We... can do all things! What does that mean?

I have been contemplating for many months now, no, probably over a year, the tattoos and other promotional claims regarding Philippians 4:13. It is prominently displayed by many athletes as a tattoo or a wrist band or something that seems to signify that the wearer can be ‘successful’ at their particular endeavor because of some overly protective magic that Christ provides them; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”


I finally took the time to really read and review in meditation the actual context in which Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ makes this proclamation.

Firstly, he is not claiming some athletic or earthly victory here. He is speaking about the gifts given to him and his group of Evangelists as they travel the known world and proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul speaks about how the Philippian church provided for their physical needs back when they were in Thessalonica and no other ‘church’ provided for their physical needs during that time. He extols the fact that they have, finally, received the provisions that the Philippians have sent them, and Paul goes on to say that he rejoices in their gift, “not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.“ Phil 4:17. This is a benefit to the giver, not to Paul, spiritually.

Furthermore, looking directly at the verses before the Phil 4:13 “all things” statement, Paul is saying that he has learned to be ‘content’ in all things regarding FOOD. He’s not saying he’s become a superman or a Heisman Trophy winner because of Christ’s miraculous provision of strength and fortune, he’s talking about being ‘content’ from a physical sense whether he and his followers have enough provisions to meet their “daily bread”.

What is most interesting to me about this entire situation and miss-interpretation of the meaning of these verses is that it proves the point Paul made back in Philippians 3 -18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord

These two chapters; Philippians 3 and 4 as well as the entire book of Philippians, nay, the entire New Testament is about the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ’s coming, revealing God’s will to us and dying for our benefit. We are to be reverently admiring and glorifying God through our ‘calling’ to salvation through Jesus Christ. We are not to be claiming His secret powers or extolling his ‘favor’ upon us through our physical endeavors and ‘victories’.

We are called to grow to maturity in Him, to dedicate our very lives to knowing Him and the ‘power of His resurrection’ in our lives as we extol His mercy and grace, and, especially, call others to HIM! Matthew 28:19.

Praise Him!!

Amen