Philippians 4:13, Berean Study Bible
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Do you ever take time to meditate on these two verses?

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, BSB)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NIV)

All “things” or “nothing”, both are according to Jesus, either with Him or not with Him. So, if we are with Him, is it possible that the things the Word mentions include any evil or darkness? By all means, absolutely not! If we remain in the Vine, and the Vine is Jesus Himself, then there can be no darkness and evil. Each tree produces the same kind of fruits and each seed grows the same kind of plants. Through this understanding, a branch that is away from the Vine will only do evil, walking in darkness without light. “All things”, the word “All” does not mean everything which is happening and acceptable in this fallen world. “Things” only means the things that are applicable in His kingdom.

This means that when the Word says, “I can do all things” and “I can do nothing” it is pointing to the things that are of eternal and heavenly value.

Occasionally, I hear a believer use Philippians 4:13 to claim and push forward what they want or plan to do. But they are missing the full content of what God has to say…

In verse 7, Paul talks about a mind in Christ Jesus.

In verse 8-9, he mentions what things we should feed our mind and that we should put into practice all the things we learned, received, heard, and we saw in Him.

In verse 10-12, he urges us to be content in all circumstances and rejoice in the Lord.

At the end of this message, in verses 14-20, he made the conclusion that “…a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Whatever we do should be a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, and be pleasing to God. And God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Everything is about His glory forever and ever. (1 Corinthians 10:30)

Coria Brock
Aug 27th 2022 Being Fruitful Article
The Fruitful Women Online Magazine –
thefruitfulwomen.org