Found on inspirational sports posters, gym walls, and in the bios of Christian athletes’ social media galore, Philippians 4:13 is undoubtedly one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible. However, it is rarely fully understood by those who read it, even among Christians. Today, to better understand it, we are looking at the greater context of Philippians 4:13 and taking a look at how the entire passage affects our lives.


First off:
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi while he is in prison.
(Phil. 1:7, 2 Cor. 11:25-28, Acts 21:27)


Realizing this, in order to live our lives radically for Christ, we need to:
1. Resolve to be content.
(Phil. 4:10-11, 2 Cor. 10:3, 12:10, 1 Tim. 6:6-10, Heb. 13:5, Luke 12:15, 31-32)
2. Revolve your life around Christ
(Phil. 4:12-13, Matt. 6:33, Rom. 12:2, Gal. 2:20, 1 Cor. 11:1-2, Col. 3:17)
3. Remember to help those in need and accept help when needed
(Phil. 4:14-18, 2:4, Heb. 13:16, Gal. 6:2, Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35, Prov. 22:9)
4. Realize that God is the one who supplies our needs
(Phil. 4:19-20, 2 Pet. 1:3, 1 Cor. 7:17, Rom. 8:32, Matt. 7:11)

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever heard this passage of Scripture or topic taught on before? What stood out to you?
1b. Where have you seen Philippains 4:13 quoted before?
1c. Before this message, did you have any idea what the context of Philippians 4:13 was? What did you know about this verse before hearing this message?
1d. How did looking at this passage within the greater context of Scripture help your understanding of this part of God’s Word?
1e. What are some practical ways you can keep God’s Word in context, in order to understand it more fully?

2a. Read Philippians 4:11. Paul emphasizes the importance of contentment. How do you think contentment helped him while he was in prison?
2b. Taking a look at your answers from question #2a, how do you think contentment could help you in your everyday life?
2c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #2a and #2b, how content are you in this season of your life? How can you be more content, without erroring through laziness?

3a. Read Philippians 4:12-13. Paul gives us the key to being able to withstand any circumstance he may find himself in: to revolve his entire life around Christ. How do you think that helped him while he was in prison?
3b. How would reorienting your life, to be completely revolved around Christ, change you? How would it affect things like how you react to others, discomfort, inconveniences, and hardships?
3c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #3a and #b, what practical step(s) can you take in order to better keep your life completely revolved around Christ? Is there anything in your daily schedule that you need to add or take away? Is there any sin or activity stopping you from completely revolving your life around Christ?

4a. Read Philippians 4:14-18. The church in Philippi were some of the few believers who hadn’t abandoned Paul in his need. How do you think this affected the relationship between him and the church?
4b. Paul accepted the church’s gift. Realizing this, and keeping in mind your answer from question #4a, how difficult is it for you to accept others’ help when you are in need?

5a. Read Philippians 4:19-20. Ultimately, Paul communicates that all of our needs are supplied by our Heavenly Father. What are you in need of right now?
5b. What are some practical ways that you can remember that God will supply every one of your needs?
5c. Keeping in mind your answers from questions #5a and #5b, how would remembering that change your mental state on a daily basis?
6. What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?