Philippians 4:11-13 I do not speak because I have need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things because of Christ who strengthens me.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart.
In reading Scripture, we must remember two things. Context and constant. What do I mean? Paul here is sitting in a prison cell when he writes to the church at Philippi. He declares that God had taught him how to be content with little, or with much. He then testified that he was able to abound and be abased through Christ Who strengthened him. Now that was indeed a personal testimony. However, God’s word is also living. God speaks to each of us in a living way. Like Paul, God teaches us as well. We, like Paul, must learn how to live with little, and how to live with abundance. We, like Paul, must believe that through Jesus Christ, we too can endure the seasons of abundance and despair.
Precious saints, cling to the strength that Jesus Christ has for you this morning. Cling to His strength in good times, and bad times. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. His strength and grace is made perfect in our weakness. His perfect love casts out fears. May we, like Paul, learn to look to Jesus and the strength that comes from Him at all times.
