I Can Do All Things

Introduction

As Paul begins to close out this letter, it takes a couple of interesting turns.

First we read that Paul was excited because the church at Philippi had decided to once again begin giving gifts (support) for him.

Philippians 4:10–12 NIV84

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:10-

The first thing I notice is that Paul makes sure they know that he understands their situation.

He says he knows what it is like to be in need, and he knows what it is like to have plenty—or everything he needs. In fact, Paul says he has learned the secret of being content in every situation.

QUESTION—Have you learned the secret of being content? Can you be content no matter what the circumstances may be?

I Can

So many people tell me they simply cannot be content. They are constantly seeking the next, latest, and greatest thing that is coming down the line. We’re not content.

Or you may be the one who has to chase after the dollar. You need one more dollar to make you happy or complete.

Or are you the person that needs to build one more relationship with someone to make you feel complete?

Paul is not chasing after things. That means that he can focus on what God wants him to do.

So when we get to verse 13 we read: “I can do everything through him [Christ] who gives me strength.”

One of the greatest tools to help people is a silly exercise I read about in a book. It talked about making an “I CAN” To do this you take an empty soup can and then find a bunch of old magazines, and cut out all kinds of eyes. Big eyes, little eyes, just eyes of every kind. Then the third step is to glue all of the eyes onto your can—and presto! you have an “Eye Can!” Then the next time you are considering saying, “I can’t . . .” You will look at your “I-Can” and be able to go after what God wants you to do!

Good to share

Paul goes on to say it is good for the church at Philippi to share with Paul.

Philippians 4:14-19

Philippians 4:14–19 NIV84

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Paul reminds them that in the early days, no one really supported Paul from anyone. Only the church at Philippi really wanted to support Paul and help Paul.

He says he’s not looking for a gift right now, but Paul was looking to see what could be credited to their account. Besides, Paul is now amply supplied because of the gifts the Philippians sent with Epaphroditus.

Paul describes them as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, and it was all pleasing to God!

My God Will Meet Your Needs

Paul wants his readers to sacrifice in their giving. Because Paul understands that God will meet all of our needs.

Paul understood that the gifts the church sent Him cost them everything. It was not given out of abundance, but they had given sacrificially.

Paul tells them, his God will meet all of their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ.

So What?

There are two things in this passage that I really want us to focus on.

First, like Paul we are all strong enough to endure and accomplish everything through Him who gives us strength.

Look carefully, this verse tells me that it is not my strength which depend on. It is Christ Jesus who gives me strength!

Not only that, but, Jesus enables us to complete and/or endure any job that He gives us.

The second thing I want us to walk away with in this passage is that God will meet all of our needs. Notice that the passage doesn’t say anything about our “wants” or “desires” but He will give us everything that we “Need!” Not all of our greeds.

So what happens to the believers around the world that go to be hungry every night? What happens to the believes who are experiencing suffering day after day? What happens when it appears that we don’t have what we need?

There are needs that are far greater than we could ever imagine and needs we don’t even realize that we have. God supplies all that we need to fulfill the job that He has for us to complete.

So here is my take away from this section. We can do everything that God gives us to do, because God gives us everything we need to be able to complete the work He has for us, and He supplies these needs out of the riches in Christ Jesus!