It’s been said by some biblical scholars that the three most important rules for a proper and thorough understanding of the text of Scripture are Context, Context, & Context. By that we mean:

· The immediate context in a section or chapter of Scripture

· The larger context of a particular book in the Bible

· The broad context of the entire Bible and God’s plan for his children

I freely admit that some passages of Scripture can be valuable in and of themselves as precious promises, words of comfort, or even admonition or warning. They can also be used to ‘prove’ one’s personal opinion or preferred interpretation. Examining context can therefore be not only profitable, but extremely edifying.

With that said, let’s examine our passage:

This passage, as well as a few others[1] have been and are used for all sorts of ‘personal empowerment, from the mundane and ordinary (finding lost car keys) to the spectacular (Want to be a pro football player?), and just about every stop in between, where personal accomplishment of something is in view. Does not teach that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task simply because they are saved?. Is that what it really means? Let’s take a closer look.

1. What is Philippians 2:13 REALLY about?

In Philippians, chapter 3 Paul tells members of the church in Philippi that he longs to see them (v. 1), followed by exhortation, encouragement, and a call to remain steadfast in praying for God’s provision in all things (vv.2-7). Paul then speaks of his great rejoicing that there was a revival of concern for his welfare on the part of Philippian believers. Although Paul finds their concern admirable, he also shares the real source of his strength in ministry in verses 11-13:

¹¹ Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹²I know how to get along with little, 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 abundance and suffering need. ¹³I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

So it’s clear that the “all things” mentioned in Philippians 2:13 is about circumstances, not personal accomplishments.

2. What is the REAL promise in our passage?

Paul himself told us a few verses later:

¹⁹“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen”

(Philippians 3:19–20).

Just as Paul relied on Christ to provide all of his needs, and just as Christ could provide all of the needs of the believers in Philippi, He promises to meet our needs. Christ can give contentment during times of plenty and times of poverty. He can help us do all things through His strength, no matter what life tosses at us. In Paul’s case, it was the strength to serve as a missionary in the face of hardship and suffering. In our lives, this same strength is available. Whatever our station in life; if we serve in our Armed Forces or as a public servant, in a civilian profession, God will meet all of our needs, wherever we might find ourselves. No matter what, Christ’s power can enable us to stand firm on His promises and endure the most difficult of life’s challenges.

3. Is there a broader principle to recognize here?

If we look at what was possible with Paul in Philippians 4, we find that he was talking about whatever circumstances he encountered during his ministry, including suffering and hardship. When we examine Luke 1:37, we see the fulfillment of prophecy – the birth of John the Baptist, Matthew 19:26 is part of the story of the rich ruler and an answer to a question from the disciples of Jesus; “Who then can be saved?”. Finally, the context of Mark 9:23 concerns the healing of a boy possessed with a demon.

All of the above passages of Scripture had to do with the calling and purposes of God. Paul had been called by God to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Elizabeth had been chosen to give birth to the forerunner of Jesus Christ and the last OT prophet, John the Baptist. Jesus, in answering a question, was declaring that only God has the power to save. The story of the demon possessed boy in Mark was a demonstration of the miracle working power of Jesus and a confirmation of His identity as the long awaited Messiah.

So regardless of what you have believed about Philippians 4:13 et al, now you have. . .

. . .the REST of the verse!

BE BLESSED!

[1] Luke 1:37, Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23