One of the Most Misunderstood Verses in the Bible
Neither Sports Nor Success
Probably like most students in the world, I used to write Philippians 4:13 on my high school basketball shoes. Many more people are aware of Stephen Curry who applies this text in a similar way.
It is true in one sense that by the Lord we can triumph and conquer all difficult obstacles, by His grace (cf. Psalm 18:29). But, this verse is not meant to be used in the context of sports or success.
Instead, the true meaning of this verse is actually more beautiful and precious for the Christian.
Philippians 4:13 is less about the success of the Christian and more about the sufficiency of Christ.
Paul, the Prisoner
The book of Philippians is rightly called the Epistle of Joy as the word “joy” or “rejoice” (ESV) is used more than ten times in this short letter. And as Paul writes this he is a prisoner for the sake of Christ (Philippians 1:12-17).
A jail cell in the ancient world didn’t have pool tables, air conditioning, TV’s, and free college courses. Instead, you were meant to rot in the cell unless those from outside the walls came to your aid (see Matthew 25:36; Hebrews 10:33-34). Paul is a joyful prisoner for the Lord.
And though in the midst of persecution and suffering, Paul is full of joy in the Lord. Why? Because his is being imprisoned for his love and obedience to Christ.
Suffering for Christ is always better than sinning against Christ. What immovable joy that exists in the heart of a believer to be counted worthy for the name of Christ (Acts 5:41).
The Secret to Contentment
Here then is Paul’s writing of one of the most misquoted verses of all-time. Starting in Philippians 4:10, the Apostle tells us that he was greatly cared for by the Philippians while in jail.
He notes in verse 11 that he has never truly been “in need” because Paul has “learned in whatever situation … to be content” (4:11, ESV).
No matter his time or need, Paul is content because he knows the immortal Christ. Paul can “count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” in order that he may “gain Christ” (3:7, ESV).
Christ is better than all things and even the loss of all things. Therefore, we can be content in any situation because we know He who is of all surpassing power and worth.
Paul knows “how to be brought low … [and] how to abound. In any and every circumstance” Paul knows the truth necessary in order to face “plenty and hunger, abundance and need” because he knows, loves, and has Christ (4:12, ESV).
Paul can abound in and through every situation in contentment because he has Christ — and to live is Christ and to die is gain (1:21). Contentment comes only when we have our hearts set on God and not our possessions.
The secret to contentment is finding your joy in Christ — and only through Christ can you “do all things” (4:13).
Philippians 4:13 tells us that contentment comes only by a heart centered on Christ. Do you believe that the steadfast love of God for you in Christ is better than life (Psalm 63:3)? Is Christ your treasure?
When Christ is your treasure, all earthly treasures lose their luster. How do we then increase in contentment? Loving Christ more than the world (cf. 1 John 2:15-17).
Jerry Bridges wrote this, “This is the secret of being content: to learn and accept that we live daily by God’s unmerited favor given through Christ, and that we can respond to any and every situation by His divine enablement through the Holy Spirit.”
God’s desire is for you to find more contentment in Christ and less satisfaction in the world. And in this He is glorified.
