“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” How many times have you heard a Christian quote this verse from Philippians 4:13? It is usually a declarative prayer right before a test, a big game, or some type of challenge. “I can win because I can do all things through Christ!” I love that people recognize they can receive help from Jesus in any situation, and I love that they put their faith into action when making these declarations. The problem is, with this verse, the context is a little different.
The context of this verse is about the topic of contentment. Backing up to v.10, we see Paul sharing his thankfulness and gratefulness for a gift he received from the Philippian believers. It is likely that Paul was a benefactor of the Philippian church’s generosity, as a type of patron-client relationship common within collectivist societies of that time. He then pivots in v.11 to make the point that he has learned to be content in any situation. Even without a gift from the Philippians, Paul would have been okay. He would have been content with whatever he had available to him. He continues in v.12 to contrast different situations he has experienced. There were times of plenty and times of little. There were times when he was hungry and in need and times when he had more than enough. And in all things, he learned to be content. Why? Because he learned the truth that we can all draw strength from Christ in every situation in life.
We all need to be strengthened when we are in need, and we all need to be strengthened when we are not in need. We are always in need of his strength because we can do nothing on our own. But, in v.13, Paul specifically speaks to the reality that he was content during his time of need because Christ strengthened him. Can we draw on God’s strength in any situation? Absolutely! He is always with us, and his wisdom and counsel are always available to us. But this is not the best verse to quote in those situations. Jesus’ promise to always be with us in Matthew 28:20 or his promise of provision in Matthew 6:26-34 are better verses to quote in these situations.