Can Christians Really Do “All Things”?

Paul’s bold declaration in is one of the most commonly quoted passages in the New Testament. We find the verse on everything—from clothing to tattoos, and even eye makeup worn by professional athletes. A friend of mine recently quoted this verse to support her belief that God would help her achieve an exercise-related goal.

To support a belief that God would help you achieve an exercise-related goal.

The assumption is that Paul’s statement promises that we can accomplish any task in our lives because Christ will strengthen us.

We invoke this verse to comfort ourselves and others in difficult circumstances.

While the Bible affirms God’s ability to do anything he pleases

Matthew 19:26 NKJV

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

; ; compare ; ), this is not Paul’s point in .

Mark 9:23 NKJV

23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

; ; compare ; ), this is not Paul’s point in .

Job 42:2 NKJV

2 “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.

; ), this is not Paul’s point in .

Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV

17 ‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

j), this is not Paul’s point in .

this is not Paul’s point in .

Context of

If we look at the surrounding context of this passage, we find that Paul’s primary concern is the Philippian church’s financial support of his ministry.

is part of a side note to his main point.

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Paul begins to thank the Philippians for their financial contribution to his ministry; he resumes his thanksgiving in

Philippians 4:14–20 NKJV

14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

4:14–20. In between those sections, in 4:11–13, Paul pauses to tell his readers that he was already content before they gave him a single denarius.

In between those sections, in 4:11–13, Paul pauses to tell his readers that he was already content before they gave him a single denarius.

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Philippians 4:11–13 NKJV

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

These verses may seem odd in this context.

These verses may seem odd in this context. I used to think Paul was being somewhat impertinent by implying that the Philippians’ support was unappreciated or unnecessary. Or perhaps Paul was downplaying the gift, to avoid creating the impression that the Philippians were his financial patrons (compare ; ). But both of these explanations fail to explain why Paul lets us see into his heart in these verses. It seems that Paul’s motivation lies elsewhere.

I used to think Paul was being somewhat impertinent by implying that the Philippians’ support was unappreciated or unnecessary.

Perhaps Paul was downplaying the gift, to avoid creating the impression that the Philippians were his financial patrons

But both of these explanations fail to explain why Paul lets us see into his heart in these verses. It seems that Paul’s motivation lies elsewhere.

Contentment in All Circumstances through Christ

We can grasp the meaning of by reading the verse as the conclusion to the digression in 4:11–13.

In this brief passage, Paul tells the Philippians that he has figured out the key to being content in the Christian life, though he does not immediately reveal it.

He first states that his contentment does not depend on his present situation. He can be content whether he is full or hungry, rich or poor

Philippians 4:11–12 NKJV

Earlier in the letter, Paul gives an example of a time during his imprisonment when he was in need (1:12–26). He later describes how the Philippians’ gift “filled” him up; he even speaks of their financial contribution as a “fragrant offering” and a sacrifice to God (4:18 ESV). While Paul recognizes the highs (financial abundance) and lows (imprisonment) in his life, he does not derive his contentment from them.

While Paul recognizes the highs (financial abundance) and lows (imprisonment) in his life, he does not derive his contentment from them.

According to Paul, the source of contentment runs much deeper

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thus both concludes Paul’s digression and provides the key to Christian contentment: Christ himself.

For Paul, to be content is to know Christ and be strengthened by him.

He declares, “to live is Christ” and explains that everything else is meaningless in comparison to knowing Christ

Philippians 1:21 NKJV

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 3:7–9 NKJV

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

phil 3:7–9). Paul does not press on in his faith because circumstances are favorable or convenient, but because Christ Jesus made him his own (3:12; compare ). The contentment of knowing Christ brings joy, a theme Paul returns to more than 16 times in this short letter. Contentment in Christ also gives believers a peace that passes all understanding ().

Paul does not press on in his faith because circumstances are favorable or convenient, but because Christ Jesus made him his own.

The contentment of knowing Christ brings joy, a theme Paul returns to more than 16 times in this short letter. Contentment in Christ also gives believers a peace that passes all understanding ().

The contentment of knowing Christ brings joy, a theme Paul returns to more than 16 times in this short letter.

Contentment in Christ also gives believers a peace that passes all understanding

Philippians 4:7 NKJV

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The Secret to Being Content

does not promise that God will empower us in everything we wish to accomplish.

What does it do?

It assumes that we, like Paul, will experience both success and failure, both prosperity and great need.

We can have true contentment in Christ because we need only Christ to be satisfied. If we know this “secret,” we are immune to the ups and downs of life.

is not a promise of future success, but one of present sufficiency in Christ.

is one of the most powerful verses in the Bible. We should turn to this verse for encouragement when life’s ever-changing circumstances bring stress and uncertainty.

Let Paul’s words remind you of the gift of Christ’s presence and strength whether you are in need or abundance.

May we learn this truth—just as Paul did—and be empowered by Christ to face all circumstances.

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