Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Christian athletes often quote this verse when they win a game, match, or event. Although their statements are true, Christ does strengthen believers to carry out their daily tasks, Philippians 4:13 does not mean Christ will strengthen you to carry out your daily tasks. After all, Christ strengthens unbelievers as well to carry out their daily tasks, since He’s the Creator and Sustainer of all creation (Col. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 8:6). Christians athletes would be better to quote Col. 1:16-17 when they win instead of Philippians 4:13. Philippians 4:13 means if you have Christ, you have the strength to do all things, whether you’re “brought low” or “abounding,” whether you have “plenty” or are “hungry,” whether you have “abundance” or “need” (Philippians 4:12); you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13) because Christ is enough. The Apostle Paul wrote these words from prison. He could endure prison because being in prison with Jesus is better than being free in this world without Him. Thus, according to Philippians 4:13, Christ strengthens Christians, not so we can get what we want, but so we’ll be satisfied in Him alone.
The Psalmist made a similar statement in Psalms 63:3:
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips with praise You.
If you have God’s love, you can do all things, for you have no other need. Even if you’re suffering with cancer, sorrow, pain, suffering, etc., if you have the love of God, you need nothing else, for His love is better than this life. If you’re satisfied in Christ alone, you can do all things, for whether you live or die, you still have Christ, and you’ll enjoy Him forevermore!
To conclude, consider these words of Paul in Philippians 3:8,
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Friends, rest in the One who will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5-10). As you rest in Him, He will strengthen you to endure all things, whether sorrow or joy, poverty or wealth, suffering or health; you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
What are your thoughts?
thank you for powerful message philipians 4:13 but please i want a message on isaiah 3:10 ..
Well said…God bless
Thank you so much for this wonderful message that i hope i can apply on myself. God bless writer.
Thanks for this powerful message this morning. I am really blessed .
Contentment regardless what life throws at you.
Hi Jared, well said! I too believe your understanding is indeed its intended meaning especially when understood in its context. But yet we all know of many places throughout God’s word that lends itself as applicable truth to many life situations outside its immediate historical context and original audience; and I believe that is because truth is truth and truth is always applicable anytime and everywhere. I would still apply Phil 4:13 to life stresses and challenges as running, facing a medical procedure, meeting with my boss, etc. I enjoy reading your insights, keep it up. 🙂