Many people quote Philippians 4:13 as a verse that provides encouragement when someone feels like they can accomplish their goals or dreams: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
When someone feels that life is not going their way, they will often quote this verse to justify a desire that may or may not be within God's will. Just as it is with all Scripture, it is imperative we look at Scripture within its context and understand the meaning based on the verses that come before or after it.
Exegesis, or a critical interpretation of the text, is key not only to better understanding the Bible but how to apply it to our lives. This is important, so Christians don't misinterpret Scripture or mold it to fit what we want God's will to be, but rather what God's will actually is.
Christians who choose only to read Scripture rather than study it or to understand the full meaning can sometimes make errors when it comes to understanding Scripture.
To achieve true spiritual maturity, it is important to not only read the Word but understand its full meaning so we can correctly apply it to our lives.
It’s about Contentment
While it sounds nice to say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” it is verses 10-12 that actually give this verse its proper meaning:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Paul is speaking about contentment here. He is praising the Philippian church for providing for him during his time in ministry. It is clear from this passage that Paul lacked for nothing, largely due in part to the Philippian church’s provision.
He is speaking here about his time in prison and that God sustained him, both when he was in chains for Christ and also when he was out ministering to the people. He can do all things through Christ who strengthens him because God sustained him during times of great physical, emotional, and mental turmoil.
While there's nothing wrong with using this first to comfort yourself when life isn't going the way you would hope, it is actually inaccurate to say God will give you the strength to do whatever you feel like doing.
It is through God's promise to sustain us during trials that we can understand the true nature of contentment and that we can endure any difficulty because of God's sustaining presence in our lives.
Paul goes on to say he credits the Philippian church for going above and beyond in his provision, especially when he was in places far away from the Philippian church:
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”
Paul's hope for the church was that their reward will be greater in heaven and that God will bless them more in their spiritual (and possibly numeric) growth here on earth because of their generosity.
An important lesson to glean here is that even in Paul’s greatest time of need, his prayer is that the Philippian church be richly blessed because they're sacrificially giving to him.
Since we now understand that this verse is about contentment in current circumstances rather than being able to achieve great things here on earth, here are three ways to learn how to be content in your current circumstances.
1. Kill the Trap of Comparison
Comparison is one of the easiest and most detrimental traps we can fall into. It is easy to be content with what God has given us in his provision when we don't know what he has given to others.
But when we see others receiving more than us and whom we believe are less deserving than us, especially when it comes to worldly possessions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. Comparison easily leads to pride, which then makes us feel superior or inferior to others.
When we choose not to compare ourselves to others and focus only on accepting the fact that God gives as he sees fit, we can become more content with the provision God has given us.
2. Become Others-Centered
When we choose to live our lives helping others in need rather than focusing on ourselves, it is easier to be content with our current circumstances and God’s provision. The first area of our lives where we can become other centers with our time.
When we had extra time on our hands, we can fall into the trap of wanting to spend the time doing things to make ourselves happy. But we view our lives as an offering to God in an act of worship, we will understand the importance of living to meet other people's needs.
When we focus on giving to others rather than ourselves, we can learn to be content with whatever situation God has placed us in.
3. Learn to Sacrifice
In the consumeristic world in which we live, it is easy for us not to sacrifice for others. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for us when he died on the cross. His whole life was sacrificed.
He gave up his power, stripping himself from his full authority, so he could become our atonement for our sin. He just tells us to go above and beyond when it comes to others: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well” (Matthew 5:38-40).
When we live in the reality that life is not about us and that earth is not our home, we can achieve true contentment.
What Does This Mean?
Christians who have read the Bible know we serve a God of the impossible. God can raise the dead, heal a blind man, and make dry bones come alive again.
While it's true that God promises us that we will never be alone and will give us strength in every situation, Philippians 4:13 teaches us that life is not about achieving fame, fortune, or even realizing your personal dreams, but rather being content with being in the center of God's will.
For further reading:
Who Wrote the Book of Philippians?
Who Wrote Philippians and What Lessons Does it Have for Us?
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