Sermonette - March 12, 2018

Philippians 4:10-13

In college I took a class that helped me to better understand the Bible and how to interpret the original meaning of a passage. One of the biggest takeaways from the class was learning to understand what a passage of scripture meant in the context of the surrounding verses.

Having been involved in sports throughout high school and college and working with students, I have heard many athletes quote Philippians 4:13 when seeking to accomplish greater feats. “I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Now I’m not saying that we can’t find encouragement from that verse when trying to excel in an area of life. I do believe that my faith in Christ helps me in all areas of life. This verse did help through some very trying times while playing college football. But I believe we need to see what Paul writes just before that to grasp the depth of what he was writing.

Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV 1984) “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know that 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 in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Who is the “him” Paul references, it is Christ who gives him strength.

Paul throughout his life faced many hardships while trying to spread the good news about salvation through Christ. In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul mentions that he has faced prison, whippings, death, beatings, shipwrecks, bandits, dangerous weather, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and lack of proper clothing for the cold. In other words, Paul had been through hell on earth and yet according to Philippians 4:10-13, he had found how to be content, no matter the situation. It was in his relationship with Christ, a relationship developed over the years, that Paul had found strength. Paul developed this relationship through much time spent in prayer, worship and through time in the scriptures.

May we also learn the importance as followers of Christ to spend time developing a deep relationship with our Savior through prayer, worship and time in the scriptures.