Out of Context: Philippians 4:13
In todays Tuesday’s Truth, and following ones, we are going to examine what certain Bible verses mean in their context. There are popular Bible verses that are often taken out of their context, and twisted to mean something the author’s never intended. When the Bible was written, there were no chapter and verse divisions. So individual verses were never intended to stand alone. They are to be interpreted and understood within the passage that they are in. The one we will look at today is Philippians 4:13,
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
I used to have this verse on a shirt with a basketball on it. I believed this verse meant that God would give me the strength needed to slam dunk a basketball. The verse certainly says we can do “all things” right? Well, yes. But what are the all things being talked about in the context of the verse? That is what will help us in understanding what Philippians 4:13 is saying.
In verse 10, Paul is rejoicing that the Philippian church has contributed to his needs financially. In verse 14 they shared with him in his affliction. In verse 15, they were the only church that gave to him financially after he left Macedonia when he first began preaching the gospel.
Verse 13 then is in the context of giving and receiving of financial needs. In verse 11, Paul notes that he is not speaking from want, because he has learned how to be content in whatever circumstances I am in. He unpacks this in verse 12. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having and abundance, and suffering need.
When we read in context, the all things of Philippians 4:13 refers back to the “whatever circumstances” of verse 11, and the any and every circumstance of verse 12.
So Philippians 4:13 isn’t telling me that Christ is going to strength me to crush Michael Jordan in a game of basketball. The all things refers to having plenty or being in need. What the verse is saying is that Paul can live in poverty or abundance because it is Christ who give him strength in both situations.
We have to let the context tell us what “all things” means. When we understand this verse in context, we understand its proper meaning and application for our lives.
No matter what financial situation we find ourselves in, Christ is the one who strengthens us. I remember in seminary my bank account was running dry, I went to check my mail and a church couple had sent me a check. God was the one behind the scenes, sustaining me with his strength during that time. Life is no longer like that. While Im not rich by anyone’s estimation, all of my needs are met and I am not living paycheck to paycheck as I did many years ago. It is the same God and the same strength that allows me to make wise decisions with what he has given me.
The reason God strengthened him even when suffering need, is so that even in these difficult circumstances, Paul could continue being faithful to gospel ministry even in poverty. God doesn’t call us to be faithful to gospel ministry only when our pocketbooks are full. But he strengthens us to continue in faithfulness, even when they aren’t.
