I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Summary: This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to explore how God’s Word is like a measuring line for our soul.
As you may have noticed, our passage today is from the New King James Version of the Bible. The reason is that the NIV translation chose to translate the passage this way:
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)
See the difference?
The difference is the word “this,” which makes me wonder, “What does ‘this’ mean?”
“This,” in the NIV, points to the things that Paul has been talking about. “This” points to all the “circumstances” Paul has learned to be content with. “This” is “every situation” Paul has found himself in.
In short, “this” points to “all things.”
The nice thing about the King James Version (and nearly all other translations!) is that using “all things” allows us to understand the verse without knowing the context. “All this,” while technically accurate as well, requires that we stop and read the entire passage to understand Paul’s context.
I suppose, for the literally minded among us, “all things” could be misunderstood to mean things that Paul did not intend. But what would those be?
The answer to that question is found in our motivation.
The Bible clearly states the challenge for each one of us: Whom do you serve?
Ultimately, each of us serves our own self-interest. The question we are faced with in life is this: What is best for us?
The world’s point of view claims that what is best is what we get now.
God’s point of view is eternal: What is best lasts forever.
This is where it gets interesting!
The world looks at “all things” and says it means “all things that gratify me right here and now.”
The eternal minded look at “all things” and say it means “all things that serve God’s will and are pleasing to him.”
So, I guess it depends on your point of view.
What do you think of when you hear Paul say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”?
Whatever the answer is will be like a mirror that shows you who you are.
Application: Choose Jesus.
Food for Thought: What is an example of “all things” that is a silly, material-minded example, and what is an example that illustrates something the eternal-minded would think of?
I once heard someone use this verse – I can do all things – being enduring their sports team losing a game. I think that is stretching the meaning to say the least. To be fair, I am pretty sure they were joking. But it does point out how we can make light of the meaning of Scripture that goes off the rails. I have also heard it used more than once from someone fighting a debilitating and life threatening illness. And that is something they can do through the strength of Christ in a sincere manner.
Thank you, Rich!
GREAT examples!
It is interesting how coming to the end of life, or even thinking we are there (in a crisis situation), helps focus our minds on what is truly important and how much we truly need Christ.
What is an example of “all things” that is a silly, material-minded example, and what is an example that illustrates something the eternal-minded would think of?
To the material minded: All things include, House, cars, clothing, status among other beings of this world.
Luke 12:15, And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Romans 12:2, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Hebrews 13:5, Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
To the eternal-minded: All things include, Our walk with God, our peace, and love for others, as we enjoy our eternal life in Christ now.
Philippians 2:5, In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.
Colossians 2:8, See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
Thanks, Ron!
Yes, that makes total sense. “All things” probably didn’t refer to “stuff” that is just going to rust or get used up.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)