Feeding the Lambs - Christian Memory Verses

"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
-Apostle Paul, writing to the first believers in Philippi
Philippians 4:13

[24th message of the New Believer Series]

In the preceding message we have discussed about the Christian Mindset and how committing a verse to memory (by searing into one's heart) is very important in the life of a new believer.

Memory Verse

Certain passages of Scripture are meant to be laser printed on a believer's heart. Of course, these would include such verses as John 3:16, John 14:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 3:16 and from the previous message,  Ephesians 2:8-9.

Today we will highlight a passage of Scripture which is one of the more commonly quoted verses by believers.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippian church, told them about this Christian truth.

And through the years, many believers have taken what this passage means a little bit out of context. So while it is important to read, memorize and quote passages of Scripture, it is also equally if not more important to ask the Holy Spirit what each passage means.

In one version of this passage, it says:

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

We can see from the preceding verse what "all this" Paul was referring to.

In this same version we read:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (I can do all this through him (Christ) who gives me strength.).

Contentment

"All this" is referring to being able to be contented in any situation.

Paul learned this secret to being  contented in all circumstances not in theory but by living through it.

Dependent

And he said he is able to do so through Christ. No, not on his own strength.

The Apostle John wrote that Jesus told them:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

So yes new believers can do (all) things (but only) through Christ -- not on their own individual talents and strengths (remember, so no one can boast). Without Christ, their efforts will be like having a fruit tree without fruit.

So No One Can Boast

It is Christ who strengthens a believer. Let none of us forget that. [This truth supports the main point of the previous message -- the Christian Mindset]

In Paul's letter to Timothy, he wrote this line for young Timothy who was experiencing setbacks in leading the church in Ephesus.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength.

Knowing and acknowledging where our strength is coming from (wisdom), showing appreciation and gratitude (worship) and teaching this truth to others (work) is what a life of a Christian is all about. (Yes, in teaching, we can sometimes use words but like Jesus showed us, we teach by the way we live our life).

The Holy Spirit (the Spirit of God) is the One who makes these three ws possible.

Feeding the Lambs - The Holy Spirit

Here's a video overview of Paul's Letter to the Philippians.

New Believer Series