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

Know Christ More

Paul begins, “I want to know Christ.”  Paul means that he wants to know Christ more and more.

We know when Paul came to know Jesus, it is recorded for us in Acts 9.  Paul was busy breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples when he met the resurrected Lord on the road to Damascus.  The course of his life was changed when God planted the truth of resurrection hope in his heart and provided him the task of taking the gospel to the nations.

When did you come to know Christ?  

Perhaps you came to know Christ as a child at Vacation Bible School.

Perhaps you came to know Christ as a youth at summer camp.

Perhaps, like me, you came to know Christ as a young adult.

Perhaps you came to know Christ much later in life.

Perhaps you come to know Christ today.

It is through Jesus that one comes to know abundant life and eternal life. Know Christ. But don’t rest in superficial knowledge of Christ. Know him more and more.  Know him intimately.  Know him deeply.

You should know Christ significantly more today than you did when your eyes were first opened.  You should know Christ more tomorrow than you do today. 

The recording artist Jelly Roll had a hit song on country radio with the lyric “I only talk to God when I need a favor.”  I appreciate the honesty.  I really do.  We all would benefit from such honesty in our own lives.  Yet, our Christian lives should not be so shallow.

Paul mentions two things about knowing Christ in verse 10:

Power of his resurrection

Participation in his suffering

To know the power of the resurrection is to know Christ as the one who provides rest when  weary, hope when hopeless, strength when weak, and comfort when convicted.  

To know the power of the resurrection is to know Christ as the one who gives truth and purpose, gives freedom from patterns of this world, and leads us to Heaven.

To participate in his suffering is to know Christ as the one who calls us to faithfulness even when it’s difficult. Life comes with mountains and valleys, victories and defeats.  As followers of Christ, we are called to hard things.

We are called to follow the narrow road, not the broad path.

We are called to speak truth, not half-truths and lies.

We are called to walk in light, not in darkness.

Knowing Christ might lead you to say “no” to certain opportunities. 

Knowing Christ might cost you friends.

Knowing Christ might get you rejected and ridiculed. 

Following Jesus is not easy.  But it’s your calling.

Following Jesus is not easy.  But it’s worth it. 

Grads: Develop holy habits of prayer and Bible reading.  In your next season of life, go to church week one. Find a church which preaches the gospel.  Once you find one, get plugged into community.

You will face barricades of opposition. Keep moving toward Christ. 

Verse 11 speaks of attaining resurrection from the dead.  Paul intends to follow Christ to the end.

He wants to know Christ more and more.

He wants to know the power of the resurrection and participate in Christ’s suffering.

He wants to follow Christ until the day he dies.

And when he dies, by the grace of God, he will attain resurrection from the dead.

You are not called to follow Christ for moment or a season.  

You are called to follow Christ to the end.

You are called to follow Christ forever.