An Overcoming Attitude

July 12 Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Volume II

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 KJV

It seems we live in a world where negativism is the rule of society. Many people think the worst, believe the worst, and constantly talk about worst-case scenarios. But that shouldn’t be the case for believers. Those who bear the name of Christ should walk as He walked—full of faith and confidence in the Father.

The best example of this kind of overcoming attitude is found in Philippians 4:13, where the apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

If anyone had a reason to be dominated by the flesh at that moment, it was Paul. Think of it—he was in a horrible prison and facing terrible circumstances. But rather than let his flesh dominate him with negativism, Paul used a number of powerful Greek words to declare that he had the upper hand over all the natural challenges that were around him—and that he could do anything through Christ who strengthened him.

Although Paul was in a horrible predicament at the time he wrote the book of Philippians, he declared, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!” I want us to look at this verse today, because it is loaded with insights about having an overcoming attitude.

When Paul said, “I can do,” the phrase is a translation of the Greek word ischuos. In classical Greek, Old Testament Greek, and New Testament Greek, that word denotes the strength and power of gods. But when ischuos was noted to operate in individuals, it caused them to be superior to others, to be champions and victors. It gave them the upper hand in every situation, so that individuals operating in ischuos prevailed in every circumstance.

Furthermore, Paul adds, “I can do all things.” The phrase “all things” is from the Greek word panta, the word pan with ta attached. The word pan is an all-encompassing word that includes everything and excludes nothing. The little word ta denotes even the smallest of things. So when Paul uses the word panta, he is proclaiming that through Christ, he has the upper hand over everything, with nothing excluded, including even the most minute details.

An interpretive translation would read:

But Paul then went on to say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” The word strengtheneth in Greek is a translation of the word endunamounti, a present active participle of endunamoo. The word endunamoo is a compound of en and dunamis. The word en means into, such as placing water into a vessel, and dunamis means power. But more importantly is to note dunamis depicted the forces of an entire army. In fact, in the Old Testament Septuagint, the word dunamis was primarily used to picture the combined forces of a complete military.

So when those words en and dunamis are compounded, the new word endunamoo pictures the power of the whole army being deposited into a person. Making this even more significant is the fact that Paul uses it in the present active participle, which means he was declaring this type of power was presently acting in him and would continue to express itself through him. He was telling us that, deposited into his spirit and at his disposal, was the equivalent of an entire fighting army.

So the full verse could be interpreted as follows:

“I have the ischuos power operating in me, and it causes me to be superior—a champion and victor! This ischuos gives me the upper hand in every situation I face and causes me to prevail in every circumstance, and it is all through Christ, who has filled me and continuously infuses me with the strength of a whole army!”

If Paul could write this in the horrific situation he was in at that time and really mean it, there is absolutely nothing you face that you can’t overcome too. God’s ischuos power is available to you as well, to cause you to be superior, to be a champion—a victor—to have the upper hand in every circumstance you face. When He filled you with the Holy Spirit, He infused you with the ability of a whole army (endunamoo)—and He continues to infuse you with that strength at this very moment.

Your flesh may try to tell you that there’s no chance you’ll make it through what you’re facing. That flesh will try to tell you that you might as well give up and throw in the towel, because there’s no hope for you. But that’s your moment to take charge of your flesh, command it to get into subjection, and release the power of God that’s been mightily deposited inside you! Soon you’ll find a supernatural flow of divine power coming forth from your inner man that will give you the upper hand in whatever situation you find yourself.

Rather than being dominated by your mind, body, and negative emotions, you’ll find that you have become a mighty instrument in God’s hand, through whom His power can and will operate! Regardless of what you face, you’ll have an overcoming attitude that prevails in every situation!

Your prayer for today.

Father, I submit my body, mind, and emotions to You as Your exclusive instruments to be filled with Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your mighty power for Your holy purposes. I yield to You, Holy Spirit, and I cease to be a slave to my body and emotions. I ask You to make me a mighty instrument in Your hand to achieve the divine destiny You have placed in my heart to be fulfilled for Your glory! I pray this in Jesus’ name.

Written By Rick Renner

Photo by Marc Rafanell López

From The Father

There is a battle for your life, My child. Satan desires to have you. Many times he has sent people and circumstances to cause confusion and shame, anger and fear. He wants you to hate yourself, to hate others, and to follow after the lust of the flesh. His greatest desire is that you feel you are not enough. But you are! In Me you are more than enough, and you have all you need.

From The Father

My child, I will put you in a place of honor. I will make your name great. You will not have to strive and make things happen. Let go of fear and pride. Trust Me. As you rest in Me and surrender your fears, hurts, and life to Me, you will be amazed. You will find peace, purpose, and worth… the very things you have been searching for your whole life.

From The Father

It’s time to get in My Word and learn who you are in Me, My child. Satan has caused you to question who I am and who you are in Me. That has brought you to a place of conflict and confusion. I will make you victorious as you set your eyes and heart on Me. I will open up the floodgates of Heaven right where you are.

From The Father

My child, be not afraid or dismayed of the looks of people. Don’t worry about what people think. Live for Me. I am the One who will fulfill your every desire and give you more than you could ever hope for or imagine. I am the One who will never fail, forsake, or abandon you. I am the Giver of life and the Giver of all good things. Seek Me.

From The Father

My Precious Child, My plans for you and your loved ones are always for good. You can trust them, and you can trust Me. I know life is hard, and I know it hurts. I understand how you feel. Like you, I have felt the betrayal of people as they rejected, mocked, and ignored Me. I have felt the pain of losing loved ones; I have wept. I have felt the physical pain of hunger. I have been tempted and lied to by the enemy. I was beaten and then nailed to a cross to die. So you can trust Me, child, when I say, I know your pain. But there is hope. When you are with Me, nothing can overtake you. I have given you My strength to overcome every trial—and My strength never runs out. My wisdom never runs out, either. And neither will My provision. Ever. Draw close now, and hold tight to Me. I am with you always. Remember, nothing is impossible for Me! Don’t look at your circumstances; look at Me. I am all you need. My grace is sufficient for you. It provides all the peace, power, and provision you need to emerge victoriously from your trial. My love and divine presence will always be more than enough.

From The Father

Trust Me with the circumstances of your life. I know they seem overwhelming. But always remember, you are not alone. The great I AM is with you, helping you, and able to do abundantly more than you can hope for or imagine. So don’t give up and don’t give in. I know you have so many questions. I know you don’t understand the why behind what you are experiencing. But that’s okay. You don’t have to have the answers to every one of life’s questions to move forward. All you need is Me; I AM the answer. And as you acknowledge Me and bring me into your circumstances, I will direct your path. My love will carry you. My wisdom will show you the way. My power will provide the strength to move forward, even in the darkest night. I AM working behind the scenes, working everything out for good and for My glory. I will not fail you. Trust Me, child…even now.

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