I Can Do All Things..Philippians 4

1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
Exhortations
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, 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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Thanks for Their Gifts
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Verse 4 reminds me of a hymn we sang in the Baptist church, "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice......" Verse 6 is really one of those verses that require it to be put to memory: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. We are told in a few places in the bible to not worry and here we are told not to be anxious. If we can remember this verse and remember to pray in times of trial, anxiety, etc we would be much better off!

I love verse 8 because it tells us to think of things that are: true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, exellent and trustworthy. So much for even turning the TV on. What percent of our television viewing would fall into this category. Less than 10% I'm sure. That's humbling.

I do like how Paul finishes up this chapter by validating the Philippians for all that they have done for him. If we could live our lives like Paul says in verse 12 that he has learned the secret of being content with every situation, whether well fed or hungry, when having plenty or when in want.

And the last one for today is definitely another memory verse for most believers: Philipians 4:13, I can do everything(all things) through him who gives me strength. Oh how this verse has helped people through so many tough times!