Exploring the Text:

The Philippian church had been involved in financially supporting Paul and his ministry from its very beginning.

Acts 16:40, 40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5, “ And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.”

Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” NASB95
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” ESV
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” NIV84
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” NRSV
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” NLT

Context is important!!!

Interpretation must be based on the author’s intention of meaning and not the reader's.

Bible verse fits within a larger story, and whenever we read any verse, we want to:

Look at the specific Bible verse (many people stop here).
Look at the paragraph the verse is in.
Look at the chapter the Bible verse is in.
Look at the book of the Bible that the chapter and verse are in.
Look at where the book of the Bible the verse is in fits in the Bible’s whole storyline.

What is the context of Philippians 4:13? It is about contentment!

Philippians 4:11-13, “11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Important Lessons to Learn from the Passage:

I. Contentment

2 Corinthians 11:24-27, “24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”

Paul learns contentment because, for him, Jesus is everything. Instead of focusing on the circumstances, he focuses on Jesus. That no matter what happened, Jesus is enough!

Philippians 1:21, “21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Important Lessons to Learn from the Passage:

II. Generosity

Philippians 4:14-20, “14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

There is a blessing in supporting God’s workers.

Romans 10:14-15, “14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

We financially support missionaries since day one of our church plant. Now, we support the Bryant’s in the Philippines, the Salisbury in the Philippines, and Mary Ann Castaneto in Thailand.

Important Lessons to Learn from the Passage:

III. Grace

Philippians 4:23 “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.”

2 Corinthians 12:6-10, “6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Billy Graham said, “The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”

Conclusion:

No matter what you are going through. No matter what the trials you are facing. Jesus is enough! His grace is sufficient! His strength will keep us strong in our times of weakness!

Questions to Ponder:

Are you content with your situation in life? Why or why not?
Are you financially supporting someone in ministry? Do you give generously? Why or why not?
Do you feel empowered by God to endure difficult times when there is not enough food or money?
What are some of your attitudes or philosophies toward money and wealth?

BENEDICTION

Numbers 6:24-26

May:

The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turns his face toward you
and give you peace.”’

As always . . . I Love You Church!!!