Philippians 4:13 (LSB) 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This is an incredibly popular verse that we hear quoted repeatedly.
But what does it mean?
Is it being accurately used by so many, and in the proper context? Let’s take a look!
First, it is easy to see why this verse is so frequently quoted and used. It is quite encouraging, and it offers us hope and strength.
On the surface, it appears to indicate that as believers we can do anything we set our minds to through Christ, and that He will give us the strength to do so.
But as we examine it, and we view its proper, full context, that idea starts to melt away pretty quickly.
No longer does it seem to carry such a broad meaning.
So, what does it mean?
As the Apostle Paul penned these words, he wasn’t referring to having spiritual superpowers that enabled him to do humanly impossible feats just for the sake of doing them.
Instead, he was discussing learning to live regardless of his financial status and the abundance or lack of abundance of material wealth he had.
Take a look.
As we view verse 12, immediately prior to the verse that is so frequently quoted as a Christian “power verse”, we begin to see what was really meant by verse 13.
Philippians 4:12 (LSB) 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
You see, Paul endured immense suffering as an apostle of Christ. He was beaten many times and left for dead at least once.
He was shipwrecked, persecuted, bitten by a venomous snake, spent many years in prison, betrayed by close friends, endured times of extreme poverty and hardship, and more.
But he never backed down. He kept forging ahead despite the obstacles he faced.
How? By the power of Christ in him.
And this is why he penned the words of verse 13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”, to encourage others to do the same; to persevere and endure all things by the power given to us through Christ, to accomplish the things that God has set before us to do.
So, is this verse extremely encouraging? Absolutely!
But now, we have a better understanding of its context and its intended meaning, so we can draw strength from it as we face situations of hardship and trials in our own lives 🙏🏻
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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