Posts Tagged ‘Philippians’

During Simon’s talk with the Youth Group last evening, he mentioned the problem of people taking Scripture out of context and distorting the meaning of God’s Word. He gave the example of an individual telling him that “For God so loved the world” from John 3:16 means that since God loves the world, everything in the world should be loved. Simon pointed out the pitfalls in taking such a teaching to its logical conclusion.

I am hopeful that any passages of Scripture you find on this blog will be true to the Word of God in context; it is the reader’s job to test any words proclaimed to be God’s Words.

Another example of a verse who’s meaning changes as it is quoted out of context is “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse is often quoted as a magical formula for conquering any and every problem, for succeeding at various tasks, and for accomplishing the impossible. While other passages in Scripture may make a case for the Christian accomplishing the impossible through Christ, it isn’t Philippians 4:13. The context of Paul’s “I can do all things” proclamation is learning to be content with much or with little. “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Paul may have been considering the wise teaching of Agur from Proverbs 30:7-9.

“Two things I ask of you O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God.” (NIV)

I suspect that each of us has a different threshold of what is too much or too little. Paul seems to be saying that his limits have been stretched in both directions and he has learned to find contentment in either extreme.

As you choose verses to commit to memory, remember to retain the contextual meaning of those verses and to rightly divide the Word of Truth.

 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:4-9 (ESV)

Christmas often brings up anxious thoughts and feelings. Paul’s teaching may assist you during this “Peace on Earth” season; he reminds all of us how God wishes to be with us and to guard our hearts and minds. Practice rejoicing and demonstrating a thankful attitude, combined with true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise-worthy thoughts. May the God of peace be with you!

In Exodus 33:15 Moses said to God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” In Psalm 127:1 Solomon writes, “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.” The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” In Luke 1:37 the angel told Mary, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Again, Paul tells us in Romans 8:37, “In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Clearly, the Presence of the LORD is necessary and desirable. Are we seeking Him with our whole heart? If we come near to God, He promises (James 4:8) to come near to us.