Philippians 4:13 In Context – How To Become a Spiritual Superhero!

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible. Christians plaster it all over t-shirts, bumper stickers and social media. It really is an encouragement to become a Christian of deep faith and supernatural strength. Just not the way you probably think. I’ll prove it to you in less than 10 minutes.

Most American Christians can quote Philippians 4:13 without missing a beat:

I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who gives me strength! (Philippians 4:13 NET)

This is an awesome verse. It’s full of hope and encouragement. When we see it on Tim Tebow’s Insta-feed, plastered over an image of him pumping iron, we’re inspired to get off our lazy butts and change the world for Jesus. While the context of this verse is all about supernatural strength and deep faith, it’s not about conquering the world for Jesus. It’s about accepting our weakness. 

Where is Paul?

What is the Apostle Paul trying to teach the Christians at Philippi when he writes these words? We need to back up a bit and look at the context more closely:

I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble. (Philippians 4:10-14 NET)

Paul is writing this letter from prison. The conditions he’s living in are unspeakable. Roman prisons were terrible places. No food. Nothing to wash with. No bed. He doesn’t even have protection from other prisoners. An extended term in a Roman prison could easily lead to a long, excruciating death. This is what Paul is experiencing when he says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 

Paul’s survival has become dependent on the generosity of others. Any food he’s eaten, has been brought to him by Christians concerned for him. He can’t work. If he had a mat to sleep on, it’s because of the generosity of others. A change of clothes was a rare surprise. Everything we take for granted, Paul considered a luxury. 

Paul’s Secret Formula

From what Paul is saying, it appears that he hadn’t heard from the Christians at Philippi for quite a while. Naturally, he had questions and concerns. Was this little community ok? Had they heard about his imprisonment, and turned their back on him? Was something keeping them from supporting him? 

You can almost hear the relief in Paul’s words here. These dear brothers and sisters had sent Paul a gift. They were strong and hadn’t abandoned the Faith. At the first opportunity, they dispatched one of their own to strengthen and encourage Paul. And as Paul sheds tears of joy, he returns the favor by sharing his secret for being content in every circumstance. It doesn’t matter if he’s living in abundance or poverty. Or if he’s free to travel or chained in prison. Or if he has a crust of bread to eat or has gone days with nothing. Christ gives him strength. 

This isn’t easy for us. Our goal-focused, accomplishment-driven, success-formula culture makes us want this verse to be about ascending to the heights. And if you really think about this, when it comes to the Kingdom of God, there isn’t anyone who made a greater impact on history than the Apostle Paul. But his secret formula for supernatural strength wasn’t about conquering or overcoming. At least not the way we think about it. It was about surrender and contentment. He explained to another church this way:

But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NET)