Divine Savior Church-Santa Rita Ranch Sermons

4. You Can Have Life Without Limits | Are You Sure That's What It Means?

·28 min·2 clips

Steph Curry writes 'I can do all things' on his shoes, but is that what the Bible verse really means?

The episode opens with a reference to Steph Curry's 2008 NCAA tournament performance and his practice of writing 'I can do all things' (Philippians 4:13) on his shoes. The speaker questions whether this common motivational use aligns with the biblical author's intent. He provides historical background: Paul wrote Philippians from a Roman house prison around 60-62 AD, thanking the church for a care package. The speaker notes Paul's surprising joy despite imprisonment. He reads Philippians 4:10-13, focusing on Paul's learned contentment in all circumstances. The sermon then shifts to a personal and communal examination of discontentment, using examples like home improvements, career goals, and relationships. The speaker connects this to the American cultural ideal of the 'pursuit of happiness.' He introduces the Old Testament figure Asaph from Psalm 73, who struggled with envy of the prosperous wicked until he remembered their eternal separation from God. The core theological argument is presented: true contentment comes from having Jesus as the foremost priority, not as a co-pilot for achieving desires. The speaker references Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' from 2 Corinthians 12 to illustrate God's sufficient grace. He reinterprets Philippians 4:13 as Christ strengthening believers to endure any situation, not to accomplish their plans. The character of Jesus is examined as the ultimate example of contentment, leaving heavenly glory to live humbly on earth. The sermon emphasizes the promised future kingdom of God as the source of hope that strengthens present endurance. Practical application involves starting each day with thanksgiving for spiritual promises before earthly blessings. The goal is to live as a contented witness in a discontented world. The episode closes with a prayer reinforcing these themes.

As heard by us

A sermon reads Philippians 4:13 as a call to contentment when changing circumstances cannot provide lasting peace.

This single-episode sermon gives Philippians 4:13 a grounded reading, opening with Steph Curry writing the verse on his shoes before asking what Christ's strength means when goals, plans, work, relationships, money, experiences, or travel cannot finally create contentment.

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Why you'd press play

You want Philippians 4:13 to mean more than a slogan for winning, striving, and getting what you want.

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