Paul, in his associations with the ecclesias of the first century, was well aware of the lessons to be imparted by setting a personal example. Thus, with his wealth of experience as an evangelist in the lands of the Mediterranean region, he was able to write to the community of believers at Philippi:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13).
There was nothing egotistical in what their teacher and mentor was saying to them. Rather it was to be regarded as earnest apostolic advice for their spiritual stimulation and wellbeing:
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (v. 9).
His heartfelt desire was that they should remain loyal to those precious things concerning the Name of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to ensure that they kept their feet firmly on that narrow road leading to the Kingdom of God.
Such was Paul’s dedication and single-mindedness in preaching the gospel message to the ecclesias of his day that he writes to the disciples at Corinth:
“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).
This epitomizes his whole aim and goal since his unforgettable encounter with the risen Christ whilst travelling to Damascus for the express purpose of apprehending those professing the Christian faith in that city.
So great was his commitment as an apostle of Jesus Christ that he bore, without cavil, physical distresses of such diversity that he became an outstanding example in unwavering faith and patient endurance:
“beaten with rods … stoned shipwreck[ed] … in perils of robbers … in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea . . . in weariness and painfulness . . . in hunger and thirst . . . in cold and nakedness” (2 Cor. 11:25-27).
As followers of Christ today we can take to ourselves those memorable words of Paul addressed to the disciples at Philippi and allow them to sink deep into our conscious thoughts,for they merit our most earnest consideration:
“…. whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Paul presents these thoughts as a stimulus to the Christian conscience, encouraging us to be motivated by his arresting words, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”.
These reassuring words of the apostle have left their mark upon us, because we find that we are able to generate that needful incentive in the sometimes trying circumstances of our lives. The revitalisation of our faith can become a joyous reality in our lives as a community of believers, and can do much to strengthen us as we strive to “do all things through Christ”, imbuing us with the spirit of service, so that together we might “shine as lights in the world” (2:15).
We can indeed “do all things through Christ”, for he is the mediator through whom we make our supplications to our heavenly Father for the forgiveness, guidance and strength that means so much to us as we seek to be true followers of Jesus in an age in which moral restraints seem to have been discarded in the pursuit of worldly practices. This is the world in which we live, and in which we must be identifiable as a people who have been called by God to a separate life as true followers of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
All our hopes and expectations are bound up in the belief that the kingdoms of this world will be superseded by the promised Kingdom of God, for this is the only remedy for a troubled world beset by war, violence, crime and every imaginable evil. The Apostle Peter assures us of this coming Kingdom, the reign of Christ that will mean a new beginning for distressed and perplexed peoples everywhere:
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness” (2 Pet. 3:13).
Reflections on the Potter and the Clay