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Once in a class at Freed-Hardeman University, my professor, DowellFlatt, brought a scroll of papyrus to class to show us what some of the

New Testament was written on. Out of nowhere he asked, Rusty, can

you see this scroll? It is important to know that Rusty is blind.

For a moment he teased Rusty saying, Whats the matter, if your faith

was stronger you could see this well I guess you just need to pray

harder. Then, he began the most fascinating discourse on Philippians

4.13 I had ever heard.

So often people convey a message that you can do everything throughChrist who strengthens you; you can do it! But can you really do

everything? Lets take a closer look at the passage. They key word in this

passage is iskuowhich in a general sense means, I am able.

The thing about words, in Greek or in English, is that in different

contexts they have different meanings. For instance, the word bad when

used in its intended context means, not good, terrible, or dreadful.

However in other contexts the word bad can mean, good, cool, or

tough.

In a similar way the Greek word iskuo can take on different nuances of

meaning. In the context of Luke 16.3 and 21.36 the word means, to have

physical strength enough for some purpose.[1] In the context of mark 2.17,

it means to be in good health.[2]

Now let us revisit Philippians 4.10-13, focusing on the context of iskuo:

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. I am not saying this because I am in need,

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 [iskuo] everything through him who gives me strength.

In a very literal sense, the last verse says, I am able in everything through

the one who enables me.

Given the context, we can see that Paul is able in hunger, wealth,

being in need, and specific circumstances. My suggestion when you read

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this passage is to read, I am ableto face all conditions, or I can endure

all things through the one who gives me strength.

Why does this matter? Remember back to my story of Dr. Dowell

Flatt and Rusty? It matters when one takes verse thirteen out of its

context. When this happens, a world of problems may occur. One

needlessly doubts their faith because they have no control over

physiological problems.

Some with clinical depression, for instance, are told, If only your

faith were stronger you could be happy without that medicine. Others

with various physiological handicaps are not able to preach, teach, or

serve, in the same ways that physically able people can.

One should not be discouraged because they have a handicap; on th

contrary, they should take courage! Paul is saying in Philippians 4.13

that regardless of your situation you can endure through Christ who

gives you strength.

Sources

[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida (1989), Greek-English

Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains , 2

vols. (2d ed.; New York, NY: United Bible Societies), 79.64

[1:700].

[2] Walter Bauer, Frederick W. Danker, W.F. Arndt, and F.W.

Gingrich (2000), A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testamen

and Other Christian Literature (3d ed.; Chicago, Ill.: Universit

of Chicago), 484.

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Above all else, keep them in your prayers.

Brotherly,

Jovan

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