Introduction

Good morning, beautiful people of God! It's another blessed day to gather, learn, and grow in our faith. Today, we are going to dive deep into the heart of Paul's letter to the Philippians, particularly Philippians 4:13, a verse that many of us know and love.

It reads, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

This scripture is so powerful, isn't it? It's not about the power we have within ourselves, but about the power of Christ in us. It's a reminder that it's not about what we can do, but what God can do through us.

This is a concept beautifully articulated by A.W. Tozer, who once said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity that we plan only the things that we can do by ourselves."

Let's bow our heads in prayer as we begin.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you once again for bringing us together in your presence. As we discuss your word today, may our hearts be open and receptive. May we see the power of Christ in us, recognize the strength of our Christian community, and truly understand that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Guide our discussion, Lord, and let your Holy Spirit lead us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

So, let's get started, shall we?

The Power of Christ in Me

The power of Christ in me is not about our own strength or abilities, but rather about the power of Christ living within us. This is a power that surpasses all understanding, a power that is limitless and eternal. It is the power that raised Jesus from the dead, the power that conquered sin and death, and the power that is now at work within us.

Inviting the living God to dwell within us: This is a radical transformation that changes everything about us. The Apostle Paul puts it this way in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This means that our old self, with its sinful nature and its limitations, is put to death. In its place, Christ lives in us, empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Not something we can earn or achieve on our own: It is a gift from God, given to us through the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes in Ephesians 1:19-20, "I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms." This power is not just for the apostles or the saints, but for all who believe in Christ.

Not a passive power: It is an active power that works in us and through us. It is the power that enables us to overcome sin, to endure suffering, to persevere in trials, and to live a life of love and service. It is the power that enables us to do the impossible, to achieve what we could never achieve on our own.

For the benefit of others: It is the power that enables us to be a light in the world, to share the love of Christ with others, to serve the needy, to comfort the hurting, and to proclaim the good news of the gospel. It is the power that enables us to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

A daily reality: Each day, we must surrender ourselves to Christ, allowing Him to live in us and through us. As Paul writes in Romans 12:1, "I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." This means that each day, we must die to ourselves, surrendering our will to the will of Christ, allowing Him to live in us and through us.

Not a burden: It is a joy. It is the joy of knowing that we are not alone, that we are not powerless, that we are not defeated. It is the joy of knowing that Christ is in us, that He is our strength, that He is our hope, and that He is our victory.

The Strength of the Christian Community

The strength of the Christian community is a testament to the power of unity, fellowship, and mutual support among believers ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO