Sermon Video "I can do everything" Philippians 4:10-19

"I can do everything", it seems like such an awesome promise from God in Philippians 4:13, the kind of thing I could grab hold of for just about anything in life; it seems to imply also that "there isn't anything I can't do".  As anyone who has lived for a while as a Christian knows, there are plenty of things we can't do.  So, what do the words of Paul here mean, and why isn't this the all encompassing promise that it seems to be at first glance?
The passage of Philippians, from verses 10-19 of chapter 4, are a great example of the need to interpret Scripture contextually, that is, within its proper context.  It may be that taking a phrase or verse all by itself will be harmless, but such a cookie cutter approach to Scripture has great potential for harm.  As such, we must also strive to see the whole thought of the author, whether that is one sentence, one paragraph, or even a chapter or more of Scripture.  When we put Scripture within its proper context, looking at what proceeds it and what follows it, we allow the Word of God to speak to us.  There is always a danger that we will look to Scripture for what we want to hear, with blinders on to all else, allowing Scripture to speak to us is a safeguard against that error.
In the case of Philippians 4:13, Paul is talking about his ability to continue the ministry of the Gospel whether his needs are met or not.  Paul had to endure times of scarcity, as well as times of plenty, while doing the work of the Lord, but through it all he learned the secret of contentment: God's power.  The "everything" in question, when seen in context, is a reference to Paul's ability to be content, to continue God's work, even when times are tough.  God's power thus is utilized by Paul to do God's work, and Paul was firmly convinced through his own experience that such power would never run dry.
The next time you see a Biblical quote out of context, take the time to read the entire passage, and then you will know whether or not the person utilizing that piece of Scripture is doing so as it was intended.  As Christians, God's Word is our guide, our direction in this life, we owe it to ourselves and to God to listen to all of it.

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