All things are possible through christ who strengthens us

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

THERE are many scripture readings people choose to live by and never forget, but one of the most well known bible verses that is often quoted is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Believers young and old often have this scripture hung over their doors in their homes, a cubicle in the office or even tattooed on their skin. It seems as if the connection these Christians have with this particular Philippians 4:13 scripture is one that they hold dear and near. 

Tribune Religion asked a number of Bahamians how important the scripture is and what it means to them. The majority of the answers circulated around the fact that “once a person has God on their side, they cannot go wrong”.

For Xena, a Pentecostal follower, this scripture is important because it goes hand in hand with her faith in God. Speaking about the story of David when he was faced with Goliath, she said that is a pure example of what the scripture signifies.

“He was like as long as God goes with him, he is straight. Here it is, people were watching this young shepherd boy, going against a giant with just a sling shot. But he went and he did it, how was that even possible if God wasn’t with him? With faith, any and everything is possible,” said Xena.

Barbara, a Catholic believer said she was a very little girl when this scripture was taught to her, but it never left her. She said it may sound kind of cliché now, because everywhere you go, you may see it or you may hear it, but this is a good thing.

“God wants us to spread his message, whether they are overused or not, as long as people know it. People don’t know how powerful this scripture is. A lot of people in the world stay doubting themselves and believing that they are not capable of certain things, but the sky is definitely the limit. And the truth is, you can do anything through Christ that strengthens you,” said Barbara.

Simone, an Anglican said: “To me, it means that no matter what the challenge is, if you take it from an attitude of faith and pray about it as you’re doing it, then you should have success.

“People say this a lot but you have to put God first in everything you do and I promise you will never go astray.”

Simone said she’s not a saint but she can tell anyone that her faith is strong as a mountain top and God is always with her because she prays and asks him to stay with her always, for guidance, protection, wisdom, love and security.

When the going gets tough and the tough gets going, Melissa, a Baptist follower, said this scripture breathes new life.

“When I say that, I mean sometimes certain things may be difficult and when I remember that nothing is impossible to God, I get a renewed sense of hope and encouragement. That scripture can be applied to any and every part of a person’s daily life. Whether if it is your job, a relationship or your career, it doesn’t matter,” she said.

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Verse Numbers

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Images for Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 in Other Translations

KJV

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

NLT

13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

MSG

13 Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

CSB

13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things
Which must not be understood in the greatest latitude, and without any limitation; for the apostle was not omnipotent, either in himself, or by the power of Christ; nor could he do all things that Christ could do; but it must be restrained to the subject matter treated of: the sense is, that he could be content in every state, and could know how to behave himself in adversity and prosperity, amidst both poverty and plenty; yea, it may be extended to all the duties incumbent on him both as a Christian and as an apostle, as to exercise a conscience void of offence towards God and men; to take the care of all the churches; to labour more abundantly than others in preaching the Gospel; and to bear all afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions for the sake of it; yea, he could willingly and cheerfully endure the most cruel and torturing death for the sake of Christ: all these things he could do, not in his own strength, for no man was more conscious of his own weakness than he was, or knew more of the impotency of human nature; and therefore always directed others to be strong in the Lord, and in, the power of his might, and in the grace that is in Christ, on which he himself always depended, and by which he did what he did; as he adds here, through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions leave out the word "Christ", and only read "him"; and so the Alexandrian copy and others; but intend Christ as those that express it: strength to perform duty and to bear sufferings is in Christ, and which he communicates to his people; he strengthens them with strength in their souls, internally, as the word here used signifies; by virtue of which they can do whatever he enjoins them or calls them to, though without him they can do nothing.

Philippians 4:13 In-Context

11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

12 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.

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;

Related Articles

Cross References 1

• 1. 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:16; Colossians 1:11; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:17

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