I CAN DO ALL THINGS!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13)

Here is an expression that can truthfully be made only by faith. Apart from faith, and in the sight of God, we are really powerless to do anything. Jesus stated it this way, "without Me, you can do nothing" (John 15:5). Salvation, of course, changes that situation, joining us to the Lord. That condition brings us into the realm of possibilities, where "all things are possible to him who believes" (Mark 9:23). When, therefore, Paul states he can "do all things through Christ," he is not speaking as an Apostle, but as a believer. He is affirming what is true of everyone who walks by faith, lives in the Spirit, and has no confidence in the flesh.

What are the "all things" the text mentions? "ALL," in this case, is not speaking of fleshly desires, human plans, and life in general. As always, life is being considered as it relates to living unto God. Although Paul was in prison, and had been deprived of many of the amenities of life, he stated he had "learned" something. Stretching the panorama of spiritual life before us, Paul writes, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need" (4:11-12). Like other spiritual lessons, this was not an instant and easy course of understanding.

Paul had learned something precious few souls even realize can be learned. Grace had taught him to be "content"--satisfied and in a happy state of mind–"whatever the circumstances" (NIV, NASB). Knowing that such a statement would appear more like a dream or ambition than a statement of reality, he adds, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me." This ability is what enabled Paul to be such an effective minister for Christ. His circumstances did not pull him down into the quagmire of discontentment.

This did not mean he never engaged in an effort to improve his circumstances. Once he requested Timothy, "Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come; and the books, especially the parchments" (2 Tim 4:13). Yet, he remained "content" while he waited to see what the Lord would do.

And what about you? Have you "learned" to be "content" in every condition, or circumstance of life? What about your home? Your job? Your physical condition? Your economic circumstances? Have you "learned" how to be "abased," brought low and humbled? Can you maintain your faith and joyful expectation under those conditions? Have you "learned" how to "abound," having more than you need, and having no lack? In both extremes, it is possible to conduct yourself in an uncomely manner–to actually reproach the Lord and cause a chasm to form between you and your Savior. Realizing this, Solomon said, "Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, ‘Who is the LORD?' Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God" (Prov 30:8-9).

Notice what a remarkable thing is seen in Paul. He experienced the very extremes Solomon asked NOT to have. He knew "HOW" to "abound and to suffer need." When he was "full" and abounded, he did NOT deny the Lord. When he suffered need and was "poor," he did not profane the name of the Lord. His spiritual life was NOT jeopardized by his circumstances. His fellowship with Christ was NOT interrupted by prosperity or by poverty.

The Apostle quickly tells us the reason for this remarkable achievement. He does not trace it back to self-discipline. Nor, indeed, is it owing to a miracle, or some other form of supernatural intervention. He says it is because he had "learned" something. With unparalleled effectiveness., he had been "taught" by Jesus (Eph 4:20) to live on a higher plain. He could be content with difficult earthly circumstances because he was sitting with Jesus in heavenly places. His awareness of what he had in Jesus dwarfed what he was experiencing in the world.

The Apostle is quick to share his secret. He desires for others to participate in the same blessing. "I can do ALL things THROUGH Christ who strengthens ME." He is saying, "I can be content under all circumstances." "I can honor the Lord when I abound, and I can honor Him with I am in need." A rich communion existed between him and the Lord Jesus Christ. The strength of Jesus was given to him.

This blessing is for you also. It is part of being alive unto God. May you be a learner!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You in Jesus' name for the enablement Your grace and strength bring to me.

-- Monday: Conclusion to Current Series --
-- Tuesday, New Series: THE LAW OF FAITH --