I Can Do All Things...

We used to have what we called "the homecoming verse" in high school. Every year during homecoming season, they would issue pamphlets with all of the candidates and bio information about them (usually 6 to 8 per year). I kid you not...without fail...I would say 7 out of 8 (or 5 out of 6) of them would have this verse as their favorite verse. Philippians 4:13. Which hey...it's a great verse. But it was comical. Why was it so popular? What did it mean to them? What about it gave them hope or edified their faith?

Pat Linnel gave a talk at Crossroads several weeks ago that encompassed the verse. And I appreciated what he had to say because he recognized the verse for it's context, and even mentioned it's common usage outside of it's original context (talked about jumping out a plane, hence the picture). While there may be Biblical truth to the statement I can do everything through him who gives me strength as a statement by itself...it wasn't given by itself. And I wonder how many of those homecoming candidates thought of the verse in the context of I have found the secret to being content in having much and having little, and that secret is that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me? Knowing several of them...I am sad to say that I predict it was pretty low. In fact, I wonder if it wasn't more common to take it as I will do much (therefore I will have much) because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Now you may think I'm here bashing high-schoolers who put a verse for the entire school to see on their bio, and how that kind of thing should be praised not belittled. And I agree. But also know that this was the Bible belt. FCA was "the cool place to be". It was not uncool to be a "Christian". The mission field was in the church as much as in the streets. And I'm not saying they were all bad Christians (as it's something we all do), or expect them to be Biblical scholars. It's just an example of how the verse is not only used, but taught in a way that does not retain it's original sentiment or intention.

There are a couple of verses in particular that I see this kind of thing done to. The biggest one being Proverbs 4:23 which I talked about in a previous post about Guarding Your Heart. Matthew 19:26 is similar to Philippians 4:13. By itself, it holds what may be a truth, but is not hermeneutically sound without it being referred specifically to the salvation of men as that is what is impossible for men but possible for God. Matthew 18:19-20 is another one I think people take without even wondering what verses might be around it. Now...even when they don't, it may not be in the wrong way. But it's just interesting that the verse comes right after Matthew 18:15-17 which is all about church discipline and confronting a sinning brother. And you have to wonder if it's not referring to two or more people coming together in truth, as you are to do when you bring one or two other brothers with you if he does not listen to just you. But I'll be honest and say that I'm still not convinced what exactly is being referred to by the verse, and why it is where it is. But...it's also something I never hear talked about. And you hear the verse thrown around in worship settings and the like.

Some of you may think I'm anal and need to get a grip, and am just looking to stir the pot. And as I mentioned in my previous post, I am not against using general principles and applying them to our lives in relevant ways. And I've done my fare share of talking about, or teaching, or using some of these in ways that are outside of their context. But...I guess it's just a pet peeve of mine when it is done, and think it can even be dangerous to do so. I don't mind if the speaker acknowledges that it's not exactly from the context, or stating that he is just applying Biblical principle. And then we can test it for truth and apply it accordingly, because there are good applications that can come out of it. I'm not denying that. But I guess if they don't acknowledge it...it sounds like they never even thought about it, or that they are saying it's what the author was particularly thinking about when he wrote it. And if I hear you do it in a sermon or talk...you've usually lost me from there on out.

So...not my best post. But...my thoughts on the topic.