You Can Do All Things Through Christ
The Apostle Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
This verse is one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible.
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 an individual’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 wanted to win my first 400-meter race in college. I tried so hard. 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 to go. It was embarrassing to have everyone pass me on the final stretch.
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 the race.
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 physical so that I could accomplish what I wanted to do. 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 overcome adversity and press on when I wanted to give up.
Paul’s context provides even more insight into the meaning behind “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
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.
This is the context of Paul’s statement. Paul’s 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.” His example of how he handled his imprisonment provided courage and encouragement to others.
But he wasn’t through with adversity.
For whatever reason, some people opposed him when he was in prison. Paul went on to write, “Some, to be sure, preach Christ out of envy and strife… others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me trouble in my imprisonment” (Phil. 1:15, 17). Not only that, but he almost lost a dear friend to a severe illness (Phil. 2:27).
During the course of his letter to the Philippians, he encouraged them to…
Live life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (1:27)
Have a servant-hearted attitude like Jesus modeled (2:3-11)
Rejoice always, be gracious, and watch what you are thinking so you can live in peace (4:4-9)
Be thankful, and learn to be content no matter the circumstances (4:10-12)
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. Therefore, 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. And in doing so, you will get to know the Lord in more wonderful ways.