In Context

John 7:17

If any man will do his will,

he shall know of the doctrine,

whether it be of God,

or whether I speak of myself.

This verse takes place after Christ's ministry had started up and people started taking note of him. He had already performed several miracles, and secured his disciples. He had spoken of his divine Sonship as well as had the testimony of John the Baptist and Peter that he was the Messiah. 

The chapter heading summarizes chapter 7 as follows:

"Jesus' kinsmen believe not--He teaches his Father's doctrine and proclaims his divine Sonship--Truth may be known through obedience--He offers living water to all men--Divers opinions concerning him."

In verse 4, Jesus' brethren ask him to effectively prove that he is who people say he is, because they do not believe in him. They say, "If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world." 

Jesus responds that the time has not come to do so, and speaking about the world makes this very telling statement, "but me it [the world] hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." (verse 7)

Everyone leaves for the feast of tabernacles, which Jesus attends in secret. 

It turns into a gossip session with everyone discussing where he is, and what they think of him. "And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people." (verse 12)

When he goes up to the temple to teach, they marvel, wondering how he can do so having never learned. 

At this point, Jesus proclaims that the doctrine is not his, but the Father's. 

This verse then occurs, where he tells them they can test the source of his words by practicing obedience to them. 

He speaks of Moses' Law and their failure to keep it. 

They recognize that he is the man whom some have sought to kill. They seek to lay hands on him, but are unable as the time had not yet come for that. 

The people are divided concerning him.

What's Your Verse?

John 7:17

If any man will do his will,

he shall know of the doctrine,

whether it be of God,

or whether I speak of myself.

My Thoughts

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

I already shared a Conference talk related to my verse yesterday, but I love this one too much not to share as well:

“The Great and Wonderful Love”

Anthony D. Perkins
Of the First Quorum of the Seventy

"Children in pure faith proclaim, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” ¹ But sometimes youth and adults do not feel the power of this simple declaration.

Satan is the “enemy to all righteousness”; ² thus he plants doubts about the nature of the Godhead and our relationship with Them. Jesus Christ prophesied that in the last days even the very elect would be deceived. ³ Consider three examples of how Lucifer is “laying traps and snares to catch the holy ones of God.” ⁴

The snare of false inadequacy. A faithful young person feels unable to meet the expectations of others. At home and school, she is rarely praised and often criticized. The popular media tells her she is not beautiful enough or smart enough. Every day this righteous sister questions whether she is an individual worthy of Heavenly Father’s love, the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, or the Spirit’s constant guidance.

The snare of exaggerated imperfection. An outstanding missionary feels incapable of meeting the expectations of God. In his mind, this worthy elder imagines a stern Heavenly Father bound to irrevocable justice, a Savior capable of cleansing others’ transgressions but not this elder’s own, and a Holy Ghost unwilling to accompany an imperfect person.

The snare of needless guilt. A middle-aged woman is a devoted mother, a loving friend, a faithful Church servant, and a frequent temple patron. But in her heart, this sister cannot forgive herself of sins committed years ago that she has repented of and fully resolved with priesthood leaders. She doubts that her life will ever be acceptable to the Lord and has lost hope of eternal life in Heavenly Father’s presence.

If you have any thoughts and feelings similar to these good Saints, I invite you to become as a little child and feel again “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son in the coming of the Redeemer into the world.” ⁵ Childlike faith in the perfect love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will “divide asunder” ⁶ Satan’s snares of inadequacy, imperfection, and guilt.

Proverbs teaches, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” ⁷ May I suggest—in addition to consistent prayers, scripture study, and Church and temple attendance—five changes to your thoughts and heart to more fully feel the tender love of God.

First, see yourself as a precious child of a loving Father in Heaven. Our children with confidence sing, “I am a child of God, and he has sent me here.” ⁸ Little children feel and know what perhaps you have forgotten. You are the beloved son or daughter of Heavenly Father, created “in his own image,” ⁹ and of immense value—so much so that Jesus Christ gave His life for you.

God the Father is merciful and has infinite love for you despite your faults. Only the voice of Satan will cause you to feel of no value. In contrast, the Holy Ghost will cause you to feel “godly sorrow” ¹⁰ unto repentance in a manner that fills you with hope of positive change.

When you feel worthless, “remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” ¹¹ Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses.

Second, place your burdens on Jesus Christ. When you feel overwhelmed by expectations and challenges, do not fight the battle alone. Follow the example of small children, and drop to your knees in prayer.

Jesus Christ has commanded us, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” ¹² Doubt, fear, and worry indicate we have taken all of life’s burdens and anxieties on ourselves. When plagued by thoughts that you are inadequate, confidently say, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ¹³ Then as you “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power,” ¹⁴ you can rest assured that the Lord will do the remainder and things will work out all right.

The Savior promised, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ¹⁵ As you “cast [your] burden upon the Lord,” ¹⁶ you will feel the peace of the Spirit. ¹⁷

Third, forgive yourself of sins and imperfections.  

...

Fourth, sustain hope of eternal life.  

^... 

Fifth, find joy each day.  

...

I testify of Heavenly Father, who in great and wonderful love reaches out to each of His children. I bear witness of Jesus Christ, who is “mighty to save” ²⁹ us from our inadequacies, imperfections, and sins. I bear testimony of the Holy Ghost, who will accompany the imperfect yet penitent soul. To you faithful and worthy Saints who struggle with latter-day snares of the devil, ³⁰ “may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son.” ³¹ In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I have been struggling with feelings of inadequacy. I don't know how I will ever realize the expectations I have for myself, to say nothing of the admonition to "be ye therefore perfect." Some days, I don't even know if I can fulfill such mundane tasks as doing the dishes or taking a shower, let alone teaching my children in love and patience. There are so many times that I fall so short of where I would like to be, and where I feel like I should be. It's painful.  

I do need to remind myself in those times that perhaps I am trying too much to do it by myself. Like a toddler unable to tie my shoes, I need to stop insisting on doing it all by myself. I need to allow my Savior to help me in all things so that I can receive His grace and strength. 

One of my favorite lines of hymn says:

...

Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see

The distant scene--one step enough for me

...

I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that thou

Shouldst lead me on.

I loved to choose and see my path; but now,

Lead thou me on!

...

I need to keep telling myself that one step is enough for me, so long as I know that what I am doing is according to His will. I do not need all the answers, I only need to take that one step in faith. With the help of His immeasurable strength we will accomplish more than I ever imagined of myself alone.

Lead thou me on!

https://www.facebook.com/lds.david.a.bednar/videos/756863984341345/

 

Why I Chose This Verse

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

I chose this verse because I have been very frustrated lately with my lack of ability to make something of myself. I feel so weak and so incompetent. I know that I can't do anything in and of myself, but I hope that through Christ I can find the strength to do what needs to be done.

Cross Reference

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

Christ:

John 15:5(4-5)

strengtheneth:

1 Timothy 1:12

Alma 26:12(11-13)

Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

excerpt:

"Isaiah taught that the Messiah would bear our “griefs” and our “sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4). Isaiah also taught of His strengthening us: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:10).

Thus, we sing:

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,

For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, …

Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.³

Speaking of some of his own mortal challenges, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

And so we see that because of His Atonement, the Savior has the power to succor—to help—every mortal pain and affliction. Sometimes His power heals an infirmity, but the scriptures and our experiences teach that sometimes He succors or helps by giving us the strength or patience to endure our infirmities.^4"

In Context

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.

This verse comes near the end of Paul's Epistle to the Philippians. The epistle consists of four chapters with the general outline as follows: 

(excerpted from the Bible Dictionary)

1. Salutation, thanksgiving, and prayer on their behalf (1:1-11).

2. Personal: dealing with the progress of the missionary work (1:12-26).

3. Exhortation to unity, humility, and perseverance (2:1-18).

4. Paul's own plans, and those of Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30).

5. Warning against false teachers (3:1--4:9).

6. Thanks for their assistance, and conclusion (4:10-23).

Other ideas of note in chapter 4:

Verse 4 - partial inspiration for hymn #66 "Rejoice the Lord is King!"

Verse 6 - requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

Verse 7 - The peace of God passeth all understanding

Verse 8 - The admonition of Paul mentioned in the 13th article of faith

Verses 11&12 - Being content in whatsoever state, humility or abundance, hunger or fullness

Verse 19 - God will supply all needs

What's Your Verse?

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ

which strengtheneth me.