More Than a Victory Verse
One of the most-quoted verses in the Bible is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It is also one of the most misused verses in the Bible. For example, we have seen people quote this verse when they perform an amazing feat of athleticism or other achievement. In reality, there were multiple factors (like the training they’ve put in) that came together to give them the victory!
I appreciate someone’s desire to give God the glory, but that is not what Paul is talking about here in Philippians. We must remember the key rule of interpretation: ‘Every text has a context.’
I can remember my first 400-meter race in college. I wanted so badly to win. In fact, I was in the lead for a good portion of the race! But that was mostly because I didn’t know how to pace myself, so I burned out with 100 meters left to go. It was embarrassing to have everyone pass me on the final stretch.
But thankfully, Jesus strengthened me.
No, Jesus did not give me the strength to win my next race. But He did strengthen me to get out there and run another race.
To be honest, as a 19-year-old, I didn’t like to be embarrassed, much less put myself in a situation where I thought I would be embarrassed again! I didn’t like to lose. And I certainly didn’t like to admit to myself that I wasn’t as good as I thought I was.
The strength Christ provided was not to accomplish what I wanted. He strengthened me by giving me perspective, humbling me, and helping me face my fears. The strength Christ provided was in my character—learning to overcomeadversity and press on when I wanted to give up.
This is more in line with what Paul is saying in these verses.
Here’s a short summary. First of all, Paul was in prison in Rome when he wrote this sentence. He had been betrayed by his countrymen because he was preaching Christ, and then he survived a plot against his life. After being held in prison for two years in Caesarea, he appealed to Caesar and was shipped to Rome. Along the way, his ship encountered a violent storm that left him shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Finally, Paul arrived in Rome.
His attitude of serving Christ, no matter the circumstances, resulted in an advancement of the gospel. In Philippians 1:12-14, he wrote, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the advancement of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is for Christ. Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly.” (HCSB)
Not only were people becoming believers in Christ because of Paul’s testimony, but other believers were encouraged to “speak the message fearlessly.” How he handled his imprisonment greatly encouraged others.
But he wasn’t through with adversity.
For whatever reason, some people opposed him when he was in prison (Phil. 1:15, 17). Not only that, but he almost lost a dear friend to a severe illness (Phil. 2:27).
Paul’s statement that he can do all things through Christ does not mean that he was going to “do his best” or accomplish all that he wanted to do. Rather, it means that no matter the obstacle, he was going to do whatever the Lord planned for him to do through Christ’s strength.
You and I, in Christ, can do the same.
Jesus himself said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). The Apostle Peter told us not to be surprised, but to expect trials and tests (1 Peter 4:12).
Dear Saints, when you experience hardships and wonder if you can get back up, remember—you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He will strengthen your character to endure whatever circumstance you are in. And in doing so, you will get to know the Lord in more wonderful ways.