FCA Devo #2

Introduction

Reintroduce myself

My athletic history

Most famous verse for athletes

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

“I can win!”

Jon Jones’ Chest Tattoo

“Momma said knock you out, through Christ who gives me strength”

But is that really what it means?

Context

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Some observations

1. The church at Philippi was concerned for Paul

Why? Because he was in prison.

Written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment (AD 60-62)

Not winning

2. Paul was content in prison

What does it mean to be content?

Dictionary.com: To be satisfied with what one has

That describes Paul

Paul has learned the secret of being content.

THAT’S the context.

With all of this in mind, what do you think Paul means when he says “I can do all things through him who strengthens me?”

I can always be content through Christ who gives me strength

That’s different right?

Better athletic application: I can lose and be okay with it

Other applications

Are you content?

Harder now than ever

“more”

For you: You can be content through Christ

Pray to Him; Trust Him; Lean on Him

PRAY