Out of Context 2 Ph 4:13

Intro

everyone’s favorite verse out of context

maybe the most used and the most well known for being misused

book as a whole

Paul writing from his imprisonment in Rome

ironically one of the most encouraging letters in the NT

Paul sensing his end

Some of Paul’s last words of instruction and example

chapter 4

the ending of the letter

final point on “rejoicing”

what does it mean to stand firm?

“all things”

the all things he is talking about are not the endeavors he is seeking for his own gain

all of the trials Paul went through

all of the times that were not trials

no matter where he is, Paul is able to be content because he is seeking to further the gospel

Application

the point is not that I can accomplish literally anything that I set out to do

the danger of the passage out of context is that one can easily end up misconstruing God acting in people’s lives

he is not our personal super hero

his presence in someone’s life is not measured by their success or failure

whether at the top of the world or the bottom, we can continue to live lives full of joy and contentment knowing we are working for life and hope and love that will last beyond this life