“I can do all things” in Philippians 4:13 — what does Paul mean?
Paul is not claiming a blank check for any achievement. He is testifying that Christ gives strength to be content in every circumstance while he follows God’s call. Hungry or full. In prison or free. He can endure and obey because Christ sustains him. The verse is about contentment and faithfulness, not personal success on demand – any attempt to use it that way misrepresents God’s intent. See Philippians 4:11–13.
“Judge not” in Matthew 7:1 — what is the context?
This verse has become the golden child of those who choose to practice sin in all forms as they remind Christians that Jesus said we should not judge. The context of the passage is critical, as is other verses about passing judgement on others. Christ’s concern here is hypocritical judgment. Accusing your brother of a minor offence when your own life is unrighteous. A complete reading of the passage shows that He does not forbid discernment. First remove the plank from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to help your brother with his speck. Elsewhere Jesus commands “judge with right judgment.” We must reject a condemning spirit and practice humble, biblical evaluation for restoration. See Matthew 7:1–5; John 7:24.
“Where two or three are gathered” in Matthew 18:20 — what is the setting?
This verse is frequently misused as an encouragement about small groups gathered in Christ’s name. These are not condemned as they are most certainly one of the ways we grow as saints of the Lord. However this promise sits inside Jesus’ teaching on church discipline. When a church follows the process He explains to correct and, if needed, bind or loose, He is present to affirm their faithful action. It is not mainly about small-group prayer, though Christ is with us always in these settings. It is His assurance that He stands with His church as it seeks purity and restoration. See Matthew 18:15–20.
“Plans to prosper you” in Jeremiah 29:11 — who is being addressed?
God spoke these words to people of Judea as they faced exile in Babylon. They follow some very dire proclamations to the Children of Israel through Jeremiah regarding God’s discipline of the people. This promise was a corporate and time-bound assurance God was giving His people. Specifically after seventy years of exile in Babylon, He would bring them home and restore His mercy and love to them. The verse reveals God’s covenant faithfulness and His heart to give true hope. It is not a guarantee of immediate success or an easy path for Christians today. In Christ we share the deeper hope behind it: God’s good purposes that lead to ultimate restoration. See Jeremiah 29:10–14.
“All things work together for good” in Romans 8:28 — what is the good?
Like Jeremiah 29:11 this verse is not a promise of success or painless outcomes from life’s struggles. It is God’s pledge that every event, sweet or bitter, serves the lasting good of those who love Him. The next verse defines that good: being conformed to the image of His Son and brought to final glory. God weaves suffering, waiting, and joy into Christlikeness now and resurrection joy later. That is better than easy comfort. See Romans 8:28–30.