What Does It Mean That I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me?

The Meaning of Philippians 4:13 Explained In Context

Philippians 4:13 may be one of the most misused verses in the Bible. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is quoted by some individuals who claim to be able to reach any goal, accomplish any feat, or achieve a victory in any arena of life, all motivated by this verse.

Is that what these words meant to their original audience? That Christ will empower anyone to accomplish any goal they set their mind to simply because they declare, “I can do all things”?

The intended meaning of any Bible verse can only be deduced by reading it within context. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is not talking about achieving acts of greatness or feats of strength. He announces to the Philippians that he has discovered true joy by learning to be content whether full or hungry, whether well provided for or in need (vv. 10-12).

Some people boast that they can do all things while subtly, if not unknowingly, implying that they can handle most circumstances independently. This attitude of self-reliance stands in stark contrast to the original meaning of Paul’s declaration.

Consider the words of Christ from John 15:5. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” Jesus’ vine analogy conveyed to his disciples that only by staying connected to him would they be able to make an impact on the world; to bring his kingdom into reality here and now.

It is not true that we only need Christ’s strength when circumstances become too much for us to handle on our own. The individual who attempts to live the Christian life in his or her own strength will fail miserably!

But what did Jesus mean by, “He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit”? What kind of fruit was he talking about? Galatians 5:22-23 explains, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” 

Here, the apostle Paul does not state that the believer should try to be more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, and so on. Rather, just as a healthy growing vine will naturally produce grapes, these traits will be the natural byproduct of a life that is led by the Holy Spirit.

Just prior to giving the analogy of the vine, Jesus promised his disciples, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things” (John 14:26).

Following Jesus’ death and resurrection, the promise of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit became a reality, emboldening the apostles for service.[1] His promise is the same for us today.

As you and I surrender to the Father daily, we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do all things for his glory; to walk humbly, serve faithfully, and endure suffering patiently, not by our own, but through Christ who strengthens us.

[1] See Acts 2.

What Does It Mean That I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me?