Our ability

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Paul’s postscript

      Paul has just finished his thanks to the Philippians for their gift and proclaimed his independence from situations controlling his life.  He explained that he learned how to be content in all and every situation by the experiences of his past.  Paul then makes the statement of our text, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me. It is a statement of triumph and also humility at the same time. It is one of those Christians paradoxical truths to rejoice, to make our boast and yet be humble and lowly. (Gal 6:14 and let every man glory in Christ). We are to boast only in the Lord.

      Paul is not saying that he can do all things by himself, but that he is enabled to do all things through the power of Christ. – I am strong in all things in Christ Who infuses strength into me.

      Paul said he came to the instruction of the previous verses through experience, logical reasoning of his Christian faith, and cultivating a personal and intimate knowledge of Christ. His final explanation is that he is made strong for all things through Christ.  He is saying that Christ is all sufficient for every circumstance, every situation, every eventuality and every possibility. The Christian life is an activity, a power and a true life.

Power for living

      The Christian life is a mighty power that enables us – a life that is pulsating in us, an activity, a part of God (Phil 1:6; 2:12, 13; 3:10; Eph 1:19, 20; 3:20). A Christian is a man or woman who has received a new life – the very life of God.

      Paul is not saying that he became a stoic – one indifferent to the world and its surroundings. Just as Indian (from India) fakirs who have developed the power of the mind enabling them to control their physical bodies to a point – laying on nails, etc. (this is a principle of Hindus and Buddhists). Paul is not teaching that or saying he has developed that.

      Paul wants all to see that his victory is based upon his association with Christ. To be a Christian is not only to believe the teachings of Christ and to practice them; not only is to follow the pastern and example of Christ, but it to be so vitally related to Him that His life and power are working in us. Paul is saying that Christ infuses so much power into him that he is able for all things. He is not left to himself to struggle alone.

Two errors

      Many do not live or possess this power because of one of two errors.

For one thing they emphasize the “I” only. It isn’t will power that the stoics, Hindus and Buddhists teach. Without Christ we fail

Neither is it the obliteration of the “I”. A mind through which Christ thinks; A voice through which Christ speaks; a heart through which Christ loves; a hand through which Christ helps.

We are not people who have lost their personalities or ceased to exist... Paul says I can do all things. . . (Gal 2:20)

      The Christian life is not a life that I live by myself or one that is obliterated. And Christ does all. It is not just I or just Christ, but Christ and I.

      In order for this to take place in our life, we must go to Him, meditate upon Him, study His word, and spend time with Him. We must get to know Him as well as we can, practice living the godly life and expand our knowledge and understanding of His word and ways.