Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
As I look at this verse, I see three distinctive parts:
"I can do all things"
"Through Christ"
"Which strengtheneth me"
This verse is very familiar to God's people and it's a favorite for many. It
speaks encouragement to our hearts; yet as I see it there is a definite
assignment to these words. If my English grammar lessons serve me correctly, I
can also speak this verse in this manner: "I can do all things which
strengtheneth me through Christ." You see this verse does not give us an
unlimited license to do as we please as long as we say it is through Jesus.
Rather, those things which strengthen our Christian walk can be done, as we are
led by the Spirit of God and strengthened through the grace of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ. This verse is written in a particular context.
I'm going to go back a few verses and hope we take time to read them in context
with today's passage. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever THINGS are true,
whatsoever THINGS are honest, whatsoever THINGS are just, whatsoever THINGS are
pure, whatsoever THINGS are lovely, whatsoever THINGS are of good report; if
there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these THINGS.
(9) Those THINGS, which ye have both learned, and received, and
heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
(10) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your
care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked
opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (12) 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." (Philippians 4:8-12)
If I count correctly, the word, things, are mentioned 9 times before verse 13
which makes the tenth time. I put them in capital letters in order to stress
the fact that there are several "THINGS" mentioned in these
verses such as honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, being in want
and being content, being humbled and being exalted, being hungry and being
full. Then the Apostle Paul concludes it by saying, "I can do ALL THINGS
through Christ which strengtheneth me." Again I say it is very important
to keep Scripture in the context where it is written. I understand there are
many actions that come as a result of those things and it is very important
that we understand that it is Jesus Who gives us the strength to do them. Our
Heavenly Father provides all our needs in order to do those things. All glory
for our Christian walk goes to our Father in Heaven, His blessed Son, and the
Holy Spirit. Thank you Lord for giving us the strength to be able to walk with
you.