"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affection."

Can we?  Do all things?  Through Him?

Does He strengthen us?

Paul is reminding the Philippian church of an important lesson.  He is telling them, once again, where their faith belongs.

We often try to shape this verse to fit our personal belief system.  I can do all things through Christ if I am in His will.  I can do all things that Christ wants me to do.  I can do all things through Christ after He strengthens me. 

These may or may not be true, but Paul is instructing something different.  He is telling us to focus on the future, not the present.  Look ahead - God is there - nothing is impossible with Him.

This is why it is good to share in affection.  It is the love of who Christ is, not our failures apart from Him, that Paul is looking to.