Now here's something about this quote. It is NOT about you and Jesus being your helping hand to do whatever you wish.
Here's the problem with this understanding. First it is one verse taken out of a whole passage. Second we should approach the bible on it's own terms, not ours. Don't put yourself in it. It speaks to us!
Lets look at this verse within a little more of its context and passage.
Philippians 4:10-17
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
This is a chunk from a letter written by Paul and Timothy to all the Christians in Phillipi and NOT about you. But don't' get me wrong, I'm not saying you can't learn anything from this. And I am not saying that you can't see relevance to your life.
HERE'S THE THING
The bible tells us mainly how we are loved and how we can know God. Then how to shape our lives around that.
HERE'S THE THING
The bible tells us mainly how we are loved and how we can know God. Then how to shape our lives around that.
But to keep this short and sweet Paul is writing about knowing how to be content with God in all situations! Whether he is suffering or not I believe he is saying that no matter what situation he is in, he can do all the things God has given him to do.
We have to remember that our lives should be shaped by God and we should be doing the work that he sets out for us. So we can do all things through him who strengthens us but I think its really only relevant when its in regards to the work that God has set out for us.
Many Blessings!
We have to remember that our lives should be shaped by God and we should be doing the work that he sets out for us. So we can do all things through him who strengthens us but I think its really only relevant when its in regards to the work that God has set out for us.
Many Blessings!
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