9/20 I Can Do All Things...

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

The key word in this verse is “which”. I see this as the second most mis-quoted verse in the Bible. How many times have you heard someone quote this verse and say, “Christ who strengtheneth me”? This one word makes a world of difference in this verse. The word “who” refers to a person, who is Christ. This is saying, in effect, that I can do anything through Christ, but too often I discover that I cannot do absolutely anything. Mis-quoting this verse in this way, hurts one’s faith, especially a new Christian, when he finds that he cannot do everything he attempts to do, or any great feat for that matter (such as working miracles). On the other hand, when we put the proper word, “which” in this verse, it refers to an object or a principle, such as a doctrine. The verse then focuses on “all things” that strengthen. The true application of this verse is “I can do all those things that strengthen me through Christ.” I do not attempt to correct the text, for it needs no correction, but I hope to correct our focus on this verse. Folks, we can do all that makes us stronger in Him, by His grace. He wants us to be stronger. All that is good for us, and is right (which is the same thing), we can do through Him.

This is a little off the text, but I must use the illustration to clarify my point:

It is important to realize that every word is important when it is God’s Word. One word can change the focus, and the entire meaning of a verse or passage. No two words mean exactly the same thing, otherwise, we would not need so many words in the English language. An example is in Jn. 1:12, where the word “power” is translated “right” or “privilege” or authority” or several other words, especially in inferior versions of the Bible. Now, though these words may be correct in a sense, they all lose the force of the word “power” which is the correct rendering. If Christ gives me the right to become a son of God, it is as if I must do it, with His blessing! If He gives me the power, I know I can do it, because He “strengthens me” in that area. Not so with “authority” or “privilege” or even the “right.” We, as Christians, need to be careful about changing the Word of God, especially when we are “quoting” scriptures. Accuracy is imperative, for another’s faith may hang on your words.