KNOWING HIM

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." - Philippians 3:10

It is one thing to know about Jesus, it is another thing to know Him personally.  Most Americans confuse the two.  Most people know about Jesus, but they have never had a real, personal, life-changing encounter with Him.  Sure, they have heard about Him in Sunday School or in a revival meeting.  But few have actually come to Him on His terms, surrendering their lives completely to Him in repentance and faith. 

When a person meets Jesus Christ, a change takes place within.  It is a radical, yet glorious change.  Knowing Jesus personally is great, but the pursuit of His fellowship should be an ongoing process.  That was the case for the Apostle Paul.  In Philippians chapter 3, Paul writes his spiritual autobiography.  Even though he had a personal encounter with the Lord on the Damascus Road, Paul realized that he needed to know the Lord much better.

Paul's devotional life could be summarized in those opening words, "That I may know him..."  Sadly, most believers do not have a regular devotional time.  It is no surprise that their spiritual progress has slowed significantly.  On the other hand, Paul had a passion to know the Lord more and more.  He was not satisfied with just an encounter at conversion.  He wanted to know Christ intimately.  He wanted to have a vibrant walk with the Lord.  Do you?

Notice three things about Paul's passion:

1.  THE POWER

First of all, Paul wanted to know Christ, "... and the power of his resurrection."  Resurrection power is truly remarkable.  Anyone who has the power to raise the dead is extremely powerful, don't you agree?  Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead with just His spoken word.  Yet when it came to Jesus' resurrection, it was accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Here on earth, there are many who will do anything to occupy the White House.  They are hungry for power.  They are just playing games.  They don't recognize true power because they have never met the all-powerful God of the Universe.  Yet Paul wanted to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.  Paul sought to know the person of Christ, experience the presence of Christ and live by the power of Christ.

2.  THE PAIN 

Secondly, Paul wanted to know, "the fellowship of his sufferings..."  Fellowship indicates a close communion with someone.  Paul wanted to know Christ on the level of His sufferings.  Christ did suffer.  He suffered in various ways during His life.  But I believe it was the suffering of Christ on Calvary that Paul had in mind.  Paul was called to suffer for Christ.  Most of us run from suffering.  Paul embraced it.  How can a man endure suffering?  The best way is to find inspiration and fellowship from someone who has gone through the same suffering.  Paul sought the fellowship of Christ in His suffering.  In life, we suffer physically because of sin's affect on our bodies.  Paul suffered differently.  He suffered bodily harm due to persecution.  He suffered because of his faith in Jesus.  His fellowship with Jesus was no mere pretense.  Paul wanted to know Jesus fully --- including the fellowship of His suffering.

3.  THE PROCESS

Finally, Paul sought the process of sanctification:  "being made conformable unto his death."  Paul had already mentioned his desire to know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings.  Now he wanted to emulate the Lord Jesus --- even to the extent of death.  Many claim that they want to be more like Jesus, but they aren't interested in His sufferings or His death.  You can't enjoy the power of His resurrection without the fellowship of His sufferings or the likeness to His death.  God's desire is to mold our lives to emulate Jesus.  Is that the process you seek?  It was for Paul.

Knowing Christ intimately is more than an outward commitment at a church service.  It begins with a life-changing salvation experience, but should continue with a life-long pursuit of holiness and communion with Jesus.  Few know Him on this level.

Don't be content with anything less than an intimate knowledge of Jesus.