new way to be human: the secret of strength
Here we are again… looking at Philippians. We’ve been learning about a “New Way to Be Human,” which includes being people with a soul obsession- our souls are focused on God and our desire is for sharing His love with others, being people of unity, losing ourselves for the sake of gaining Christ, being people of grace- not judging others, but embracing each other in our differences, and being people who let the peace of God move in and through us. This sounds like a great way to live, right?
Philippians 4:10-23
There is a really key verse in this passage. It is one that I memorized early on in the development of my faith. It is both simple and profound. We must remember this in all circumstances. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Everything can find its completion, its fulfillment by the strength of God. Wow!
Now, we need to be careful as we look at this verse to not take it out of context. You will hear this from me over and over and over again. Context! We need to make sure that we never just pull a verse out at random without understanding what it’s truly saying. When we make that mistake we find people rationalizing any conceivable action or thought. This is how the bible has been used to defend everything from spousal abuse and slavery to drug abuse and murder. NO! The Word of God must be carefully used. As a side-note here and speaking of slavery, I want to just mention a film that is coming out this upcoming weekend called “Amazing Grace.” It tells the compelling story of William Wilberforce who risked all he had to press parliament to end slave trade in the British Empire. It also shares of the relationship between Wilberforce and John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” It looks compelling.
Anyway, back on track now… context. Some people have tried to use the verse stating “I can do everything…” as reasoning for being permitted to commit sinful actions. They misinterpret this verse as permission to do whatever we want because God’s grace will ultimately cover our sins. This is a grave error in interpretation! This verse does not give us license to do whatever we please! When understood in the context with which it was written, we see that Paul is stating that he can overcome all circumstances and trials by the strength of Christ because he does all things in him and through him. Paul speaks of this elsewhere when he is describing some of the difficulties he has faced. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 he says,
This runs so contrary to everything we’ve been raised to believe, doesn’t it? I remember being taught to not let my weaknesses be known. We’re told to do everything for ourselves. When we are self-sufficient, we get more accolades, we’re at the front of the line for a raise or a promotion, we are more admired, we’re perceived as more reliable and more valuable, which all means that we’re less expendable. “Don’t let your weaknesses show! You’ll get fired because you’ll show that you’re inadequate!” Isn’t this what we’re taught in this culture? Maybe this will make my point for me... Listen to Simon & Garfunkel's "I am a Rock." What does that make you think of? There's a lot of despair, isolation, and loneliness in that song,right? Whether you like Simon & Garfunkel or not, I think most of us experience the way those lyrics resonate within us.
"I am a rock. I am an island. A rock feels no pain and an island never cries." "Don’t talk of love… If I’d never loved I never would have cried." What happens when we play only to our strengths? What happens when we live a life of total self-sufficiency? We exalt ourselves. We may even receive the awards and praises of peers. Maybe we’ll be able to make a lot of money even! But it will be hollow. We will build walls and find ourselves isolated.
God’s grace is sufficient for us. Through all trials and circumstances God provides. When we rely on our own strength to get us through we find ourselves wrapped up in fear, anxiety, and pain. We struggle through alone and we don’t know how to reach out for help. It is when we realize our weakness, our powerlessness, our feebleness that we know that we can and must turn to God. This is what it means when it says that we are strong when we are weak.
A few weeks ago we had a guest who shared with us about ministry in Burkina Faso. Lorinda shared about some of the miraculous ways that God has been moving in Africa. At Route 66 the following Wednesday there were questions about why we don’t see God move like that here. My belief is that we are too darned self-sufficient. We look to the sufficiency of our own strength instead of looking to the providence of God’s strength which is the sufficiency of His grace. But wait… before I move on from here, I want to do something. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” When have you experienced God's strength to carry you beyond an obstacle... when you didn't think you could make it?
Perhaps we haven’t seen angels in white sitting on our garden gates like they did in Burkina, but we can see here that God works miraculously in our midst when we turn to him. When we can admit our weakness and rely on God to provide, we actually see Him do what He has promised to. It’s just that we often shut God out by pulling up our bootstraps and trying to muddle through on our own.
Let’s look at another aspect to this matter. It’s what is described throughout the rest of our passage from today. Paul writes to the Philippians and thanks them for the ways they have “renewed their concern for him” by sending him gifts. It would be reasonable to believe that the gifts sent were necessary supplies, and finances, but they also sent him Epaphroditus for a while. This Philippians messenger worked along-side of Paul for a period of time and aided him in his work.
We’ve talked about how we cut ourselves off from God by trying to do everything on our own. We’ve talked about the way we become isolated and depressed as we build walls to maintain our image of self-sufficiency. Look, we were created to be in community. We are all relational beings- in need of each other. Paul talks about how he has learned to be content in all circumstances. He can overcome all obstacles by the strength of God. But he does also recognize that God often uses His followers to be the conduit for His providence.
I suspect you have heard the following story of what happened to a man in a springtime flood.
Sometimes God uses ordinary means to help us. He isn’t always going to speak through a burning bush. He isn’t always going rain down manna from the heavens to get our attention. Most times God uses the most mundane ways to provide. One of those ways is through the correct working of the body of Christ- his followers. When we live as a body, we see the miracles of God take place in each others lives. We see the hand of God provide through our needs as we confess our weakness to each other and we support each other. In Acts the earliest followers of Jesus lived in this way.
Acts 2:44-47
And it wasn’t just the believers in Jerusalem, but this is the type of giving that the Philippians showed to Paul. They loved him and knew of his need, so they provided for him. In doing so, they also provided for and supported the advancement of the gospel to non-believers. Did you notice that people gave of their time, gave of their talents, and gave of their possessions? Paul is glad that the people of Philippi sent gifts for him. Why? Not because he needed them to… God takes care of Paul. He was delighted in their generosity because it is pleasing to God that they would remember a brother and worker in the gospel. Paul said that he wasn’t looking for gifts, but he was happy that their acts would be credited to them by God. God isn’t some cosmic accountant keeping a ledger of credits and debits. Where, if we have more in our credit column at the end of our life, we will go to heaven. No, that’s not the way it works… That’s not what Paul is saying. Remember, context. He referred to their gifts as a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” God loves it when we give. He loves it. Not because he needs our money.
Psalm 50:7-13 says,
In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is entering into Jerusalem and crowds of people filled the streets in celebration. They were praising him and delighting in his presence. Check this out. Luke 19 says,
God can make the rocks cry out to share his message. He can make the mountains shout of his glory. He is God and He is in need of nothing. But we have needs. In every way and on every day we have needs. When we live in community and admit our weakness, we let the God who is sufficient provide for our needs. When we share with one another and support those who are carrying His gospel, He is pleased and we experience the blessings that come with filling each other’s needs as a body.
This is what it looks like when we transfer our love for God and for others into action. This is what life looks like when we’re “Helping people journey toward God through loving relationships.” We admit weakness. We help each other. We come to the aid of one another. We give of our time. We give of our talents. Yes, we even give of our finances. Peter puts it in this way…
1 Peter 4:8-11
Look around you. Look at the people next to you. You don’t have to go far to find someone in need. Is there a way you can help that person? Is there any ways you can help your church? There is a constant need for volunteers in our churches and in our communities. If you are willing, I guarantee someone can find a way to help you serve the body. What ways can you support your neighbor? What ways can you support the work of God in this community? And overseas?
Philippians 4:10-23
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your
concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to
show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be
content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you
sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a
gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received
full payment and even more; 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to his
glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be
glory for ever and ever. Amen. Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The
brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings,
especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
The
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
There is a really key verse in this passage. It is one that I memorized early on in the development of my faith. It is both simple and profound. We must remember this in all circumstances. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Everything can find its completion, its fulfillment by the strength of God. Wow!
Now, we need to be careful as we look at this verse to not take it out of context. You will hear this from me over and over and over again. Context! We need to make sure that we never just pull a verse out at random without understanding what it’s truly saying. When we make that mistake we find people rationalizing any conceivable action or thought. This is how the bible has been used to defend everything from spousal abuse and slavery to drug abuse and murder. NO! The Word of God must be carefully used. As a side-note here and speaking of slavery, I want to just mention a film that is coming out this upcoming weekend called “Amazing Grace.” It tells the compelling story of William Wilberforce who risked all he had to press parliament to end slave trade in the British Empire. It also shares of the relationship between Wilberforce and John Newton, who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace.” It looks compelling.
Anyway, back on track now… context. Some people have tried to use the verse stating “I can do everything…” as reasoning for being permitted to commit sinful actions. They misinterpret this verse as permission to do whatever we want because God’s grace will ultimately cover our sins. This is a grave error in interpretation! This verse does not give us license to do whatever we please! When understood in the context with which it was written, we see that Paul is stating that he can overcome all circumstances and trials by the strength of Christ because he does all things in him and through him. Paul speaks of this elsewhere when he is describing some of the difficulties he has faced. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 he says,
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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in
weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I
am weak, then I am strong.”
This runs so contrary to everything we’ve been raised to believe, doesn’t it? I remember being taught to not let my weaknesses be known. We’re told to do everything for ourselves. When we are self-sufficient, we get more accolades, we’re at the front of the line for a raise or a promotion, we are more admired, we’re perceived as more reliable and more valuable, which all means that we’re less expendable. “Don’t let your weaknesses show! You’ll get fired because you’ll show that you’re inadequate!” Isn’t this what we’re taught in this culture? Maybe this will make my point for me... Listen to Simon & Garfunkel's "I am a Rock." What does that make you think of? There's a lot of despair, isolation, and loneliness in that song,right? Whether you like Simon & Garfunkel or not, I think most of us experience the way those lyrics resonate within us.
"I am a rock. I am an island. A rock feels no pain and an island never cries." "Don’t talk of love… If I’d never loved I never would have cried." What happens when we play only to our strengths? What happens when we live a life of total self-sufficiency? We exalt ourselves. We may even receive the awards and praises of peers. Maybe we’ll be able to make a lot of money even! But it will be hollow. We will build walls and find ourselves isolated.
God’s grace is sufficient for us. Through all trials and circumstances God provides. When we rely on our own strength to get us through we find ourselves wrapped up in fear, anxiety, and pain. We struggle through alone and we don’t know how to reach out for help. It is when we realize our weakness, our powerlessness, our feebleness that we know that we can and must turn to God. This is what it means when it says that we are strong when we are weak.
A few weeks ago we had a guest who shared with us about ministry in Burkina Faso. Lorinda shared about some of the miraculous ways that God has been moving in Africa. At Route 66 the following Wednesday there were questions about why we don’t see God move like that here. My belief is that we are too darned self-sufficient. We look to the sufficiency of our own strength instead of looking to the providence of God’s strength which is the sufficiency of His grace. But wait… before I move on from here, I want to do something. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” When have you experienced God's strength to carry you beyond an obstacle... when you didn't think you could make it?
Perhaps we haven’t seen angels in white sitting on our garden gates like they did in Burkina, but we can see here that God works miraculously in our midst when we turn to him. When we can admit our weakness and rely on God to provide, we actually see Him do what He has promised to. It’s just that we often shut God out by pulling up our bootstraps and trying to muddle through on our own.
Let’s look at another aspect to this matter. It’s what is described throughout the rest of our passage from today. Paul writes to the Philippians and thanks them for the ways they have “renewed their concern for him” by sending him gifts. It would be reasonable to believe that the gifts sent were necessary supplies, and finances, but they also sent him Epaphroditus for a while. This Philippians messenger worked along-side of Paul for a period of time and aided him in his work.
We’ve talked about how we cut ourselves off from God by trying to do everything on our own. We’ve talked about the way we become isolated and depressed as we build walls to maintain our image of self-sufficiency. Look, we were created to be in community. We are all relational beings- in need of each other. Paul talks about how he has learned to be content in all circumstances. He can overcome all obstacles by the strength of God. But he does also recognize that God often uses His followers to be the conduit for His providence.
I suspect you have heard the following story of what happened to a man in a springtime flood.
“It seems that there was this fellow, who had lived all his life in the house his
grandfather had built, and never left it, even in floods. Well, this year the
flood was particularly bad. The State police were dispatched to remove him from
his home. They drove out, and drove away, after the man waved a shotgun and said
that God had promised to protect him. The floods rose, and the man moved to the
second story of his house, as he had several times before. A boat was sent to
rescue him, but he waved the shotgun again, insisting that God promised to take
care of him.The waters rose again, and when the news helicopter spotted him
and tried to pluck him off his roof, he shot at them, and they flew off. The
waters rose yet again, and the man perished in the flood.He got to heaven, made
his way through the pearly gates, and walked straight up to the throne of grace.
Hands on his hips, he addressed God:"I thought you were going to take care of
me!?"God smiled and said, "Son, I sent a car, a boat, and a helicopter. What more
do you want?!”
Sometimes God uses ordinary means to help us. He isn’t always going to speak through a burning bush. He isn’t always going rain down manna from the heavens to get our attention. Most times God uses the most mundane ways to provide. One of those ways is through the correct working of the body of Christ- his followers. When we live as a body, we see the miracles of God take place in each others lives. We see the hand of God provide through our needs as we confess our weakness to each other and we support each other. In Acts the earliest followers of Jesus lived in this way.
Acts 2:44-47
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their
possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they
continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes
and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the
favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were
being saved.
And it wasn’t just the believers in Jerusalem, but this is the type of giving that the Philippians showed to Paul. They loved him and knew of his need, so they provided for him. In doing so, they also provided for and supported the advancement of the gospel to non-believers. Did you notice that people gave of their time, gave of their talents, and gave of their possessions? Paul is glad that the people of Philippi sent gifts for him. Why? Not because he needed them to… God takes care of Paul. He was delighted in their generosity because it is pleasing to God that they would remember a brother and worker in the gospel. Paul said that he wasn’t looking for gifts, but he was happy that their acts would be credited to them by God. God isn’t some cosmic accountant keeping a ledger of credits and debits. Where, if we have more in our credit column at the end of our life, we will go to heaven. No, that’s not the way it works… That’s not what Paul is saying. Remember, context. He referred to their gifts as a “fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” God loves it when we give. He loves it. Not because he needs our money.
Psalm 50:7-13 says,
"Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O
Israel, and I will testify against you: I
am God, your God. I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices
or your burnt offerings, which are ever
before me. I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,
for every animal of the forest is mine, and
the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains,
and the creatures of the field are mine. If
I were hungry I would not tell you, for the
world is mine, and all that is in it. Do I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of goats?”
God is saying that he doesn’t want our sacrifices because he needs them. He didn’t require his followers in the Old Testament to sacrifice animals because He was hungry. What he wants from us is a heart that loves Him, is devoted to Him, and willing to give back to Him out of obedience and gratitude. God doesn’t even need us to serve him or to speak his gospel. He doesn’t need us, but desires us to do this out of our love for him.
In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is entering into Jerusalem and crowds of people filled the streets in celebration. They were praising him and delighting in his presence. Check this out. Luke 19 says,
“When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the
whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the
miracles they had seen: "Blessed is the king who comes in the
name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and
glory in the highest!"
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to
Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"
"I tell you," he replied, "if they
keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”
Acts 17:24-25 says,
“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth
and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human
hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and
breath and everything else.”
God can make the rocks cry out to share his message. He can make the mountains shout of his glory. He is God and He is in need of nothing. But we have needs. In every way and on every day we have needs. When we live in community and admit our weakness, we let the God who is sufficient provide for our needs. When we share with one another and support those who are carrying His gospel, He is pleased and we experience the blessings that come with filling each other’s needs as a body.
This is what it looks like when we transfer our love for God and for others into action. This is what life looks like when we’re “Helping people journey toward God through loving relationships.” We admit weakness. We help each other. We come to the aid of one another. We give of our time. We give of our talents. Yes, we even give of our finances. Peter puts it in this way…
1 Peter 4:8-11
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever
gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in
its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very
words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the
glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Look around you. Look at the people next to you. You don’t have to go far to find someone in need. Is there a way you can help that person? Is there any ways you can help your church? There is a constant need for volunteers in our churches and in our communities. If you are willing, I guarantee someone can find a way to help you serve the body. What ways can you support your neighbor? What ways can you support the work of God in this community? And overseas?
posted by Gregg @ 8:00 PM
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