C'mon Man!

 Let me say unapologetically that I am a sports fan.  Not like I was when I was a kid, of course, but still one who loves the spirit of competition and teamwork.  I no longer idolize the pro sports stars like I did as a young Cincinnati Reds fan in the early 60s but I still enjoy watching them play.  The big money and spoiled millionaires of today's professional sports leagues have turned many of us off.  I have gradually become more interested in the college football and basketball than the pro variety.  And, having a grandson who is a college football player and another who is a high school roundballer, naturally I have a strong interest in their endeavors. I follow their teams and teammates and consume all the information I can on their opponents.  I love it when athletes play hard, give it all they've got, and "leave it all on the field (or court)".

Being a Christ Follower and a Pastor, I am always encouraged when a well known athlete, be it pro or amateur, publicly profess their Christian faith. Christian role models are great thing in sports or any other endeavor. It's refreshing to all of us to see a Tim Tebow or Steph Curry with a scripture verse printed under their eyes or on their shoes.  However one thing that really rankles this old pastor is when they adorn their shoes or uniforms with Philippians 4:13.  Most of us are familiar with that verse.  " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (NKJV)  Now that is a direct quote from God's word. It is powerful and encouraging. So, one may ask "why would you have an objection to an athlete giving honor to Christ and quoting scripture?"  Because that verse is NOT about sports and athletic competition!

Nor is it about being able to accomplish great feats or reaching desired goals.

The old saying in the real estate business is that the three most important factors in the marketability of a property are "Location... Location... Location".  

Likewise, when reading, studying and quoting scripture, three of the most important factors are

Context...Context...Context!

According to Merriam Webster, context is a noun that refers to "the circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in term of which it can be fully understood and assessed".  If we are to rightly divide the Word of Truth when it comes to this  verse, we must consider:

* The Human Author
* To whom it was first penned
* The circumstances surrounding the writing
* And the theme of the passage - using verses that come before and after,
* To understand the true message of the passage

The setting here is that Paul the Apostle is in prison in Rome.  He is writing this letter to the church in Philippi, which was born on Paul's second missionary journey.  The first believers in Europe were saved in that Macedonian city.  They were dear to Paul's pastoral heart and the theme of this letter is one of Joy. Interesting that he writes so eloquently about joy when he is a prisoner of Rome for no other reason but his faith and and testimony of Christ.

After encouraging the Philippian believers to meditate on things that were "Just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy" he reminds them that the resulting inexplicable peace of God would "guard their hearts through Christ Jesus".  Then Paul gives them personal thanks for financial support that the church had sent to him.  Remember, that prisoners in that setting were not given adequate supplies, clothing, etc as prisoners in our jails are today. The brothers and sisters in Philippi had sought to help him. Later on in verse 16 he acknowledges their previous support for him when he was in Thessalonica. Paul rejoiced at their love and generosity, but now look what he says in verses 11 - 13 as he gives them his perspective regarding his material needs.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul reveals here the secret of his contentment. He says in verse 12 that he has lived in various financial situations. He has lived humbly and has also lived in prosperity.  He has been both hungry and full. He has lived in great need and has also been abundantly blessed.  Question would be obvious.  How could he be content when experiencing all of the ups and downs of his life?

The answer - " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

This is a powerful message of the sufficiency of Christ for His children.  It has nothing to do with making touchdowns or three point shots.  It has everything to do with the contentment and peace that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is sad that such a beautiful message of God's Grace has been cheapened to a sports cliché or someone's idea of "magic words" that enable you to accomplish the hard stuff.

Never forget Paul's admonition to the young man, Timothy. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Tim 2:15)

What does the Bible say about itself?  For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) 

So, by all means read the Word, memorize scripture, quote it whenever you can, but PLEASE remember context, context, context!