Philippians 4:13

[tjw]

What does Philippians 4:13 mean to you?

 

[Mike]

In my understanding, this ties in with Matthew 17:
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23721">20</sup>He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

I've always understood this to mean that the "mountains" are obstacles that stand in the path of our faith walk. In Matthew, Jesus' disciples are asking Jesus why they couldn't expel the demons, and He tells them they could have if they had the faith.

In Phil 4, saying I can do everything through Him who gives me strength says to me that I can overcome spiritual obstacles that stand in my way. In Paul's case, he was talking about being content in all circumstances. Without faith, circumstances can and will bring me down at times. With it, I am able to be still and know He is God, and weather the storm.

 

[tjw]

In my understanding, this ties in with Matthew 17:
"<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-23721">20</sup>He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

I've always understood this to mean that the "mountains" are obstacles that stand in the path of our faith walk. In Matthew, Jesus' disciples are asking Jesus why they couldn't expel the demons, and He tells them they could have if they had the faith.

In Phil 4, saying I can do everything through Him who gives me strength says to me that I can overcome spiritual obstacles that stand in my way. In Paul's case, he was talking about being content in all circumstances. Without faith, circumstances can and will bring me down at times. With it, I am able to be still and know He is God, and weather the storm.

Is it only about spiritual obstacles, or can it include physical obstacles?

 

[Mike]

This is an interesting topic, and I'm sure it will pick up steam.

In tying it in with Matthew, I don't believe Jesus was saying we could literally move a mountain or a tree. And I don't believe Paul was saying we can do anything in a physical sense. These are verses I believe mislead people like Joel Osteen and other prosperity preachers to lead others to believe they have authority to command their circumstances; not persevere through them. In believing we can do anything at all with faith, it pits the Christian against their own faith when they don't have monetary wealth or physical possessions, leaving them in doubt of their faith; worse yet, in doubt of their salvation.

 

[tjw]

This is an interesting topic, and I'm sure it will pick up steam.

In tying it in with Matthew, I don't believe Jesus was saying we could literally move a mountain or a tree. And I don't believe Paul was saying we can do anything in a physical sense. These are verses I believe mislead people like Joel Osteen and other prosperity preachers to lead others to believe they have authority to command their circumstances; not persevere through them. In believing we can do anything at all with faith, it pits the Christian against their own faith when they don't have monetary wealth or physical possessions, leaving them in doubt of their faith; worse yet, in doubt of their salvation.

I'm just trying to figure out the correct context... For example, does "all things" (Philippians 4:13) include fighting a physical disease?

 

[Blazin Bones]

I would think so, in the case of disease, because James taught us to pray for the sick. I also think so because of the account where Peter healed the paralytic in Acts just by invoking the name of Christ. I think with faith, we can do the same things.

 

[Nathan]

I agree with Mike. Faith is the main thing.

I do not agree with the second post though...lol. I do believe that He literally meant mountains.

And how this applies to your circumstance tjw is that Faith comes from God. So yes, I believe that if God choose to give you the Faith to fight a physical disease, you could.

Faith can only be real Faith if it comes from God. Faith is always associated with a Word from God. Each time Jesus would rebuke people for not having faith, it was because they simply did not believe what He had already said.

Some times the Word comes directly from God, some times He speaks through others to us. It can be EXTREMELY difficult, however, to discern it. Because there will be people that make is sound like they have a "word" for you.

As a child of God we have the Spirit of God always with us. If it is truly Faith from God, you will know. I promise. But listen to what Mike is saying, do not try to conjure up some kind of faith in yourself, thinking that is what you have to do. It can be real disappointing, trust me, I have been there before.

Paul is specifically talking about doing all things in extreme physical weakness. Quite literally he went through some great ups...and then...downs...
When he looks back on it he realizes that God was there all the time, guiding and directing him. He realized that he could do all things, because it was Christ working through him and he did not have to struggle to make things happen. All he had to do was obey.

Like Mike is saying, we are called to perseverance, and Paul could preserver because he knew that Christ was there with him through all the things he went through.

Can we pray for something for/with you?

 

[tjw]

I agree with Mike. Faith is the main thing.

I do not agree with the second post though...lol. I do believe that He literally meant mountains.

And how this applies to your circumstance tjw is that Faith comes from God. So yes, I believe that if God choose to give you the Faith to fight a physical disease, you could.

Faith can only be real Faith if it comes from God. Faith is always associated with a Word from God. Each time Jesus would rebuke people for not having faith, it was because they simply did not believe what He had already said.

Some times the Word comes directly from God, some times He speaks through others to us. It can be EXTREMELY difficult, however, to discern it. Because there will be people that make is sound like they have a "word" for you.

As a child of God we have the Spirit of God always with us. If it is truly Faith from God, you will know. I promise. But listen to what Mike is saying, do not try to conjure up some kind of faith in yourself, thinking that is what you have to do. It can be real disappointing, trust me, I have been there before.

Paul is specifically talking about doing all things in extreme physical weakness. Quite literally he went through some great ups...and then...downs...
When he looks back on it he realizes that God was there all the time, guiding and directing him. He realized that he could do all things, because it was Christ working through him and he did not have to struggle to make things happen. All he had to do was obey.

Like Mike is saying, we are called to perseverance, and Paul could preserver because he knew that Christ was there with him through all the things he went through.

Can we pray for something for/with you?

I will be walking in diabetes walk (kind of like a cancer walk I'm guessing) and I'm looking for a Bible verse about "staying strong." I would like to make a shirt with the verse on it... I figure I can spread God's Word during this walk.

 

[Mike]

I will be walking in diabetes walk (kind of like a cancer walk I'm guessing) and I'm looking for a Bible verse about "staying strong." I would like to make a shirt with the verse on it... I figure I can spread God's Word during this walk.

 

[sherri2]

I agree with Mike. Faith is the main thing.

I do not agree with the second post though...lol. I do believe that He literally meant mountains.

I agree. When jesus says something, you can take it as a given. But I also believe that it can have a spiritual parallel, as Mike pointed out.

And I also agree with nathanials statement about Jesus rebuking people for their lack of faith. We understand who God is through his statements. They reveal his character. Faith is trusting that. BUT, that isn't a simple matter.

lol, or we'd all be doing it perfectly. It's a growth thing.

Jesus was also rebuking people for their lack of character, because they're intertwined.
Both grow together (and are dependent on each other.)

You can't have great faith with shabby character, it just doesn't work like that.

So God says something, do we believe it? Sometimes it's simply a choice. We know God is God. But will we step out in faith and stand on that scripture or statement that he's made. Will we choose to believe him?

Hence being able to stand on scripture to fight the good fight. Exactly what Jesus did when tempted by the devil.

Matt 4
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'

When the devil came against Jesus, he responded with scripture. The truth.

If you're wanting scriptures to stand on about diabetes or cancer, ask God for them. God knows exactly what you're up against and what scriptures you'll need to stand on against the devil. In the example above Jesus only had to answer the devil, but sometimes (as in the case of illness or a continuing trial) you might need to keep going back to a particular scripture. So the devil will keep coming and 'standing' against him is just standing on that scripture. Ie, throwing it in his face, saying 'no, I believe this' so go away.

It's putting your money where your mouth is so to speak.

But you need to ask God. To just assume a given scripture will be all you need because it looks good can be a mistake, because that can be trying to fight a spiritual war with your own strength. Sometimes the situation and scriptures are obvious, but other times it's wiser to ask.

Let God be your guide.



PS. Sometimes God gives us scriptures to strengthen our faith. They might encourage us or guide us. But other times we use them to stand.

Eg - in terms of spiritual warfare

Eph 6
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when *the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.


So broken down - stand firm in the truth, knowing you have the righteousness of christ between you and God (his righteousness which was perfect so we can always come into Gods presence through his sacrifice) remember that we have salvation through faith (and doing what we know is right) being obedient and using our faith and faithfulness. And using the word as a sword. In otherwords it's a defensive weapon. We can cut down the enemy with it.

So we have armour and a weapon.


*the phrase 'day of evil comes' can also be translated, space or time when you are being harassed or tried.

 

[Nathan]

I will be walking in diabetes walk (kind of like a cancer walk I'm guessing) and I'm looking for a Bible verse about "staying strong." I would like to make a shirt with the verse on it... I figure I can spread God's Word during this walk.

Double . Although we sometimes think that what people need is a physical touch from the Master, what everyone ALWAYS needs is a Spiritual touch. You might be walking with those who are believers, as well as unbelievers. So I would choose something that would speak to both.

I think that verse will be just fine. And when someone asks you what it means...well...just listen to what He want you to say to them. You will know at that time.

Let us know how it goes. I always love to hear how God uses people who are willing to follow Him like you are doing.

 

[tjw]

Double . Although we sometimes think that what people need is a physical touch from the Master, what everyone ALWAYS needs is a Spiritual touch. You might be walking with those who are believers, as well as unbelievers. So I would choose something that would speak to both.

I think that verse will be just fine. And when someone asks you what it means...well...just listen to what He want you to say to them. You will know at that time.

Let us know how it goes. I always love to hear how God uses people who are willing to follow Him like you are doing.

Unfortunately, we did not get to participate in the walk. My sister (diabetic) was sick the day of the walk.

 

[theLords]

This is an interesting topic, and I'm sure it will pick up steam.

In tying it in with Matthew, I don't believe Jesus was saying we could literally move a mountain or a tree. And I don't believe Paul was saying we can do anything in a physical sense. These are verses I believe mislead people like Joel Osteen and other prosperity preachers to lead others to believe they have authority to command their circumstances; not persevere through them. In believing we can do anything at all with faith, it pits the Christian against their own faith when they don't have monetary wealth or physical possessions, leaving them in doubt of their faith; worse yet, in doubt of their salvation.

I've heard it said that mountains are symbolic for kingdoms. Putting it in that context is very eye opening.

 

[jasoncran]

its a parable meaning that we have trials and are able in faith able to overcome all.

that doenst mean literal mountains.

the apostles knew this. keep in mind this moderator is a charismatic.