Scripture Song of Philippians 4:11-13

“For I Have Learned in Whatsoever State I Am”

Commentary on Philippians 4:11-13

by Living Faith Fellowship

Philippians 4:13 is probably one of the most-quoted verses in the whole New Testament, but it is easy to claim this promise of a victorious life without paying much attention to the context. It was while chained to a Roman guard, a prisoner in a foreign land with an uncertain future, that the apostle wrote: "I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." His victory was not so much in the great works he had achieved, but in the trust he had learned by following in his Master's footsteps.

Our Father knows that this place of perfect peace and contentment is where we want and need to be, but He also knows our hearts, that we hold on tightly to the things we think will bring us happiness, and resist that which is for our ultimate good. So, loving us as He does, He will take us through circumstances that we would not choose, through the disruption of our plans and agendas, and even through times of sorrow and disappointment, teaching us all the while to trust that He knows what He is doing, though often we may not. It is only by daily taking up the cross as our Savior commanded, laying down our lives and letting go of our thoughts, that we will find the place of quiet rest that is not dependent on changeable circumstances, but on the One who changes not.

Commentary ©2011 Hebron Christian Fellowship. Unaltered text may be reproduced freely without financial gain.

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Philippians 4:11-13

Verbatim KJV. Words or verses not included in song replaced with "..."

  1. ...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
  2. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
  3. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.