In my last article, I focused on the scope of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV). We looked especially at the words “all things.” With this article, I want to focus on the context.
To do that, it’s important we take a wider view of Philippians 4, looking especially at those verses leading up to verse 13.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Paul gives instructions to the Philippian believers on what they can do with their anxieties and challenges and then acknowledges his own affliction — and thanks them for their love and support. After thanking them (verse 11), he testifies that he has learned “how to be abased” and “how to abound.” He explains that he is able to hunger and “suffer need” because…
He can do all things through Christ who gives him strength!
So…
The context of Philippians 4:13 is endurance — specifically enduring affliction.
Philippians 4:13 isn’t a name-it-and-claim-it promise for financial or professional prosperity. It’s a declaration that Paul finds strength from his Lord even in the midst of need and suffering. And that strength is available to you and me as well.
You may be suffering. You may feel like there is nothing else you can bear, but…
Paul would say to you…
Christ will give you the strength to carry whatever burden He calls you to carry.
It’s for us to lean on Him and trust Him.
