I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength
Philippians 4:4-13
July 27, 2014
Norman Burnes
Philippi was a bustling city in the days of Paul. It was the place where the call was heard, “Come over to Macedonia” and the Gospel was introduced to Europe. Philippi was a trade and communications center and was on the road connecting Rome and the Roman Empire to the east. It was named for Philip of Macedonia who was the father of Alexander the Great. The port for Philippi was Kavala. While there Paul was in prison where an earthquake, occurred and rather than escape, Paul and Silas stayed and the jailer asked him, “What must I do to be saved?” This is a significant part of New Testament history and helps us understand the missions thrust of the gospel from Asia Minor into Europe. It was in this environment that the church of Philippi was located and where the Book of Philippians was directed. Paul was loved by the Philippians and they were positive and upbeat people. This is evident in these four short chapters we call the Book of Philippians. Paul said he thanked God every time he thought of them. He challenged the people to “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” He told them that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” He tells the people to do all they did without complaining or arguing. Several times he tells the people to “Rejoice in the Lord.” He tells us and challenges us to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings.” He tells us to “forget what lies behind and strain towards what is ahead – the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” In verse 13 of chapter 4 he tells us, “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength.” We often misquote this verse need to make sure that we understand the verse as Paul intended for us to understand it. Many say “I can do 1 all things” and think that is all the verse says. That is not all this verse says. The verse says: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Most of us can do many things. Many people think of this verse in a personal way meaning they can do all things personally. They want to be successful. They want to be comfortable. They want to be well thought of. They want enough to eat and to entertain them. When I was in high school I had a dream of playing baseball in the major leagues. My baseball coach took me aside and told me I would never make it to the big leagues. He was right, but he also told me I could become the biggest fan of baseball and that is something that has come true. Many people think of this verse spiritually. They want to grow spiritually. They want to pray. They want to overcome temptations. They want to lead others to Christ. Some think of this verse in terms of the church. They see evangelism not as an option for the church but as a command for all members of the church. Some see the church as charged with the responsibility of sharing Christ with the world. We need to see new Christians who become a part of the church as “babes in Christ” and the need to be trained. The basic thing about this verse is that we must be undergirded by the Holy Spirit who gives us strength, energy, hope and encouragement. You see, if we begin to understand this verse we must not just say we can do all things, but we can do all things through Christ who is the source of all strength for Christians. The key is that we must have a right relationship with Christ. We can know a great deal about God without knowing Him. We must know Him personally through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. Those who know God have great energy for Him. Those who know Him have great boldness for Him. Those 2 who know Him have peace and contentment in their lives and are a joy to be around. The plan of Salvation is for all people. I am lost without Him. I must confess my sins. I must accept Christ as my Savior and follow Him in baptism. I must talk with Him through prayer and serve Him faithfully. When I know what God wants for my life and I want to please and serve Him, I can then do all things because I will not want to get outside His will for me or be disobedient to His will. I can start where I am and do what I can to bring light and joy to this world. Art Buchwald and a friend were in a taxi in New York City. The friend bragged on this taxi driver when he got out of a cab with his friend. The friend said he was trying to encourage people one at a time and the ripple effect would help people as a positive spirit was shared with others. He was trying to save the city one person at a time. One act of good will can affect thousands of people. Sometimes we must do something we may not want to do but we know we should do it anyway. When I was about 10 years old, I was walking home from church and fell off a short wall and split my knee open and tore my pants. I tried to hide it from my parents because I did not want to have my knee sewn up nor did I want my mother to see my torn pants. I should have told them, but I was afraid. Sometimes we must do what we know we ought to do even if it hurts. I am glad I am who I am! I am over 60 and so are most of you here today. There are some real advantages to being over 60. 1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 3. 3 No one expects you to run – anywhere. 4. People call you at 9 PM and ask. “Did I wake you up?” 5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 6. Things you buy now won’t wear out. 7. You can eat dinner at 4 PM. 8. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service. 9. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they cannot remember them either. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. How does this verse speak to the Bon Air Baptist Church today? In this interim period in the life of our church – between pastors – we are doing God’s work. What is the State of our church? I think we are in good shape. We are staying busy and I am not aware of anything falling through the cracks in ministry. We had a wonderful Bible School this year. We have people on mission trips right now sharing the gospel with others. We have people who are sick and they are being visited and prayed with. We have people being married, so love is alive at Bon Air and in Richmond these days. We have people who have lost loved ones and they are being ministered to, prayed for and supported in their loss. We have people worshipping at other campuses and this is a wonderful way to reach out right here in Richmond as we share the gospel and worship opportunities with others. Our July concert series has been a great success as we have enjoyed good music and worship opportunities with others in our community. This has become a Bon Air lighthouse for the summer. We are planning a Divorce Care seminar this fall to minister to those who need care and support during challenging periods in their lives. We are feeding people in homeless shelters and showing a caring spirit in some rough sections of our city through BookNet, ministering to children, giving them books and showing them that someone cares. God is alive and working here in our church. Does everyone think alike? No. Does everyone do the same things? No. We are different. We all have differing 4 talents and abilities, and as we are lead, God can use us. This brings us back to the verse of the day: I can do all things – We can do all things – through Christ who gives us strength and boldness in our witnessing and in our service. We cannot do all things or be effective, however, if we have or hearts shut and our eyes closed. When I lived in Greece we lived near the end of the bus line and I would often ride the bus into downtown Athens. As the bus would fill up I would stand and give my seat to a lady or elderly person. One day a Greek man leaned over and told me I did not have to stand up. He said just close your eyes and nod your head and people will think you are asleep. I have thought many times how typical that is in the church. We close our eyes and pretend to be asleep, and we miss opportunities to serve and witness to those around us. May God help us to keep our hearts and eyes open so that we can truly serve others in the name and in the spirit of Christ. 5