Philippians 4:13: The Secret to Contentment & Suffering Well

Philippians 4:13 Declaration

A Source of Motivation? 

In Philippians 4:13, Paul declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This truth serves as a source of motivation for many believers when they face adversity or undertake challenging tasks. 

For example, Christian athletes write scripture on their sneakers as a reminder that Christ can help them achieve victory. While Christ does grant believers victory in every part of their lives, is this what Paul is talking about?

Below, I’ll answer this question by first highlighting Paul’s background, his purpose for the Book of Philippians, and revealing the true meaning of Philippians 4:13.  Then, I’ll discuss how believers can apply the verse to their lives to discover the secret to contentment and suffering well.

Paul’s Background 

Saul Before Philippians 4:13 

Before discussing Philippians 4:13, it’s important to shed light on the author of this infamous verse. One may think the creator of this profound quote has been a follower of Christ since birth. 

After all, this is the same individual who considers everything worthless in comparison to knowing and being one with Christ. 

The valuables Paul now considers worthless refer to his former identity. Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-2 inform readers that the apostle’s name was changed from Saul to Paul.

These verses also portray Saul as a persecutor and murderer of individuals who follow the Way. Philippians 3:5-6 also indicates he comes from the tribe of Benjamin, a full-blooded Israelite and a strict legalistic Pharisee. His zeal as a strict legalist Pharisee prompts Saul to trust in his works as a means of being righteous before God.

The Missionary’s Imprisonment  

Saul’s zealousness deceives him as he believes that persecuting Christians is a righteous act. Thankfully, a divine encounter with the Lord on the Damascus Road shows Saul how his deception.

Along with discovering his deception, the encounter allows Saul to realize how his actions break Jesus’ heart. As a result, he repents, commits to following his God given calling, and undergoes a spiritual transformation.

This transformation is evident as God changes Saul’s name to Paul and makes him a missionary for the Gospel. Ironically, the persecution he used to inflict upon followers of Christ, he must endure for the sake of the Good News.

More specifically, Paul becomes God’s chosen instrument to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, Kings, and people of Israel.

Consequently, Paul endures verbal harassment, beatings, and wrongful arrests for preaching about Jesus Christ. Being arrested several times teaches Paul the message he proclaims to the Church of Philippi in Philippians 4:13. 

This is because he proclaims the verse while in prison. Many scholars argue over whether the conditions of Paul’s imprisonment are similar to house arrest or deplorable like Roman prisons. 

Either way, being in chains and wrongfully confined against your will is agonizing. But if Paul were in a Roman prison, he would’ve endured 

• Continual darkness.
• Extremely cold temperatures 
• Poor food rations.
• Skin chaffing from shackles.
• Sleep exhaustion.
• The foul stench of feces and urine.

Paul testifies that by God’s grace, these hardships help him be content, whether he has much or little.

The Purpose Surrounding Philippians 4:13

Joy Amid Suffering 

Learning to be content while in prison and enduring deplorable conditions, Paul teaches believers the value of suffering for Christ. Ironically, his purpose for writing Philippians is to help the church of Philippi learn to rejoice and have joy in the Lord. 

Paul does this by addressing matters that can hinder or enhance  their ability to be joyful, such as 

• His love and thankfulness for the Church of Philippi (Philippians 1:3-11).
• His personal well-being (Philippians 1:12-26).
• The importance of living as citizens of Heaven (Philippians 1:27-30)
• Walking in humility and shining for Christ (Philippians 2:1-18).
• Commending Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30).
• The value of knowing Jesus Christ (3:1-11).
• Pressing toward their heavenly reward (Philippians 3:12-4:1).
• Promoting unity and offering encouragement (Philippians 4:2-23).

Paul encourages these believers by thanking them for their financial support and concern during times when they couldn’t help him.

The Truth About Philippians 4:13 

While Paul thanks the Church of Philippi for their support and concern, he also acknowledges that he really isn’t in need. The apostle doesn’t say this boastfully or with an ungrateful attitude.

Instead, Paul has learned the secret to living in every situation, whether he has plenty or little. According to Philippians 4:13, this secret is his ability to do “everything through Christ who gives him strength.” 

Unfortunately, Christians misuse Paul’s declaration by treating it as a motivational passage suggesting God empowers them to accomplish tasks simply because they’re saved.

Rather, being saved grants believers the privilege of being infused with God’s strength, which sustains them until they receive provision (John MacArthur, The MacArthur Bible Commentary ebook 2005, p.2823). While Paul specifically alludes to a financial need, Philippians 4:13 shows that God strengthens believers to endure any hardship or persecution.

Using Philippians 4:13 Appropriately

Relying on God’s strength gives me the ability to endure the various challenges that come with having cerebral palsy.  God’s strength is also teaching me how to be content in a world constantly promoting hard work to acquire more material possessions. 

This ideology conflicts with contentment, as the need for more prevents people from being satisfied with the blessings they already have. For believers, being truly content means taking delight in your personal relationship with God, regardless of circumstances. 

Again, delighting in God and enduring hardship are only possible by depending on God’s strength. It’s God’s strength that helps Christians endure hardships like

• A devastating doctor’s report. 
• Homelessness.
• Challenges that make serving in ministry seem daunting at times.
• Job loss or toxic work environment.
• The tragic death of a friend or family member.
• Persecution and slander for standing on the Gospel.  

Paul’s attitude amid persecution not only teaches us about the true source of contentment but also how to suffer well. He does this by heeding his advice to the church, taking an interest in their affairs instead of complaining about his trials. 

Throughout Philippians, Paul praises, encourages, corrects, and warns believers in Philippi to help them remain steadfast in their faith. Likewise, we can endure suffering well by finding ways to help others stay committed to God and grow in their faith.

Approaching suffering this way reveals our spiritual maturity, authenticates our faith, and shows that the Lord’s joy is our strength.

Being Content & Suffering Well

While I know the Lord will give believers the joy and strength we need to endure suffering, no one looks forward to hardships.

So, Lord, I ask that you forgive us when we complain about hardships. Teach us how to find contentment in you and suffer well as we’re enduring trials. 

Thank you for the trials we experience are not in vain, as they will help mature and complete us. Help us remember that you’re present with us, promise to provide comfort and supply our needs.

As we suffer, help us focus on the interests of others so they will see your light in our lives and wonder how we’re able to keep shining through dark situations. Then, we can declare Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”  

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