I want to know Christ
Philippians 3:10-11 - Paul is setting an example for all future Christians, to deny oneself and to sacrifice for others — dying, as it were, to self and to sin.
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“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11 NIV
Although Barb examined the Epistle to the Philippians a while back, we both find that we learn something new with each study of scripture, so it’s advantageous for each of us to walk the path the other has already traveled. The author of these verses is the apostle Paul, and he is writing to the church in Philippi (northern Greece), probably from captivity in Rome.
The first five words — “I want to know Christ” — seem a bit odd from a man who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and who came from that experience a greatly changed person. From being a knowledgeable Pharisee who actively persecuted and sought the death of those who professed belief in Jesus as the Messiah, Paul transformed into the foremost advocate for Christ and the person who has explained the Good News to countless generations of Christians. So why did Paul say he wanted “to know Christ?”
Paul already had a deep faith in Jesus; now he wishes that he could acquire a deeper knowledge of Christ. He is already justified by faith and separated from the penalty of sin, and Paul is going through the process of progressive or experiential sanctification, becoming more mature in Christ and daily moving further away from the power of sin. That is, like us he is becoming more like Christ with each passing day as he understands more through study of the Word of God and increasing in righteousness with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The rest of the verse is about achieving glorification, the separation from the presence of sin and a permanent, ultimate holiness in the presence of God. Paul is the prototype of future Christians, who have a deep desire to attain “to the resurrection of the dead.”
Like all early Christians, Paul had shared in Christ’s sufferings through intense and often physically damaging persecution. He saw his suffering for Christ as a privilege, a way of identifying with what Jesus went through on the day of His crucifixion. Paul, more than most humans, participated “in his sufferings” through beatings, stonings, and repeated imprisonment and abuse.
Paul aspires to become “like him in his death.” The Greek word used here for “becoming like him” is συμμορφίζω (symmorphizō), meaning “to receive the same form as.” Paul is setting an example for all future Christians, to deny oneself and to sacrifice for others — dying, as it were, to self and to sin. Think of the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23 as our calling:
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
That’s the cost of discipleship. Paul’s desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection demonstrates his spiritual transformation through faith in Christ. I found Paul’s use of the word “somehow” in reference to “attaining to the resurrection from the dead” to be indicative of his humility. He — like all Christians — strives to live his life in a worthy manner, but realizes that how he will eventually attain resurrection is all in God’s hands. Paul knows that everything is dependent on God’s grace, not on human effort.
The last part of Philippians 3:11 refers to the ultimate goal, the central focus of Christian hope: the resurrection. In our case, it’s a future event where we will be raised from the dead in the same manner as Christ.
I’ll wrap up today’s devotional with a wonderful quote from Joni Eareckson Tada found on Precept Austin. It sums up Philippians 3:10-11 quite well:
Paul writes, “All I care for is to know Christ.” Yes, we agree with the apostle. We’d like to know Jesus better, to be on good terms with him. “All I care for is…to experience the power of his resurrection.” Absolutely! Who wouldn’t want the Lord’s power in his or her life? “All I care for is…to share in his sufferings.” Uh, sure. I guess tough times in moderate doses isn’t all that bad; we all need a good soul-scrubbing now and then. “All I care for is…growing conformity with his death.” Wait a minute; not so fast. Like, martyrdom? Chronic pain? Rejection and abuse? I really don’t care to know Christ that badly, we silently admit to ourselves.
Most of us would love to experience the sort of closeness the apostle Paul enjoyed with Jesus. We would love to have his faith and strength of character. We yearn to live that nobly, speak that boldly, fight our vices that manfully. And who wouldn’t want to have prayers answered as Paul did? But to know Christ is always a personal invitation to suffer with Christ. No one enters the Lord’s intimate fellowship without first entering his fellowship of suffering. Paul knew this, but it did not deter him. The sweetness of communion with Christ far, far outweighs the sufferings.
Don’t be deterred from your desire to know Christ. In your quest, the Lord promises he will never give you trials that, without his enabling, you cannot handle. He wants you to have a deep knowledge of himself, and he knows just how much—and no more—it takes to press you to his side.
I want to know you, Christ. I realize that will mean hardships and headaches, but knowing you—really knowing you—is worth it.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, like your servant Paul, I long to know You more deeply — not just in book knowledge, but in a very personal and transformative way. Help me to live with courage and hope, experiencing the power of Your resurrection in my life. Give me the strength to go through trials in my life, understanding that they shape my character and bring me closer to You. May I be conformed to Your likeness, and remain dedicated in my faith. AMEN.