Based on a series of sermons preached in PCC Prayer Meetings in 2023-2024
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me
Philippians 4:13
The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians was written during one of his imprisonments. This is clear from his references to his bonds (1:12-30). Most likely, this was during his first Roman Imprisonment, the beginning of which is recorded in Acts 28.
What was the occasion of this letter? Well, when the saints at Philippi heard that Paul was in prison in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus to minister to him. Epaphroditus represented the Philippians to comfort Paul in his affliction. He also brought a generous gift from the church, which Paul appreciated greatly (4:18). Paul wrote this letter to thank the Philippians for their generosity and love. So we may say that this letter is a thank you letter.
Well, it is much more than a thank you letter. Indeed, Paul comes round to say thank you to the Philippians for their gifts only at the end of the letter. And even then, he does not simply say “thank you,” but seeks to instruct his readers about giving and receiving.
So, he tells them how he rejoices to receive their care once again. But he also clarifies that he is not trying to prick their conscience so that they might give him more. “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound,” he assures them (Phil 4:11-12a).
Then he says something that appears at first sight to be out of context: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (v. 13).
This verse has been used, or should I say, misused by many Christians seeking to boost their morale or even to boast about their confidence that they are able to pull off some arduous challenges.
But if you look at the context, you will immediately realise that Paul is not really thinking about exceptional challenges such as marathons or other competitions. Instead, he thinking about day-to-day trials and uncertain days ahead.
Thus, Philippians 4:13 is designed, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to help those of us who may be undergoing trials and uncertainty. We may not be in prison, but we may be in a pressurising situation: at work, in school, amongst relatives, at home, etc.
Let’s unpack the verse by looking at it phrase by phrase:
1. I Can Do All Things
Once again, looking at the context, we see that by “all things,” Paul is referring to what he needs, not so much what he wants to do. So, he is not referring to his attempt to do great things to further Christ’s kingdom. Instead, he is thinking about the trials that have come upon him by God’s providence.
Thus, by doing all things, he is probably thinking about (1) surviving under situations of dire need; (2) resisting temptation; (3) overcoming harassment, vexation and torture; (4) not worrying about the future; and (5) not being overwhelmed by negative thoughts.
Have you been able to do all these? Do you feel overwhelmed and helpless in your circumstances? Paul’s experience can be yours, too, as a believer. He can do all things through Christ.
2. Through Christ
The Lord Jesus says in His Parable of the Vine and Branches, “I am the Vine, ye are the branches… without me ye can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Paul understands that. He knows it by experience. He has learned that the Christian life does not merely consist of obeying Christ, imitating Christ, finding inspiration from Christ, or honouring Christ.
All these are good and necessary for every Christian, but it is not what truly helps him in trials. What truly helps him is His union with the Lord Jesus Christ. On account of his union with Christ, Paul finds himself able to do all things, whether it is to do with thriving under dire circumstances, fighting temptation, handling opposition, facing uncertainties or battling depressing thoughts.
He can do all things through Christ! But make no mistake. Do not confuse what Paul says with the popular cliché, “Let go and let God.”
Someone who says that may claim that “a Christian is a mind through which Christ thinks; a voice through which Christ speaks; a heart through which Christ loves; a hand through which Christ helps.”
Well, this sounds very pious. But what do we say of such a description of a Christian? Dr Martin Lloyld-Jones has one word to describe this idea: “NONSENSE!” And I agree with him. According to this thinking, Christ is not using the Christian but his voice, mind, heart and hand. The Christian becomes merely a passive tool. But this is not what Paul is teaching. He says: “I can do all things through Christ…” It is I who does, but not I alone.
Indeed, Paul clarifies what he means by adding the phrase “which [or who] strengtheneth me.”
3. Which Strengtheneth Me
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” In other words, Christ strengthens me so I can do everything.
How does Christ strengthen us? He strengthens us by the power of His Spirit working from within. He strengthens us in the inner man.
This is the mystery of the Christian life: Christ is not living the Christian life for me. It is Christ enabling me, empowering me, to live for Him. We must never obliterate the I. We must cultivate it so that we may be of use to Christ as He works in us, through us and with us.
What is Paul saying when he declares, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”? He is saying that Christ is constantly empowering him inwardly to live as Christ has appointed him to live—in whatever circumstances Christ has appointed for him.
For this reason, Paul can say confidently, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 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” (v. 11-12).
If Paul were merely a tool or a channel through which Christ operated, he could learn and know none of these things any more than a hammer knows how to strike a nail. In which case, Paul would have found no real comfort and confidence in whatever situation of life he might have found himself in. But that is not his testimony.
Conclusion
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” says Paul (Phil 4:13).
Is this your testimony, dear reader? If so, blessed are you. Nothing can shake your confidence and comfort. Nothing can rob you of your joy or make you give up living for Christ, who laid His life down for you. Only believe. Keep trusting Him and finding strength and purpose in Him. Don’t take your eyes off Christ, and don’t for a moment doubt that you are united to Him who loves you and is upholding all things by the word of His power for your good. Amen.
—JJ Lim