Movatterモバイル変換

John 15:4,5,7
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me…

2 Corinthians 3:4,5
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: …

through.

2 Corinthians 12:9,10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me…

Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Ephesians 6:10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

through Christ
The source of Paul's strength is explicitly identified as Christ. This underscores the centrality of Jesus in the believer's life, not just as a historical figure but as an active, empowering presence. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of union with Christ, where believers are spiritually united with Him, as seen in passages likeJohn 15:5, where Jesus describes Himself as the vine and believers as the branches. This union is foundational for Christian living and spiritual empowerment.

who gives me strength
The phrase highlights the ongoing, dynamic relationship between the believer and Christ. The strength provided is not a one-time event but a continuous supply, reflecting the sustaining power of God. This is consistent with Old Testament themes, such asIsaiah 40:31, where those who hope in the Lord renew their strength. The empowerment from Christ is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual resilience, emotional fortitude, and moral courage, enabling believers to fulfill God's purposes in their lives.

Paul begins with a confident first-person declaration. He isn’t boasting in himself; he’s acknowledging a settled conviction. Earlier in the chapter he wrote, “I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). His “I” is a believer who has:

• walked with Christ long enough to see the Lord’s faithfulness in hunger and in plenty (Philippians 4:12).

• experienced grace that turns personal weakness into opportunity for God’s power: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

• discovered that hard work is real, yet God’s enabling stands behind every effort: “By the grace of God I am what I am… yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Paul’s “I” represents any believer who has placed full trust in Christ’s finished work and daily presence.

“All things” sits in the flow of Paul’s contentment lesson, not in a wish-list of personal ambitions.

• The phrase covers every circumstance—poverty or abundance, freedom or imprisonment, serenity or stress. Context rules out selfish fantasies and centers on faithfulness in whatever God assigns (Philippians 4:11-12).

• Jesus framed a similar truth negatively: “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Paul states the positive side—you can persevere in everything God calls you to.

• When challenges look impossible, remember the Lord’s track record: “With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27).

The power pipeline is a Person.

• Union with Christ is the believer’s lifeline: “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you” (John 15:4).

• Paul no longer lives for himself; “Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Every act of obedience flows out of that indwelling presence.

• Whatever the task—big or small—our aim is that “in everything… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). The verse refuses any notion of self-reliance; it celebrates moment-by-moment dependence on Christ.

The verse ends by spotlighting the continuous supply line.

• Strength is not a one-time boost but an ongoing infusion: “Those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

• The command to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10) mirrors Paul’s testimony—strength is received, not manufactured.

• In the face of trial Paul could say, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). The same Lord fortifies every believer who leans on Him.

• David sang, “The LORD is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7), reminding us that divine empowerment carries both the ability to act and the protection to endure.

Philippians 4:13 is a declaration of Christ-sourced sufficiency for every God-ordained circumstance. Paul’s “I” is a yielded servant; the “all things” are the varied seasons of life God allows; the conduit is unbroken union “through Christ”; and the strength is a steady, gracious supply from the Savior Himself. When life swerves from feast to famine, success to setback, we can stand firm, content, and courageous, because the risen Lord continually empowers His people.

Through Christ which strengtheneth me.--The word "Christ" is not found in the best MSS.; it is a gloss, perhaps suggested by1Timothy 1:12, where we have exactly the same phrase, "Christ Jesus, our Lord, who hath enabled me." The same word is used inEphesians 6:10, "Be strong (strengthened within) in the Lord." In this sentence we have the world-wide distinction between the Stoic and the Christian. Each teaches respect for the higher humanity in the soul; but to the one that humanity is our own, to the other it is "the Christ within," dwelling in the heart, regenerating and conforming it to Himself. The words of St. Paul are but a practical corollary to the higher truth (comp.Philippians 1:21) "To me to live is Christ." In this consciousness alone is any thoughtful teaching of "self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-distrust," intelligible and coherent.