The Lost Message of Philippians 4:13

Published by Joshua Bontrager on September 17, 2019September 17, 2019

From a Roman prison cell, the apostle Paul penned ten famous words that would be remembered by Christians for all time: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

2,000 years later, this popular verse still inspires us. But do we fully understand what it means?

It’s easy for anyone to take this verse apart from larger book in which it was written and the life of the one who wrote it. To better understand Philippians 4:13, let’s take a look at Paul’s life and Philippians 4.

We’ll discover that although Paul faced incredible trials, he lived for the eternal, and found lasting contentment in God’s will.

1. Paul Experienced Incredible Trials

It’s hard to find a worse advertisement for the prosperity gospel than the apostle Paul. He was stoned and left for dead. Three times, he was shipwrecked. He was beaten with rods and whips, and betrayed by his own countrymen. These are just a sampling (2 Corinthians 11:16-33).

Not to mention Paul’s thorn in the side (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Some suggest this thorn could have represented those opposing him, a remembrance of his past, or a physical ailment, like poor eyesight.

Three times, Paul asked God to remove this thorn, yet God answered no, assuring Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In short, Paul didn’t live a comfy life.

2. Paul Lived for the Eternal 

Eternity motivated Paul. He understood the realities of eternal judgment, the sacrifice Christ paid, and his role to spread the gospel as Christ’s ambassador.

Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Because of eternity, Paul could say, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

3. Paul Found Lasting Contentment in God’s Will

Like all of us, Paul had hopes and dreams. Yet ultimately, he surrendered his desires to God’s perfect will, even when that meant personal discomfort. The oft-overlooked context of Philippians 4:13 teaches us that by God’s strength we can face whatever He sends our way.

In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul said,

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Conclusion

Ultimately, Philippians 4:13 isn’t about God strengthening us so we can realize our grand dreams and ambitions; it’s about us submitting to God’s will, even when it’s painful. Through Christ, we can joyfully accept whatever hardships or blessings come our way, knowing that He is working all things for our good and for His glory.

Question: How should the reality of eternity affect how we live?