The Real Meaning of Philippians 4:13
Can I really do all things through Christ who strengthens me? No.
I’m 6 feet tall and weigh 165 pounds. No matter how hard I work at it and rely on Christ for strength, I will never be Mr. Olympia or the World’s Strongest Man. It’s just not going to happen.
There are some things that I cannot do. There are some things that you cannot do, even with Jesus giving you strength.
And besides, that is not what this verse is trying to tell us anyway.
I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME MEANING
Philippians 4:13 is one of those verses we quote for inspiration to achieve something or to overcome whatever difficult situation we are in.
I’ve done it. I remember playing competitive tennis in High School and in college, and I would often quote this verse as if Jesus was going to help me win over some other guy.
I’ve heard people quote it when trying to do well on a test, ace a job interview, run a marathon, close a business sale, or encourage their teammates in a tough competition.
We see it on signs at sporting events, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and posters on the walls of churches and Christian businesses. It’s all over the place.
But again, is this a verse that’s meant to show us we can fulfill any desire that we set our minds on? Is it a verse that’s meant to give us the motivation we need to get through something difficult?
No. Let’s look at the context.
THE CONTEXT OF PHILIPPIANS 4:13
When the apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” he was saying that as a part of this letter to the Philippians where he was thanking them for a financial gift they sent him (Philippians 4:10).
After telling them that he rejoiced greatly when he received this gift, he follows up that comment to not give them the impression that his friendship with them was based on things he desired to get from them. So he says this in verses 11-12…
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
(Phillippians 4:12-13)
Paul is telling them, “I am not saying thank you because I need more stuff, and the reason why is because I’ve learned to be content no matter what circumstance or situation I am in.”
For Paul to be able to say that is quite something. If you read through Acts and some of the other New Testament letters he wrote, you will see that he was imprisoned for his faith, beaten, tortured, slandered, and treated harshly on many different occasions.
How could Paul claim to actually be content in all of these situations?
He shares the secret to that in Philippians 4:13.
THE TRUE MEANING OF PHILIPPIANS 4:13
The reason Paul can be content in all situations is because Jesus gives him the strength in each of those circumstances to be content.
As a matter of fact, Jesus is Paul’s contentment. Jesus is his life (Philippians 1:21).
Paul, having put his faith in Jesus for salvation, was in a spiritual union with Jesus. He had Jesus’ power and strength at work in him and through him.
Paul had all that he needed in Christ, and when he was tempted to believe that Jesus was not enough, Jesus gave him the strength to trust that He indeed was enough. He learned to be content and satisfied in Christ and all that he had in a relationship with Him.
Paul is not saying that you and I can do anything we put our minds to in Jesus’ power.
We should not use this verse to put a “Christian stamp” on the American Dream. The American Dream tells us that we can do anything we want or become anyone we want to become if we are willing to work hard enough. Philippians 4:13 sometimes gets used to make that a Christian doctrine.
We say, “I can accomplish all of my goals and dreams through Christ’s strength.” This is our way of making the American Dream concept a more Christianized message.
But again, the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 is about learning to be content, not teaching us that we can accomplish all of our goals and dreams.
CONCLUSION
Can I do all things through Christ who gives me strength? No. But Jesus can give you the strength to trust that He is your contentment in all the situations that you face throughout life.
Contentment is not found in having better circumstances. Contentment is found in Jesus.
He is your Life. Cling to Him. Depend on Him. Trust that you have all that you need in Him, and you will experience real grace, real hope, real life, and real joy.