I Can Do All Things…

 

Misuse of Phil. 4:13

 

Introduction

In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul writes; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. What did Paul mean when he wrote, “I can do all things?” A lot of people in the religious world cling to this verse as if it’s a lifesaver and that, even when times are tough, this verse will remind them that nothing is too hard.

 

Out of Context

Many people think that they can accomplish anything if God (or Christ) is on their side. For example: Slam dunk a basketball, make the winning play in baseball, bench press more weights than one should, or win the lottery. Given that the last one is a form of gambling, God is not going to approve of that; nor will He take credit if you should win. If this is the case, then what does it mean?

 

In Context

The first thing you need to know is that Paul wrote this letter from prison. Like Ephesians and Colossians, Philippians is what is known as a Prison Epistle.

Secondly, verse 13 shouldn’t be isolated, but part of the passage that begins in verse 8. In the interest of space in this article, let’s look at verses 11-13, Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Let’s look closer at verse 11; he says, …in whatever state I am, to be content. Paul is in prison and he says he’s content? Seriously? Yes! As a side note, we should take Paul’s comment to heart that when things get too rough for us in life, remember that Paul was content in prison.

Suppose we assume, for just a moment, that the out of context example is true. Wouldn’t Paul have broken out of prison stating that he was doing it as Christ strengthens him? Some might argue that breaking out of prison is wrong. True but, then again, Paul being put in prison in the first place is wrong also.

The idea here is that Paul gains strength from Christ to withstand the daily toil of being locked up with no sign of being released. He was allowed visitors (Acts 24:23), and treated well, but he couldn’t continue his work of his visits to the congregations. It’s not a physical attribute of doing all things but rather being content in his current state knowing that as long as he does the will of God (Mt. 7:21), he will be well-cared for.

 

Conclusion

Leaning on the scriptures for strength is a daily necessity and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If we are ever in a situation like Paul was in, there may be a time when our only hope is God and His Word.