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8th November 2024
FridayReflection
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'Benjamin L Merkle shares'
'professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary'
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Nobody likes to lose.
Winning is fun but losing is hard.
In the midst of a challenging feat, we might wonder if it's appropriate to claim Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
At its core, this verse is talking about a different sort of victory.
How do you respond when you face challenges and hardships in life?
Do you have victory in such circumstances?
Can you have victory through suffering?
First, let's look at the context of Philippians 4:13
Paul is under house arrest, probably in Rome during the reign of Nero, awaiting trial before the Roman Emperor.
As he writes, he recognizes that death may be the end point of his imprisonment because the emperor Nero was known to be hostile to Christians.
It is precisely in this context that Paul writes that he learned the secret of being content.
He realized that contentment is not directly related to one's environment or situation.
Our circumstances are constantly changing, but God never changes.
Paul was at peace with his circumstances because he didn't rest his hope on them, but on God.
That Paul was able to rejoice while in prison is nothing short of a miraculous gift given supernaturally by the Holy Spirit.
What exactly does Paul mean when he says "I can do all things"?
Paul is not saying that he can do all things through Christ, but rather that he can prevail or have the victory over any circumstance, by relying on Jesus and his strength.
Paul was at peace with his circumstances because he didn't rest his hope on them, but on God.
When Paul writes "all things," he is specifically referring to all those situations or circumstances he faces - some of them good and some of the extremely difficult.
How was Paul able to be content in whatever situation he was in?
Paul's victory didn't come through his strength.
His secret was he didn't do it, but Jesus did it through him - which means it's a secret available to all believers.
Paul's victory came through his union with Jesus.
The spirit of Christ who dwells in believers empowers us to be victorious even in the midst of trials.
In fact, the phrase "the one who strengthens" depicts the action as incomplete and indicates a continual strengthening.
For example, if we're not continually communing with God in prayer and reading his Word, our strength will be greatly diminished.
In summary, this verse can be translated or paraphrased this way:
"I can have the victory (prevail) over any circumstance (situation) through my union with Christ who continually strengthens me."
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.
But what about the here and now?
All of us are in a situation that's difficult, faith-testing, and overwhelming (if we're not now we soon will be).
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.
It's in those situations that this verse is meant to speak to us.
It's humbling because it reminds us that we are not in control.
God is.
The contentment that allows us to praise God amid the pain, confusion, and humiliations is something we can learn.
Jesus is the One who strengthens us in the face of both difficulties and blessings, and He is the One who receives the glory.
Philippians 4:13 isn't just for Christian superheroes.
It's for every child of God in every situation in life, especially the tough ones.
No trial or tragedy is too hard to face, not if you have Jesus.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
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This is an edited version.
The full article and Bible references are avaiable on request
'Benjamin L Merkle '
serves as professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.
He is the author or coauthor of numerous books, including Why Elders? A Biblical and Practical Guide for Church Members (Kregel, 2009)
and 40 Questions about Elders and Deacons (Kregel, 2007).
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