that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, Philippians 3:10 WEB
Knowing Christ is to know the purpose of his life and sacrifice on the cross. It is to know the power of his resurrection and promise of eternal life for those who believe in him. Knowing Christ has to do with his personal relationship with the believer through the power of the Holy Spirit. Beyond that, knowing Christ is to understand his divinity and relationship to the Father. Jesus was God in the flesh. He is the living Word of God.
In this passage from Philippians, Paul mentions the power of Christ’s resurrection and his sufferings. In addition, he declares being conformed to his death. With these words, Paul emphasizes his faith in his eternal life, his salvation from sin, and his willingness to suffer for his inheritance in heaven. As Jesus says in John 17:3,” This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. WEB”
It is often overlooked, but along with the joys of Christian life, there are also trials and tribulations. Jesus says in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. NIV”
The Resurrected Christ
Part of the power of knowing the resurrected Christ is the faith we have to trust God. Even when things are not going our way, we know God’s power to turn things for our good. Beyond that, our faith in eternal life through the power of the resurrection encourages us that even in the face of death, our future is in heaven.
Imprisoned, beaten, whipped, and nearly stoned to death, Paul soldiered on. He suffered great persecution for his faith in Christ. All the while, Paul endured because of his great faith in Christ who he encountered on the road to Damascus. As he writes in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. WEB”
Paul took being conformed to Christ’s death a bit further than the concept of being dead to sin. Part of his willingness to suffer for Christ was related to the boldness of his behavior in presenting the gospel even in the face of death. This trait eventually leads to his martyrdom as Paul died for preaching the gospel message of Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my salvation in Jesus Christ. Give me strength to endure the challenges of my faith. I trust in you. Lead me away from temptation. Shelter me from the assaults of the enemy. Equip me to boldly share the truth of the gospel with a fallen world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Wait for the Lord
