Ep. 329. Philippians 3-4 | I Can Do All Things

EPISODE 329

I CAN DO ALL THINGS: PHILIPPIANS 3-4

In the third chapter, we find another attitude adjustment I often need: "Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." What an amazing view of Christ Jesus to consider everything lost compared to knowing him. I always want to hold that view in my heart so badly. Whatever thing has been credited to my account, whatever accolades I have received, whatever trophies I've collected, let them all pale in comparison to my affection for Jesus. I want to "know him and the power of his resurrection, and share in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."

Finally, in the fourth chapter, I find myself challenged again to "Rejoice in the Lord always" and to contemplate those things that are "true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy." By placing all of my confidence in the Lord, I will, like Paul, be able to say that "I can do all things [endure all circumstances] through Christ who gives me strength."

That is how I view the book of Philippians as a much-needed attitude adjustment. Death is Gain. Serve like Jesus even to the point of death. All other honors are rubbish compared to knowing Christ. And no matter the circumstances, I can endure all things through Christ, who gives me his strength. How might these four shifts in perspective forever shape the way we live in this temporary world? I can only imagine how profound a change it would be.

ADDITIONAL READING: None