We can do all things through Christ

Posted on Feb. 19, 2025, 7:50 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” (Phil.4:13) Here Paul was expressing his ability to endure under both hardship and plenty, declaring that both situations do not determine his joy but the trust he has through Christ towards God. (2 Cor.3:4) Paul’s expression of his ability to trust God was the reflection of the teaching of our Lord Jesus as stated in John.15:1-5. Here Jesus describes the relationship between Himself and His disciples as that of the vine and branches while His father as the vinedresser. He is the vine and the disciples the branches. It is a well-known fact that the branch is sustained by the vine which comprises the root. Therefore, any branch that does not stay in the vine will be withered and destroyed. Jesus concluded by saying that without Him nothing can be achieved. (John.15:5) For Apostle Paul, Christ was the sum total of his life. He says, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil.1:21) To preach Christ was his passion, to know Christ was his most important aspiration and to suffer for Christ, he counts as privilege. Despite that he was in prison at the time he wrote the letters to different churches, prison could not hold him back from pursuing God. He wanted Christ for Christ’s sake, not for his own sake. He knew that the only thing that ultimately count was knowing the Lord and being obedient to His will. He was a lover of God not a user of God. His material need was neither the reason nor the measure of his joy, but only in Christ whose peace and purpose he enjoys. We too can boldly say we can do all things through Christ, when like Paul, we acknowledge the fact that none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. Whether we live or die, we are of the Lord’s. (Rom.14:7-8) When we abide in Christ as our vine. When we love Christ for Christ’s sake and not because “there is something that makes me come into your presence.” When we believe with confidence that God will accomplish the good work, He started in us. When we realize that without Christ, we can do nothing. When we believe that God is able to provide us the strength that is needed to do whatever He wants us to do. When we seek to live each day on earth for the purpose and glory of Jesus Christ. Brethren, living each day for the purpose and glory of Christ is to intentionally let our conducts in every aspect of our daily living be guided by the teaching and principle of Jesus Christ. It also means to be steadfast in our relationship with God and making decision according to His will. By so doing, we are expressing confidence in the sufficiency of the Spirit of Jesus Christ who empowers and enables us to do all things. Evangelism The gift of the Holy Spirit is the source of our strength to witness for Christ. I encourage you to witness to someone today. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre