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12 friends have opened a study shared with them.
As the starting gun cracked for the 2002 St. Jude Memphis Marathon, two of my closest friends and I jumped out at a 7:04 pace. I gulped in the biting cold air and exhaled in faith, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." But by mile 24, my legs had given out, and Philippians 4:13 was a distant memory.
Philippians 4:10-14
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that you have again renewed your concern for me; you were concerned for me all along, but had no opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to have plenty. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of being well fed and going hungry, of having plenty and being in need. I have strength for all of this through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.
In Paul's day, the Stoic philosophers taught self-sufficiency. Their role model was a man who could endure any suffering without breaking his resolution. He was tough. Unbreakable. Paul borrows their language to break it. First, he boasts that he can handle any circumstance, which sounds like he's besting the Navy SEALs of his day. But then he cuts his own legs out from under himself. Instead of embracing fate, he confesses to a humbling dependence on Jesus. He isn't claiming to have mastered himself, but that he lives by someone else's strength. After raising money for ministry for most of my life, I've felt how quickly money can ruin friendships. At times, I've felt like a needy charity case, begging for funds to pay my bills. At other times, I've postured as a superior Christian. I think, "I'm giving my life to the gospel. My donors only give money." But proud beggars have a hard time. Paul knew a better way. He's not just grateful but thrilled by the Philippians' generosity. When Epaphroditus knocked on the jail cell, he erupted with joy. Their gift delivered an important message to Paul: "We're in this together. If you're suffering for the gospel, then we are, too." But he doesn't want to send the wrong message back. He doesn't say, "I was in agony without your money." Nor does he communicate, "With your funds, I'm finally able to eat!" He's able to communicate the intensity of both suffering and feasting. He feels all of it. He's learned a secret: Life isn't about better circumstances, but faithfulness to Christ. God isn't sparing him from suffering or lifting him to riches. Jesus is giving him the strength to be like Christ. So, when Paul sees the Philippians caring more about his needs than their own economic challenges, he rejoices! Their gift reveals that they cared more about sharing ministry with their friend than getting ahead. I thought this verse was fuel for a Boston-qualifying marathon time. Paul wanted me to run a completely different race.
Paul says he relies on God in good and bad times. Which of those makes it harder for you to trust God?
When have you prayed for a verse to fix your circumstances instead of helping you to be like Jesus in the midst of them?
What does it tell us about Jesus that he is always willing to strengthen us?
Open your banking app. As you pray, scroll through the past 30 days of activity. Ask God, "What does my spending say about my relationship with you?" Then text a friend you trust one way you want to spend your life for God.
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