Philippians 4:13
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most used verses ever. People hang it on their walls, on the fridge, and even on bumper stickers. Yet do we actually understand what this means? Is it really about just being able to accomplish things we want to accomplish in this world? Or is it about something much deeper? Let’s look at the context surrounding this verse to dive into its true meaning and intentions.
Here is the entire passage of Philippians 4:10-14 in which Philippians 4:13 is placed: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.”
We see here that Paul isn’t actually talking about accomplishments, but contentment! We have to recognize Paul’s past here. Paul has been through many things in his mission to spread the Gospel and preach the Good News of Christ. He has been shipwrecked multiple times, stoned, beaten, persecuted beyond belief, and imprisoned in almost every city he’s been to. In fact, he was probably writing this letter on the floor of a prison cell!
Consider what he is saying. He is saying that he has lived in prosperity, and he has lived in humble means. He says he has discovered the secret of being content in whatever circumstance he is in. The secret is to draw your strength from Christ. If you draw your strength from Christ, you can get through any situation or circumstance.
See, this verse isn’t about writing a difficult test or completing a triathlon or accomplishing whatever we happen to want to accomplish at the time of remembering this verse. No, the meaning of this passage goes much deeper than that. In fact, the true meaning is almost the exact opposite of what this verse is usually used to say! Paul is talking about your satisfaction in life overall. Are you satisfied with what you have and where you are? If you don’t accomplish those things that you want to accomplish, will you still be happy in life? Do you draw your strength and contentment from Christ, or from accomplishments and accolades?
If anyone knows suffering, it is Paul. He went through more in his life than most of us could ever dream of going through. Yet he found the secret to being content through it all: draw your strength from Christ and Christ alone. Christ can satisfy you in every circumstance and situation that you will ever be in during your lifetime. The question is, will you let Him be all you need?
King James Version (KJV)
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
New International Version (NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”
Summary
This is not only one of the most popular Bible verses of all time. It is also one of the most powerful Bible verses. The fact is that we can do nothing on our own. Sometimes we think we can. Matthew 19:26 says “With God, all things are possible.” Without Him, all things are impossible for us alone. I think the strongest physical evidence to show how weak we are is in sickness. Even a kidney stone can bring a healthy, strong grown man to his knees. A kidney stone is tiny. We are giants in comparison. It kind of reminds me of David and Goliath. One tiny stone, and the power of God took down that giant. Seems like a big deal to us. Nothing is impossible to God. When we need help, God is waiting for us to ask for His strength to get through the difficulty. We can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.
