We've Interpreted Philippians 4:13 Wrongly
A Bible Study on Philippians 4:13
Have you ever been to a Mall and bought something you rarely use? We all have been there, haven’t we? This is partly because of the day and age we live in. Our culture glorifies collecting things. While fulfilling our needs is not bad, acquiring things we know we would rarely use is certainly not good! Contentment is a rare virtue these days.
If you’re someone who struggles with contentment, you are not alone. We all struggle with it. Since Paul dealt with this issue in his letter to the Philippians, let’s examine it and see what remedy he has in store for us.
Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” has been (mis)quoted extensively. It is a great verse, is it not? The words, the message—everything is conveyed clearly. It is about us who can do anything and everything through the help of Christ. Such great encouragement! This is how this verse is commonly interpreted in the Christian circles. Upon a closer look, it may not convey what has been so vehemently propagated.
Examining the Context
Let’s look at the previous verse. Philippians 4:12 reads, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
In verse 12, Paul talks about different life extremes that he has been through. He has experienced great need and has also encountered abundance. On the one hand, he knows what hunger is, while on the other hand, he knows what it is to be full. Both extremes can cause one to be discontent. The list of Paul’s hardships is a long one:
“I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”
2 Corinthians 11:23b-28 (NIV).
He has faced such hardships and yet he can say that he is content in all these things. What’s the secret?
The Secret of Being Content
Paul finally spills the tea and reveals the secret to being content in life. It is the strength of Christ in every situation that gave him contentment. This shows that the strength of God does not depend on our situation. He does give us strength to face any hardship, as a Christian believer.
Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can rely on the same God who knows our needs and more importantly has all the resources we will ever need.
May the God who gives contentment help us be content with what we have!
See you next time!
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