Word@Work Phil50 - Philippians 4:13
Published: Wed, 12/02/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
'CAN-DO' CONFIDENCE
Phil. 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
Paul's missionary life was full of impossible challenges, but met by supernatural strength and wisdom. The preceding verses (Philippians 4:4-12) show how Paul was always praising the Lord, always praying and always receiving God's peace. Even in hardship he was content, and in prosperity he was not proud. He knew his limitations, but was confident of God's power. He did not set a personal 'energy budget' telling God what he could and could not do; he was certain that he could do whatever God asked of him. His confidence was not in his own ability or power; but in his weakness he knew that God would give strength to him.
Don't forget that Paul was in prison awaiting trial. Prior to receiving the gifts from Philippi he was sustained by the Lord. Now he had more than enough to meet his needs (see Philippians 4:18). But he wanted the Macedonian church to know that although he was very glad that they had sent provisions and a helper, his strength still came from God. That kind of inner vitality is the work of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and is available to everybody who trusts in Jesus. It is not proportional to how we feel, or our resources nor even the encouragement from fellow-believers: it is God's gift to people who recognise their weakness (see 2 Cor 12:9-10), and yet are determined to obey His next command.
This verse applies to obeying God in everyday things, as well as special acts of ministry, and for dealing with every circumstance which God allows. It does not apply to the fantasy 'wish-list' in which a few immature believers think that God is obliged to pass their exams for them or get them promotion at work. The power of Christ is for the work of Christ so that the glory will go to Christ. His gifts and provisions are not toys for us to play with, so that we can feel empowered; but tools which we use at His command so that He will be glorified. That means there is no Divine command which we cannot obey and no gospel mission which we cannot accomplish; also there is no temptation which we cannot overcome. So living for Christ is not as impossible as some might think - as long as we really are living for Christ, and not for ourselves. And His power is not just available in church, but wherever He leads us, including our places of work.
Prayer: Lord of power and might. Thank You for not leaving us alone to flounder in our weakness. Thank You for giving strength to all who wait upon You, who trust You and are willing to obey what You command. Please forgive me for trying to serve You in my own strength, or refusing to serve because I felt weak. Help me to believe what You say in this verse and start to live in the strength You have provided. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul's missionary life was full of impossible challenges, but met by supernatural strength and wisdom. The preceding verses (Philippians 4:4-12) show how Paul was always praising the Lord, always praying and always receiving God's peace. Even in hardship he was content, and in prosperity he was not proud. He knew his limitations, but was confident of God's power. He did not set a personal 'energy budget' telling God what he could and could not do; he was certain that he could do whatever God asked of him. His confidence was not in his own ability or power; but in his weakness he knew that God would give strength to him.
Don't forget that Paul was in prison awaiting trial. Prior to receiving the gifts from Philippi he was sustained by the Lord. Now he had more than enough to meet his needs (see Philippians 4:18). But he wanted the Macedonian church to know that although he was very glad that they had sent provisions and a helper, his strength still came from God. That kind of inner vitality is the work of God's indwelling Holy Spirit, and is available to everybody who trusts in Jesus. It is not proportional to how we feel, or our resources nor even the encouragement from fellow-believers: it is God's gift to people who recognise their weakness (see 2 Cor 12:9-10), and yet are determined to obey His next command.
This verse applies to obeying God in everyday things, as well as special acts of ministry, and for dealing with every circumstance which God allows. It does not apply to the fantasy 'wish-list' in which a few immature believers think that God is obliged to pass their exams for them or get them promotion at work. The power of Christ is for the work of Christ so that the glory will go to Christ. His gifts and provisions are not toys for us to play with, so that we can feel empowered; but tools which we use at His command so that He will be glorified. That means there is no Divine command which we cannot obey and no gospel mission which we cannot accomplish; also there is no temptation which we cannot overcome. So living for Christ is not as impossible as some might think - as long as we really are living for Christ, and not for ourselves. And His power is not just available in church, but wherever He leads us, including our places of work.
Prayer: Lord of power and might. Thank You for not leaving us alone to flounder in our weakness. Thank You for giving strength to all who wait upon You, who trust You and are willing to obey what You command. Please forgive me for trying to serve You in my own strength, or refusing to serve because I felt weak. Help me to believe what You say in this verse and start to live in the strength You have provided. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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