Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (NKJV)
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INTRO: The church in Philippi is the first Christian community in Europe. Paul, in this letter, exhorted the church in growth, joy and peace in life together. He also sent his brief appreciation for their help to him in prison.
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AIM: Philippians 4:13 teaches us to rejoice in faith based on the understanding of Christ’s unique role in the salvation of all. This verse reveals insight on our sensitivity, tenderness and enthusiasm for Christ.
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GOD STRAIGHTENS ME WITH DELIGHT
a. “God is my savior, I am confident and will not be afraid. He is my strength and courage.” (ISAIAH 12:2) The assurances that God makes to us. No height, however bare, nor depth, however profound, can separate us from His love.
b. “He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases strength.” (ISAIAH 40:29) Another bible version put this verse as “He gives strength to the fainting, for the weak He makes vigor abound. Weakness, limitation, disadvantages, flaws, difficulties and any of our weak points should never give way to discouragement.
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GOD STRETCHES ME WITH DELIGHT
a. “My grace is sufficient for you formy strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 CORINTHIANS 12:9) The Lord always hears and answers his people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for his glory and their good. Sometimes, realease and healing are denied for a higher purpose.the grace of Christ is given most fully to the sufferer which manifest itself also most fully.
b. “But we have this treasue in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 CORINTHIANS 4:7) God's power Is made known through ministerial hardships. Our difficulties of this present existence may not seem glorious at all as it is marked by sffering and death. But we must affirm our faith in the presence and ultimate triumph of life. We, as instruments whom God uses are human (soul creature) and fragile (weak and delicate).
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GOD STRENGTHENS ME WITH DELIGHT
a. “I am the vine and you are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit, for without me you can do nothing.” (JOHN 15:5) This describes our union with the Lord. Nothing is to be done "without Christ"; his Spirit, grace, strength, and presence. For the branches that are truly in him and be removed, they could not produce fruits of good works.
b. “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 TIMOTHY 4:17) Paul having an inward strength in his soul, with might in his inward man, unto all longsuffering with joyfulness, he was able to preach the gospel by his personal ministry, at least by his epistles he afterwards wrote in prison with divine assistance.
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CONCLUSION: This sermon reminds us that personal strength and talent only makes us inadequate for this life and its challenges. If we rest in Christ’s trength the we will find his provision. Let us admit our frailty and dependence in him so that Christ will empower us for the troubles life throws our way.
