Philippians 4:10-13

Introduction:

1. A key element in successfully completing any endeavor is confidence.

2. The quip in this title was often deployed in my youth by teachers and others in authority when trying to urge me to tackle the difficult tasks I faced.

3. This reality rings true in our Christian walk as well, so we must build confidence.

Discussion:

I. The Inescapability of Hard Things

A. Not to be Captain Obvious, but we all face hard things in life.

B. A host of biblical passages assume this reality (Genesis 3:15-24; 1 Kings. 2:1-2; Job 14:1-2; Ecclesiastes 12:1-8; Matthew 10:34ff; Romans 5:3-5; 8:18-23; James 1:2-4).

II. The Necessity of Doing Hard Things

A. That something is hard to accomplish does not absolve us of responsibility.

B. The Lord expects His people to overcome the challenges and do the hard things.

1. Moses feared going to Egypt but was expected to do it anyway (Exodus 3-4).

2. Joshua was to lead the conquest courageously (Deuteronomy 31:6-7, 23; Joshua 1:6-9).

3. David told Solomon to be strong in the face of David’s death (1 Kings 2:1-4).

4. Jesus called His disciples to courageous service (Matthew 10:16-28; John 15:18-21).

5. Paul told the Corinthians to be strong and act like men (1 Corinthians 16:13).

III. We Can Do Hard Things

A. The Lord not only called us to do these hard things, but He gave us the means.

B. None of the examples above had to do hard things by their own strength.

1. God was going with Moses to Egypt (Exodus 3:12).

2. He would go with Joshua and fight for them (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 10:24-25).

3. If Solomon kept God’s will, He was sure to establish him (1 Kings 2:3-4).

4. Jesus assured salvation if we endure (Matthew 10:22; Revelation 2:7, 10, 17. 26; 3:21).

5. The Corinthians could overcome because of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).

Conclusion:

1. This list could go on forever, but this is sufficient to make our point.

2. Can’t never could do nothing, but through Christ we can do all the hard things we are called on to do (Ephesians 6:10ff; Philippians 4:13).

Further Food for Thought

1. Do you ever struggle with feeling defeated before you even begin your given tasks?

2. If so, do you struggle to seek the help needed to fulfill the responsibility anyway?

3. How can we collectively facilitate greater willingness to reach for the help available?