Contentment in Temperance

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." ~ Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 is undoubtedly one of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible. But it also might be the most misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Most people read Philippians 4:13 wrong. Taken out of context, Philippians 4:13 might give you the impression that God will empower you to do ALL things.

That's simply a wrong interpretation of the scripture.

We are human. We have limits. We CANNOT do everything. Trying to do everything is a sin, inasmuch as we are attempting to play God's role. God would not allow us to do everything. He wants us to be dependent upon Him. Only He is omnipotent. The notion that we can do everything is simply a lie.

Read in context, Philippians 4:13 actually refers to contentment. Paul is saying "I can be content in all things through Christ who gives me the strength to do so." Whether things are going right, or there's complete chaos in our life, Philippians 4:13 encourages us that we can have contentment no matter what the circumstances are.

Two points we should learn from this:

1. We should always read scripture in proper context.
2. Instead of praying that God allows you to do everything, Paul tells us to strive for temperance (Galatians 5:22-24, 2 Peter 1:5-6, Titus 2:12, Philippians 4:5). You were not called to do EVERY thing. Only the things God has called you to do.

Strive for temperance today!

God bless,
J.W.

Crucify The Flesh

"And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." ~ Galatians 5:24-26

Our flesh can be deceiving. Often, we think our fleshly desires are what are natural to us. We say things like "follow your gut" and "listen to your body."

But the Bible tells us to crucify our flesh. That means to control it by not giving in to its wishes and desires.

God calls us to walk by faith, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Thus, to live according to His will, we must learn to control our emotions and fleshly desires by crucifying them. Don't let them control you.

God bless,
J.W.