I CAN DO
ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENETH ME.
(Philippians 4:13) I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
INTRODUCTION:
a. In this passage, the Apostle Paul shares his
personal testimony regarding the Christian walk. Even though we constantly face
hindrances, hardships, and difficulties in living a life that is right in the
eyes of God, Paul reminds us where our strength comes from. Through Christ's
power, we can overcome every obstacle.
1. THROUGH
CHRIST, WE CAN LOVE THE UNLOVABLE AND WIN THEM TO HIM
As we go out to win souls, we will inevitably encounter
difficult, resistant, and deeply flawed individuals. Christ gives us the
supernatural love required to reach them.
(2 Timothy 3:1-5) [1]This
know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2]For men shall be lovers of their own selves,
covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,
unholy,
[3]Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false
accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4]Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of
pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5]Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn away.
( I Corinthians 9:19-22 ) [19]For
though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I
might gain the more.
[20]And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I
might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I
might gain them that are under the law;
[21]To them that are without law, as without law,
(being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain
them that are without law.
[22]To the weak became I as weak, that I might
gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save
some.
2. THROUGH
CHRIST, WE CAN LIVE A CHRIST-LIKE LIFE DESPITE OUR OLD NATURE
Though
we still battle the desires of the flesh and our old sinful nature, Christ
provides the grace and power to walk in righteousness rather than give in to
the flesh.
( Romans 7: 14-21 ) [14]For we
know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
[15]For that which I do I allow not: for what I
would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
[16]If then I do that which I would not, I consent
unto the law that it is good.
[17]Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin
that dwelleth in me.
[18]For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,)
dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that
which is good I find not.
[19]For the good that I would I do not: but the
evil which I would not, that I do.
[20]Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I
that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
3. THROUGH
CHRIST, WE CAN GIVE GENEROUSLY EVEN IN TIMES OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
True,
sacrificial giving does not depend on our bank accounts, but on the condition
of our hearts. Through Christ, we can exhibit a spirit of generosity even in
times of deep poverty.
( II Corinthians 8:1-5 ) [1]Moreover,
brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of
Macedonia;
[2]How that in a great trial of affliction the
abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their
liberality.
[3]For to their power, I bear record, yea, and
beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
[4]Praying us with much intreaty that we would
receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the
saints.
[5]And this they did, not as we hoped, but first
gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
4. THROUGH CHRIST, WE CAN REJOICE IN THE LORD AMIDST
TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
Suffering and hardships are guaranteed in the Christian
life. However, Christ fills our hearts with a supernatural joy that defies our
external circumstances.
( I Peter 4:13-16 ) [13]But
rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his
glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
[14]If ye be reproached for the name of Christ,
happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their
part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
[15]But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or
as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
[16]Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him
not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
5. THROUGH CHRIST, WE CAN FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE WRONGED
US
Because Christ has freely and completely forgiven us of
our great sins, He gives us the strength and the mandate to extend that same
forgiveness to others.
(Matthew 6:14-15) [14]For if
ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
[15]But if ye forgive not men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(1 John 1:9-10) [9]If we
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[10]If we say that we have not sinned, we make him
a liar, and his word is not in us.
6. THROUGH
CHRIST, WE CAN LIVE A HOLY LIFE IN A WICKED AND SINFUL WORLD
We are
surrounded by darkness, but we are not helpless. Through the power of the Holy
Spirit, we can answer God's call to be set apart and holy.
( I Peter 1:15-16 ) [15]But as
he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
[16]Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am
holy.
* God
bless you all always *
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