Philippians 4:13 — Not Self-Empowerment

What it means

Philippians 4:13 is often quoted as a slogan promising that Christ will help a believer accomplish any goal or win any competition, but Paul wrote it from prison about something deeper than achievement. In the surrounding verses he explains that he has learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11-12). The 'all things' he can do through Christ is the strength to endure and remain at peace in any circumstance, not a guarantee of success or comfort. This is the same Lord whose grace was sufficient for Paul in weakness, whose power is made perfect in our frailty (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Read this way, the verse points away from self-empowerment and toward a contentment that rests entirely on Christ's sustaining strength and provision (Philippians 4:19).