“I can do all things through Christ”: a devotional on Philippians 4:13
It appears on football jerseys, gym walls and car stickers. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV) is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible, often used as a promise of victory in sport, business or exams. But when Paul wrote it, he was in chains, and he was not talking about winning. He was talking about contentment.
Learning contentment and the secret
Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned, possibly in Rome. He was thanking the church at Philippi for a gift they had sent him. Just before verse 13, Paul says, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Contentment, he says, is something learned. He continues, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound… both to be full and to be hungry.” He had known both comfort and hardship.
Paul calls contentment a secret he has learned. Verse 13 reveals it: Christ’s strength.
Not a slogan for success
“All things” refers to all circumstances, whether good or bad. Paul can face plenty without pride and poverty without despair. The verse does not promise that believers will win every match or get every job. It promises strength to remain faithful whatever happens. Elsewhere Paul writes that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Philippians 4:13 fits that pattern.
In a world that constantly tells people they need more, contentment is countercultural. Paul also praises the Philippians for their generosity, showing that contentment and giving go together. Lord, teach me to be content in plenty and in want. Strengthen me for whatever today brings.
The whole chapter and a caring church
In what situation do you most need Christ’s strength to be content? Reading Philippians 4 from the beginning helps the verse speak with its full meaning, from rejoicing in the Lord to the peace that passes understanding. The Philippians had supported Paul from the beginning of his ministry, and their gift reached him at a hard time. His words about contentment are partly a thank-you note, assuring them that he was well even before their help arrived.
Paul wrote the verse from a prison cell, not a trophy podium. Its strength is the kind that helps a person stay faithful when nothing is going their way.
