The Full Spectrum of “all things.” Philippians 4:13
“11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬
God gave Paul the grace both to enjoy great blessings and endure severe trials for the sake of the gospel. His life in the cause of the gospel was full of both extremes.
To fully understand what Paul meant in the above three verses, it would be helpful to pause and read 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 followed immediately by 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.
This guy endured unimaginable persecution and suffering for the cause of the gospel. By contrast, he was often blessed with spiritual revelation and power like few others in his walk in the Spirit. There were times he was treated like a prisoner and other times he was treated like a king.
He had learned to be content and rejoice in Jesus on both sides of the spectrum. He could both go hungry and be beaten for the cause of Christ and the gospel, and he could dine with dignitaries and enjoy company with kings and magistrates for the cause of Christ and the gospel.
He had “learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” (Philippians 4:12b)
His external circumstances did not affect his internal joy or relationship with Jesus. He walked and lived in the spirit and not the flesh. His citizenship was in heaven and not on earth. He embraced Jesus and not the value system of the world.
With this background, we can now understand the meaning of Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Paul was saying Jesus gave him the grace and strength to both endure beatings and speak before kings.
He could literally “do all things through Christ who strengthened him.” (Philippians 4:13) Therefore, he was willing to go where others wouldn’t go and endure the unthinkable for the cause of Christ. He also enjoyed fellowship with God on a level most Christians deem unimaginable. He lived in the constant fullness of all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ no matter his circumstances on earth. (Ephesians 1:3)
Years ago, I heard Warren Wiersbe make the statement that “more people pass the test of adversity than prosperity. “ I have found that to be true. The suffering church enjoys much more glory in the presence of Christ than the spoiled church. I see great danger in the Laodicean church. (Revelation 3:14-22)
We all want to claim Philippians 4:13, but few want to live on both sides of the coin of blessings and sufferings. We love the idea of prosperity, but we shun the thought of persecution. “All things” applies equally to both sides of the spectrum.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
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