A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Trinity XIV, September 12, 2004. Please read Philippians 4:4-13.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” These words of St. Paul, written to the Philippian church, are familiar to many Christians today. Philippians 4:13 is one of the those verses that is often quoted in sermons and Bible studies; and it frequently appears on greeting cards, refrigerator magnets and other items that lend themselves to having Scripture verses inscribed on them. It is a short, memorable verse that provides encouragement to the believer, and it has done so for many generations. Yet, we may forget that these words were penned while their author was suffering in prison. How very odd that sounds to the modern ear. We would expect someone who has demonstrated achievement and success in this world to say something about being able to do all things, but such a recommendation from a prisoner is ludicrous. What evidence does Paul have that he can do anything at all when he is locked away in the custody of Roman authorities? 

The key to Paul’s bold assertion is found in the words that he wrote just prior to 4:13. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Php 4:11-12). Before Paul makes the grand claim of being able to do all things in Christ, he first of all learns to be content in whatever situation and state God leads him. This does indeed have to be learned or acquired – it does not come naturally to us. As a rule, humanity is not content. We more often complain about what we do not have, rather than being thankful for what we do have. If the Spirit of God is leading us as we go through the successes and the trials of life, we will learn how to be content in whatever state we are found. Sadly, there are many people who have experienced both prosperity and adversity, but they have never learned how to live the Christian life in those experiences. It is not enough simply to have experienced difficulty, but spiritual growth and learning must arise out of the difficulty. Paul has learned that he can face anything in life, prosperity or adversity, because he knows that God is working in these events for his own good purpose (see Romans 8:28). This is the way to having the confidence to say, “I can to all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” It is not a matter of Christ clearing the path for me to do whatever I imagine to do; rather, it is Christ giving me the strength and ability to do whatever he has for me to do. In Paul’s case for that moment it was being in prison, but at other times it was in preaching to groups of people or facing the opposition from those hostile to gospel. In our case, there are different experiences and challenges that we face, but we have the sure confidence that comes from knowing that the same Jesus Christ who strengthened Paul can strengthen us too. 
Amen.