At the end of last year, YouVersion highlighted the top 10 Bible verses that were shared the most. I found the list interesting and thought that it could be helpful to understand them in their original context. Today we are looking at Philippians 4:13—which according to YouVersion was the most “bookmarked, highlighted, and shared” verse in 2013.
The Verse:
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
The Context:
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison. While there, the Philippian church had continued their care for him, as well as their hope in seeing the gospel advance. But it appears that something had happened and the usual gift from the church at Philippi was slowed. Finally the gift arrived (Philippians 4:10) and Paul was overjoyed. Their gifts to Paul were a great encouragement to him, and so part of the reason for this letter is to thank them for their gift.
Yet, Paul finds himself in a somewhat awkward spot. A spot that anyone that has relied on the generous financial gifts of others would understand. On one hand he wants to express the depth of his joy and thankfulness for the gift. But he also doesn’t want to overburden them and seem desperate or even as a beggar. So Paul, here, wants to say thanks but do it in such a way that the Philippians know and understand that even without their gift Paul would be provided for.
This is why in verse 11-12 Paul says that he has learned “in whatever situation I am to be content”. He has acquired what Jeremiah Burroughs called the rare jewel of Christian contentment. And so his joy is not dependent upon the Philippian gift. It is wonderful, it gives him great joy, and as he says in 4:14, “it was kind of you to share my trouble”. But at the same time Paul is fully reliant upon the Lord.
Hence Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through him who strengthen me.” The all things is both being brought low and abounding. It is being fed and being on the brink of starvation. Paul can do both with deep contentment.
The Meaning:
Typically this verse is used to say that with the help of God we can do everything. We can throw unlikely touchdown passes, we can lift more weights, we can succeed in the stock market, ultimately, we can succeed at any task we attempt.
Paul is saying here that no matter what situation the Lord has him in he is able to have contentment. This verse is less about success and more about a deep an abiding joy. It doesn’t mean that you’ll throw a touchdown pass. It means that whether the pass hits the ground or the receivers hands in the end zone that the believer is able to be content.
This verse is not a promise. This verse is the result of a deep and abiding joy and contentment. But it is a deep and abiding joy and contentment that can be had by any believer that learns with the Paul “the secret of facing plenty and hunger…” That secret is that Jesus Christ is sufficient.
A great resource on this verse is The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs. He was a Puritan so the language might be a bit tough at times—but overall Burroughs is readable and quite enjoyable. (Here is a .pdf is you don’t want a hard copy of it. It is also free on Kindle).
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