What Paul Meant in Philippians 4:13
" I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13, Authorized Version)
Reading it in context:
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 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: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction." (Phil. 4:10-14, Authorized Version)
Ang Philippians 2:13 ay isang common cited na verse sa tuwing may napapanalunan na competitions, graduation ceremonies, achievements, etc. and is also a favorite na verse ng mga prosperity gospel preachers to say na a believer can have an easy life in this mortality which is somewhat dangerous. may mga consequences ang pagmisunderstand sa verse na ito where some people actually had lost faith in God when they were not given the things that they want or when trials will come at taliwas sa kanilang expectations yung mga nangyari, they will think na pinabayaan na sila ng Diyos. if you see things from a wider perspective, things will be much understandable and you will understand why this happens to you, or me, or everyone else. so Philippians 4:13 in context is this. put in mind na ang epistle ni Paul to the Philippians is one of the "prison epistles" so you can tell that Paul is having a hard time while writing this epistle. Paul while giving thanks to the gifts given to him by church members in Philippi said na through his experiences ay natuto siya na maging kontento sa kung anong meron siya (v. 11). natuto siya na maging kontento whether in prosperity or sa kagipitan (v. 10). Paul tells us na kaya mong i-endure ang mga bagay bagay when the world let's you down. Paul learned to be content no matter what the circumstances were. Paul tells you that you can have the strength to be content when you don't have your wants or you have a little. God gives us what we need (Mt. 6:31-32; 7:11; Lk. 12:23-24; Phil. 4:19) and not what we always want and gives you courage to face anything and to endure anything. this does not tell you na magkakaroon ka ng easy na buhay just because you have Jesus Christ and this does not exclude yung part mo to work for what you want. hindi nito sinasabi na lahat ng gusto natin ay magagawa natin and that God will always endorse these, even the things that will not be good for our wellbeing. Jesus promised us that he will "never leave us comfortless" (Jn. 14:18-21). no one in this world have never faced tribulations for Jesus Christ himself faced also and overcame these things. what he promised us is that he will be on our side always giving us the strength to have courage and peace and comfort. and he that overcometh "will inherit all things" (Rev. 21:6-7; cf. Rev. 3:21). what was given to him will be given to us also. and as he said also that "....he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Mt. 24:13; Mk. 13:13; 1Ne. 22:31; 2Ne. 31:16, 20; 3Ne. 27:6.).
You need to read your Bible in context. if you love the Bible, you will accept it as a whole diba? and don't put words on the mouth ng biblical authors when it is not their intended meaning. and Jesus didn't promised you a life in this mortality na magiging mayaman ka, na wala kang problems, walang hardship, etc. if it be so, it destroys the whole purpose ng eternal progression! even Jesus Christ have gone through all of hardships and the apostle Paul said that " though he is a Son, he learned obedience through the things that he had suffered and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto those who obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9; cf. 4:15). if this principle is true when you interpret Phil. 4:13 para sabihin na bibigyan ka ng easy life, how about Paul? who wrote this passage, suffered in prison, faced problems, and was later beheaded? what about him and yung ibang apostles? how about yung early Christians na crinucrucify at pinapakain sa mga lions? they also do this with Jeremiah 29:11 when contextually, it's for the Israelites being freed from captivity. moreover, Elder John B. Dickson said:
" Brethren, life is not intended to be easy, but I promise those that labor faithfully in the service of their fellowmen, and with determination handle every challenge properly and under the influence of the Spirit, that they will be blessed with feelings of happiness which will permeate their whole souls, and these, my brethren, are blessings that mold and build us and that can never be taken away."
—Elder John B. Dickson ("Nobody Said It Would Be Easy", Liahona, October 1992, 45-46)
Elder Paul V. Johnson said:
“We don’t seek out tests, trials, and tribulations. Our personal journey through life will provide just the right amount for our needs. Many trials are just a natural part of our mortal existence, but they play such an important role in our progress.....Sometimes we want to have growth without challenges and to develop strength without any struggle. But growth cannot come by taking the easy way. We clearly understand that an athlete who resists rigorous training will never become a world-class athlete. We must be careful that we don’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature. Not one of the trials and tribulations we face is beyond our limits, because we have access to help from the Lord. We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us [see Philippians 4:13]”
—Elder Paul V. Johnson (“More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 79–80).
Ang false expectations sa Diyos is dangerous. viewing God like Santa Claus or a vending machine na ibibigay nalang kung anong gusto mo on your control is dangerous. relying only on this at walang work is dangerous tapos sisishin mo ang Diyos later when hard times will come. this is not the Gospel that Jesus Christ taught and I hope that you will be aware of these things.
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