Philippians 4

I suppose we should conclude our study of Philippians with one final very well-known verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (vs 13).  This might be the most well-known verse among Christians; the problem is that many only know it outside of its context.

Most of my life in fact I have heard this verse taken out of its context, and pasted on top of big aspirations. There's nothing wrong with aspiring to do great things; but it is wrong to attach this verse to our plans and have full confidence in God to bring about what we want. We should instead aspire to do good things in the name of the Lord and for his glory, and then attach a verse like Luke 22:42: "Not my will, but yours be done."

So what is the context for this verse? Look back at verse 11. Paul has learned that in whatever situation he finds himself, he has all he needs to be content. No matter how low his conditions fall, or how high they abound, no matter the circumstance, he has found the secret of contentedness: Jesus Christ. Taken within this context the verse seems to have much less to do with accomplishing what we want (with Christ's help), as we so often think. It seems to have more to do with finding contentment in all things because we have the strength of Christ within us.

Do you see the difference? Paul was in prison for much of his ministry. Notice that he did not say, "I will now break these chains, because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." No, in fact the time when Paul's chains we broken, he and Silas had been singing hymns to God! They were singing even while shackled in prison. Why? Because they had discovered—or rather had been discovered by—the only thing necessary for them to be content.

What is it that you need to be content? Is it wealth? Popularity? A boyfriend or girlfriend? I'm not saying those are bad things to have. But if you can't be content without them, they have become idols.

So ask God to create in you a desire for true contentment that is found in him, and only him.