Philippians 4:13

It is perhaps the most popular Bible passage you will hear most Christians quote. 

in Philippians 4:13 it says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” 

Was Paul giving Christians a blank check? Can we literally do all things we set our minds to, or all things we trust God to do? 

This verse is often taken out of context to mean that through Christ, one can achieve anything they desire, such as winning a game or achieving a goal. But in context, it’s more about the ability to endure hardship, to stay content in any situation, and to continue living in accordance with God’s will, no matter what life throws at us. Paul’s strength from Christ is not about achieving personal desires but about enduring and remaining faithful amidst adversity. 

At the time of this writing, Paul is under house arrest awaiting trial, mostly likely in Rome during the reign of the mad emperor Nero. Paul understands that there is the high possibility that his plea before the Roman emperor will result in his death because Nero was well known for his hostility toward Christians (Phil. 1:20–21; 2:17). It is with all this in mind that Paul writes that he has learned the secret of being content. Unlike many who quote this passage today, Paul understood that contentment was not directly related to one’s environment or situation. So, when he says he “can do all things through Christ”, his context has nothing with winning or achieving your next quarterly sales goal. 

There is a huge difference between wishing I can do whatever I want for Jesus and being filled with a holy burning ambition to do something SPECIFIC for Jesus. When Philippians 4:13 is quoted, it is often treated like an open-ended offer. In reality, it is more applicable to specific areas of a burden or calling God has placed in your life. 

It’s a very simple principle; if you’re saying you can do all things through Christ (or a specific thing through Christ), the question you need to first wrestle though is, “Has God called you to this? Is this a holy ambition from heaven or just a personal ambition? Is what you want to do in line with God’s gifting in your life? Is it in line with the work God has been preparing you for over the years? You will be able to do all things through Christ, provided those things are what God wants you to do! 

This verse is not a blank check. When Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ.”, he isn’t saying, “I can accomplish any idea I can dream up.” Especially when you consider where Paul is when he’s writing this letter of Philippians. He’s in a Roman prison; so, the “all things” Paul is referring to is the difficult circumstances you might sometimes find yourself in. 

Earlier in verse 12, we learn why and how it is Paul can do all things through Christ …it is because he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself in. So, if we were to restate verse 12, it would sound more like this… 

• Whether I have a house over my head where I sleep every night or my house burns down and I’m homeless… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Whether I eat like a prince every night or I can’t afford a single loaf of bread… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
• Whether I have millions of dollars in my bank account or I am broke and my light bill is due… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

That’s the idea behind Philippians 4:12-13, I have learned through the power of Christ in me that I can face whatever comes my way. If it’s good, I can enjoy it. If it’s not so good, I can deal with it because I have access to the everlasting strength of Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit who directs me. Through Jesus Christ you can do everything God wants you to do but understand that may involve you experiencing the highs and lows of life! 

The emphasis of the passage isn’t the endless possibilities of all you can do. Rather, the emphasis is on Christ… who gives you strength to DO!! 

You can do “all things” if you ARE BEING LED BY and are completely relying on Jesus Christ. Not in your own strength, not in your own wisdom, and not in your own ability to figure things out. 

I have learned that the issue for most Christians isn’t whether they believe or not that they can do all things through Christ, … the issue for many is that we are too timid to start or take the first step. Perhaps we’re pursuing a vision God hasn’t called you to. We’re so focused on our failures and faults that we can’t imagine being used by God. If God has laid a burden on your heart that has been growing into a desire, there is a point where you need to just go for it!! Stop daydreaming about it and start doing something about it. 

Quick recap: 

1 Yes, you do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (if God has indeed planted the vision in you and it’s a holy ambition) 

2 Yes, you do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (as long as you understand that ALL THING may involve hard things) 

3 Yes, you do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (if you are relying on Christ to empower you to see it through to the end) 

4 Yes, you do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens you (if you start today and don’t look back). 

When all 4 of these are in alignment, then you will experience Christ’s working in you to accomplish what God has impressed on you to do. 

Philippians 4:13 is about the strength and perseverance that comes from a relationship with Christ, enabling us to face any circumstances in life. It’s a testament of faith and resilience through Christ’s power, rather than a promise of universal success or the fulfillment of our personal desires.