I Can Do All Things

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

By Gordon Grammer

I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

When Paul says that he is able to do “all things” he is not suggesting that he is some Superman who was able to “leap tall buildings with a single bound, is more powerful than a locomotive, etc. ” It’s not that he could do “all things.” The point was that he could do all things “through Christ.”

At the time Paul writes this great passage he’s a prisoner in Rome with few civil rights. He is accused and hounded by idolatrous teachers from many cities. He is hated and despised by his own Jewish brethren in Israel. Now, he’s imprisoned. But, despite these circumstances he writes a letter to the Philippians of hope, faithfulness, joy, and encouragement.

It must be remembered that Paul saw his life only in terms of serving Jesus Christ. In Gal. 2:20, Paul said –

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Christ was his life! There were many things Paul couldn’t do, but he could still do “all things through Christ.” What are some of the things Paul could do “through Christ?” May I suggest…

1. He could make his life a great success. 

So can we, today! The rich farmer of bigger barns would hear God say on the day of his death, “You fool…” (Luke 12:20). What a tragic failure of life. But, Paul could say,

For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21).

Paul’s life would be the opposite of failure. He would tell anyone who would listen, “I can…,” and he did it through Christ!

A great success of Paul is expressed just before our text (Phil. 4:11-12). Paul had learned to live life in any situation; but, not only that, to be “content” in any situation of life. He could make his life count for Christ wherever he was. Imprisoned in Rome would have no effect on Paul being successful in doing these “all things.” So can you and I.

2. He could proclaim the Gospel.

So can we, today! What greater work could there be? Being in prison didn’t keep Paul from proclaiming the riches of Christ! He said in Phil. 1:12-13 that,

But I would he should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places.

How did the “whole praetorian guard” (ASV) know Paul was a prisoner (first!) of Jesus Christ? He told them! We, also, can proclaim the riches of God!

3. He could live a life of purpose, strength and hope. He said, “I can do all things… ” So can we, today! He taught in Phil. 1:20,

…I shall be ashamed in nothing… Christ shall be magnified in my body with all boldness, whether it is by life or by death.

If Paul was not made “ashamed” and he “magnified” Christ in his life, then he understood the hope and strength of the Son of God. Jesus came into this world to die nailed to a cross. But that wasn’t the end! Paul saw his own life in the very same light. Paul’s life was lived with a purpose and hope that went beyond this life!

4. He could live faithfully to the end.

He lived with an assuring and eternal promise. So can we, today! Paul did not see his death as the end. He said in Phil. 1:22, that he had, “a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better… ” He taught Timothy,

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness… (2 Tim. 4:7-8)

So, he tells the brethren in Phil. 4:19,

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

He knew he could be “faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10).

Through faith in Christ I can do all things that God desires of me (2 Time. 3:17). May we continue to grow in our lives of faith to the point we also can say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

-Think On These Things 11-18-12

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