confront him with anything that he and the Lord could not handle! Philippians 4:12 describes the "anything" as the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or empty. It might be health issues, difficulties at work, trouble with a rebellious child, relationship issues in your family, financial stress, or a multitude of other things. Paul could face anything, because in every situation he had Christ; the man who walks with Christ can cope with anything. And this verse challenges me in that. When the distinction of the resurrection of the just from that of the unjust got lost in Christendom, and all were merged in the error of one general indiscriminate resurrection, one can understand that people would not feel the impropriety of substituting for (for as to , of which Dr. B. speaks, it exists in no document whatever). If God spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how much more then shall He not freely give us all things? The book of Acts reveals his learning through trial after trial. As the letter draws to an end Paul generously expresses his gratitude for the gift which the Philippians had sent to him. [Note: Hawthorne, p. The spirit of Christ who dwells in believers empowers us to be victorious even in the midst of trials. Far from it. Paul sets before the Philippians two great qualities of the Christian life. Paul said, "That fruit might abound to your account." (4) That we need not dread what is to come. I want a bed of roses, Lord. Have we that one blessed person as the hope, motive, beginning, end, way, and power of all that occupies us from day to day? The Philippians 4:13 meaning is for those who are struggling. "Nowhere else in all of Pauls letters nor in all of the letters of antiquity that have survived until the present is there any other acknowledgment of a gift that can compare with this one in terms of such a tactful treatment of so sensitive a matter . "But my God shall supply all your need." In it, Paul says he has found thesecretof being content in every situation and then goes on to say what it is. My brothers, who I dearly love and I long for,". 201-2.]. He tells the Philippians to copy what they have heard and seen in himself. God is he in whom any situation becomes our glory and in whom a man finds strength to go on gallantly when life has fallen in. He is regarded as the true adversary, working, of course, by human means; but none the less is it his power. Certainly, this cannot mean that Paul thought he could do anything through Christs power because the preceding verses (1112) clarify that he learned to be content in any and every circumstance. When Paul writes all things, he is specifically referring to all those situations or circumstances he facessome of them good and some of the extremely difficult. ), . (i) The Philippians are to stand fast in the Lord. No; it is practical. Philippians 4:13 is not primarily about the great accomplishments we attempt, such as winning a sporting event or reaching that next milestone in our lives. I love that. THE MARKS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ( Php_4:4-5 ). I do not say that the fruits of the loving service of any one of them will be forgotten there; nor that even glory will not bear the impress of that which has been really of the Holy Ghost here. It is a blessed and refreshing picture even in thought. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I am still learning and such messages give me insight, also comforting me in trying times. Weather is perfect year around. Rather than envisioning all that he can accomplish, he is focused on his heart response to his circumstances, whether favorable or not. "For I have learned whatever state I am in to be content.". the love of Christ everywhere! This is the great value of Christian experience. But his spirit was as bright as ever, his joy perfectly fresh, deep, and flowing. The context of the passage tells us this, but because many just read this single verse many have missed the real purpose of Pauls words. This is one of the main features of our chapter. 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Hes saying that God will get him through whatever God brings him to. What is the True Meaning of Easter? Oh, is it not awful to think, that the best proof of the love of Christ and of His glory is the very ground which the base heart of man turns into a reason for denying both His love and His glory? This is salvation in truth. What seemed to some the death of the gospel was in point of fact distinctly for the furtherance of it. The Reading of Philippians 4:4-9. . The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely," nor was this all, but "supposing to add affliction to my bonds.". - Webster's BibleI have strength for anything through Him who gives me power.- Weymouth BibleI can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.- World English BibleY may alle thingis in hym that coumfortith me.- Wycliffe BibleFor all things I have strength, in Christ's strengthening me;- Youngs Literal Bible. Want to Grow as a Christian? The Church and the individual Christian can stand fast only when they stand in Christ. This is at no cost to you and helps keep Rethink up and running. And I have sought to develop that listening side of prayer. It can never be of man's contriving; it is only of God's giving. This then stands for the accepted teaching of the Church which Paul had handed on to them. Oh that the Lord might make it true of His own! It was more acceptable to God as it was the fruit of their grace than it was to Paul as it was the supply of his want. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com. Behind everything is that love of God which will never let us go, which bears with all our sinning, which will never cast us off, which never sentimentally weakens but always manfully strengthens a man for the battle of life. (G) And the God of peace(H) will be with you. How could any murmur who believed they were really bonds in Christ? Hence he calls upon them, as one that could not be with them to help them in the conflict, to work out their own salvation. Hello lordsguidance.com admin, Your posts are always informative. He is known for inscribing Philippians 4:13 on his sneakers to remind him that he succeeds by God's power. In order to achieve content, the Stoics abolished all desires and eliminated all emotions. This is, accordingly, what flows forth in praise from himself, and in calling out praise from other hearts. But it doesn't always work out that way. The teacher must demonstrate in action the truth which he expresses in words. II. The palace officials, the secretaries, the people who had charge of the imperial revenues, those who were responsible for the day-to-day administration of the empire, all these were Caesar's household. because he. This is what brings him, if one may so say, into the dilemma of love. Unfortunately, it's also one of the verses most often misunderstood and misused. This is a summary of what Paul had just been writing with regard to his having an inward sufficiency "in the Lord" to cope with any of life's circumstances, no matter how severe, and no matter how favorable. And having shared with the women, the following week they told their friends, and a big crowd of people gathered to hear Paul share the gospel of Jesus Christ. . It misses the depth of what it is actually communicating. Paul's solution is prayer. The reason is, in my judgment, perfectly beautiful. "Hey, what are you going to do?" Youll lose the game. It is Christ who gives him the strength necessary to cope with these circumstances. Any teacher knows what a thrill it is to point at some person who has done well and to be able to say: "That was one of my boys.". Isolating scripture verse(s) can be very misleading. By all means let them be made known unto God. Jesus said number one commandment was what? His goodness can even take this up and thus make it fragrant even to Himself. He was in prison, long shut out from that which had been his joyful service, though in constant toil and suffering for so many years. And what is the result? God used his failure to show him what the verse meant so that his faith could have a sure foundation. Even, therefore, if you could have (what is impossible) ever so much real spiritual knowledge along with Christ, who would so much as notice these acquisitions in comparison with Christ? This he must wish for them, if he wished them well. It was not so with the Philippians. It was also what he carried up to the moment of writing to the Philippians as ardently as ever. But the Philippians sent once and again; they often relieved and refreshed him in his necessities. It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. Before we look at the actual Philippians 4:13 meaning, lets look at what it doesnt mean. Your strength will fail you, but Gods strength wont. If you read the NIV translation of verse 13, youll notice an important distinction from most other translations: I can do all this through Him who gives me strength (emphasis added). InMatthew 23:1-39; Matthew 23:1-39 we have woe upon woe pronounced upon scribes and Pharisees, and so it is here. As a result, many people have experienced disappointment, for example, Stephen Curry, whose example you will find at the end of this article. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me ( Philippians 4:9 ), Paul the apostle, when he was talking with the elders at Ephesus, he said, "I was daily with you teaching you and showing you." Philippians 4:13 now I understand I have learned too be content in everything. This filled Paul with sunshine; and he would have others to enjoy the same bright light which the name of Christ cast on every object. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind." Here the object seems to be to make its difference from legal obedience more felt the contrast with the law more complete. ", He thought this inspirational Bible verse meant he could win as many NBA titles as he desired. This, in fact, is his favourite title for God ( Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). There is no more common device of Satan than to seek the destruction of the power of testimony by the allowance of evil insinuations against him who renders it. Yet the truth as to this abides, not only at the starting-point, but all the way through. Truly blessed with your insight into this scripture, The Lord Jesus Christ bless you. Philippians 4:13 is one of the best-known verses in all of Scripture: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This verse is well-loved and often quoted, but frequently misunderstood and thus misapplied. He would have one who begins with Christ to (so on with Christ, have nothing but Christ before his eyes, and pursue this path without a stumble till the day of Christ. A man should always set his thoughts on the things which will not let him down. This verse is so misused because many Christians interpret all things as anything, not all the things Paul has talked about. Its not a blanket endorsement that God will support anything we set out to do and empower us to do whatever impossible things we can imagine. Now we all know that when a man is carried on the top of the wave, when the winds fill the sails and all goes prosperously, when hearts are gladdened in sorrow, when one witnesses the joy of fresh deliverance from day to day, it is a comparatively easy thing. "Again I say, Rejoice." Actually, its quite the opposite. It is not love growing less but more, and this abounding in intelligence and knowledge, which could not be looked for in saints just beginning their career. And now as he had Christ before his soul, in this way the gospel itself, he can feel, is only promoted so much the more. Is he telling us to believe in ourselves? Isn't that a glorious promise? But this verse isnt a promise that he will do exactly what we want. In his rectorial address to the students of St. Andrews University, J. M. Barrie quoted the immortal letter which Captain Scott of the Antarctic wrote to him, when the chill breath of death was already on his expedition: "We are pegging out in a very comfortless spot. We are in a desperate state--feet frozen, etc., no fuel, and a long way from food, but it would do your heart good to be in our tent, to hear our songs and our cheery conversation." The Lord is at hand ( Philippians 4:5 ). "This shall turn," says he, "to my salvation through your prayers, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." God is not a puppet. He did not forget, but meant what he said. Well, there is some kind of fruit that I really don't want to my account. And this is true from the first moment of our career as God's children. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. This cross notebook features the Bible verse "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" (Philippians 4:13) on the cover. 13I can do all things through Christ As he had boasted of things that were very great, (249) in order that this might not be attributed to pride or furnish others with occasion of foolish boasting, he adds, that it is by Christ that he is endowed with this fortitude. "All things" in the context included being content with little or much materially, but Christ can enable His children to do much more than this (cf. It is not with any design to draw more from you, but to encourage you to such an exercise of beneficence as will meet with a glorious reward hereafter. . It is an excellent thing to see those to whom God has abounded in the gifts of his grace abounding in grateful returns to his people and ministers, according to their own ability and their necessity: You sent once and again. This site has limited support for your browser. Because it is having people think on things that are impure, unholy, filthy, unrighteous, immoral, and there is other things we need to be thinking on. The Stoic aim was to abolish every feeling of the human heart. The only church that really sought to help Paul and support that ministry was the church of Philippi. I can do all things through Christ. Writing from prison, Paul describes the joys of following Christ and persevering for Get expert commentary on biblical languages, fresh explorations in theology, hand-picked book excerpts, author videos, and info on limited-time sales. Impossible that anything done by other saints should turn to one's acceptance any more than what is done by himself The apostle uses salvation throughout his letter to the Philippians (nor is it confined to this scripture only) in the sense of the complete and final triumph over all the power of Satan. Cursive Graffiti Tattoo Typewriter Gothic Bubble Space Cool Cute Lettering . Let us not shrink from duty; let us not dread persecution let us not fear the bed of death. He knows how to bear with the circumstances in his life. Paraklesis ( G3874) is comfort and strength combined. There are things that I don't understand, but my faith is being tested, and my faith is being developed because I'm learning to trust in God even when I can't see the way. In this passage Paul lays down the way of true teaching. The Lord is near. When Paul went to Philippi, he first shared the gospel by the river where a group of ladies had gathered together for prayer. Nevertheless, energy there is, and this assuredly judges what is contrary to Christ. This last is but a confirmation of the same truth. Memory verse song for children and entire families.I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. In all circumstances, Christ, our unchanging Friend, can uphold us. It was to be another three hundred years before Christianity became the religion of the empire, but already the first signs of the ultimate triumph of Christ were to be seen. I pray that I may live my life for Christ and stand fast in Him so that I be used by You to witness, in word and deed, to all with whom I come in contact today. Loving Father, what a joy for Paul to write to the dear saints at Philippi, whom he considered as his joy and crown. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. This verse isnt a promise that things will go your way. "For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him." But the practical ways and spirit of the Philippians were the living evidence not only of life, but, so to speak, of vigorous health in Christ. . Prayer itself is very broad term that describes communion with God. 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