Philippians 4:13 Sunday School Lesson for Kids

When we feel like we can't do something hard, Jesus gives us the strength to keep going.

Ask the class to think of something they tried that felt really hard, maybe learning to ride a bike, finishing a tough homework page, or making a new friend. Tell them Paul wrote a verse about exactly that feeling.

• Paul wrote Philippians while he was in prison, so 'all things' meant getting through really difficult situations, not just fun or easy ones.
• The word 'strengthens' is ongoing. Paul did not get one big burst of strength and use it up. Jesus kept giving him what he needed, moment by moment.
• This verse is an invitation to ask Christ for help instead of trying to push through on our own.

• Paul was in prison when he wrote this verse. How does knowing that change the way it sounds to you?
• What is the difference between saying 'I can do it because I try hard' and 'I can do it because Jesus helps me'?
• What is something hard you are going through right now that you could ask Jesus to help you with?

Encourage students to find one hard thing this week and, before giving up or pushing through alone, stop and actually ask Christ for strength.

Bible Context

Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome around AD 60 to 62. Despite his circumstances, the letter has a remarkably joyful tone throughout. Philippians 4:13 comes near the end of the letter after Paul has just described learning contentment in both abundance and need, which makes clear that the strength he is referencing is the kind that sustains a person through suffering and hardship, not a guarantee of outward success.

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