<Introduction>
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
It is said that this is one of the most misinterpreted and misapplied verses in the Bible.
• The text can be seen printed in sports apparel and normally being quoted by athletes.
• Motivational speakers used this to bring across a message of inspiration.
• Christians, use this verse to believe that anything can be accomplished and can be done through Christ.
Yes, it appears like nothing is wrong. But we must be careful, because the failure to recognize the context and real meaning of this verse can be sometimes deceiving, misleading, and sometimes dangerous.
<Illustration>
Imagine a boxing match in which both boxers use 4:13 to motivate themselves. The winner might say – “I can really do all things! I am unbeatable!”. The loser on the other hand might say – “Where is God, I thought he strengthens me?”
In this scenario, both boxers perceive 4:13 inappropriately.
“I can do all things” does not mean God will bless whatever we do
- Believing so will lead us, to more misused of it.
- Believing so will lead us, to frustrations if our prayer does not come to pass
<Right Context>
When Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, his predominant purpose was to thank and encourage them. The Philippians knew that Roman imprisonment is tough. And so, Paul realizing the concerns of the people for him, assured them that he has been in good spirits. He was telling them that suffering comes, but Christians can endure and still be joyful.
<Learning to be Content>
When Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, His message is that of learning to be content in all circumstances. The strength from Christ, is not something that will change or contradict Paul’s current situation; The strength he was talking about will not bring him out of the prison.
It is the strength to be content in the midst of suffering.
<Misused of the verse>
When I was a young believer, I also misunderstood and misinterpreted this verse; I look to this as Christ’s promise of empowerment, for me to accomplish things and achieve my dreams.
• “Do you want to be promoted?” I would say, I can do all things through Christ.
• “Do you want a better marriage?” I would say, I can do all things – through Christ
• “Do you want to get wealthy?” and I would say, I can do all things – through Christ
Unfortunately, I was using 4:13 wrongly.
Wrong interpretation would not generate real lasting fruits and would only confuses us into thinking that there are promises for us, that Paul never meant.
Philippians 4:13 does not mean God will support whatever a person does.
It means - God will give us, his followers, the strength to do whatever he asks us to do.
<Conclusion/Application>
If you are using 4:13, how I used it before, it is time to stay true to the Scripture by interpreting it and applying it correctly.
Paul’s encouragement to the Philippians, and to us, is to be content as we face trials and hardships in life. Paul’s grand idea is simply to be content.
- Let us not use this verse to support a claim or a goal of a victorious life.
- Let us not go into notion that we can do anything or always win, like we don’t have weakness or limitations.
- Let us not interpret this verse to hide our selfish ambitions.
Let us switch our focus on God and His will for us, and not on what we desire to achieve or do.
Perceive this verse to magnify Christ, and his power in us through grace.
<Conclusion>
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, is not about having the power, authority, money, fame, comfortability, and achieving all the world says that we should have to experience a good life.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, is to simply have the ability to withstand hardship and adversity because of Christ.
God bless us!
