![]() ![]() Whilst Paul could not avoid many trials and tribulations, he could endure "all things through Christ" and even rejoice "in the Lord always" (Philippians 4:4). Paul's inability to do certain things actually enhanced Paul's strength to achieve God's purpose in his life, and that led him to rely more completely on the strength and power of Christ. God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2Corinthians 12:9). Part of this understanding lies in what God said to Paul in the last example above. It's just that the expression "all things" must be understood in a certain way, just as Paul understood it. When Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" had he forgotten all those things that he was unable to do? No, he hadn't forgotten. Doing "all things through Christ" did not include being able to heal himself of a physical ailment. Paul had a "thorn in the flesh" which he wanted to be rid of, and he prayed for healing but he was not cured (2Corinthians 12:7). Doing "all things through Christ" did not include his being able to bring all of his countrymen to Christ.Įxample 4. But Paul expresses great frustration and despair concerning this (Romans 9:1-3). Paul had a great sorrow because many of his Jewish brothers were unsaved, and apparently were determined to remain so. Doing "all things through Christ" did not include being able to stop all error and apostasy in the church he had helped to build (Acts 20:28-31).Įxample 3. They would lead away disciples and apostasy would occur. When Paul spoke to the elders of the church of Christ at Ephesus, with whom he had worked three years, he said that "wolves" or false teachers would come into the congregation and even rise up from within it. Doing "all things through Christ" did not include going to certain places Paul wanted to go and minister.Įxample 2. Paul wanted to go to Thessalonica, but Satan hindered him (1Thessalonians 2:18). Paul wanted to go to Bithynia, but the Holy Spirit prevented him (Acts 16:7). ![]() 1 What Paul Could Not DoĪlthough Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" we find that there were many things that Paul could not do, even things he earnestly desired to do. On the contrary, we want to give the promise solidity, for some people have tended to trivialise it. That does not mean that we are going to water it down or make it less wonderful than it is. This lesson seeks to help us correctly understand Paul’s claim. How should we understand this sweeping affirmation? Paul claims that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). ![]()
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