I may
know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death.
Philippians 3:10
Philippians 3 [7.] However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ. Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death; if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.
Meaning:
This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, encapsulates his deep desire for an intimate and transformative relationship with Christ. Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi while he was in prison. Despite his circumstances, the letter is filled with joy and encouragement. Paul emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, unity, and living a life worthy of the gospel.
Pursuit of Christ: In the third chapter, Paul contrasts his former confidence in the flesh with his current pursuit of knowing Christ. He considers everything else as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus.
- Key Elements of the Verse:
Knowing Him: Paul’s primary desire is to know Christ. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential and relational, involving a deep, personal connection with Jesus.
Power of His Resurrection: Paul wants to experience the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection power signifies new life, victory over sin, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
Fellowship of His Sufferings: Paul seeks to share in Christ’s sufferings. This fellowship involves participating in the sufferings that come from living a faithful Christian life, identifying with Jesus’ pain and sacrifice.
Becoming Conformed to His Death: Paul aspires to be conformed to Christ’s death. This means dying to self, renouncing worldly desires, and living a life of sacrificial obedience to God.
Theological Significance
- Intimate Knowledge of Christ:
Relational Depth: Knowing Christ goes beyond factual knowledge; it involves a profound relationship characterized by trust, love, and continuous interaction. Jesus in John 17:3 said, "This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ."
Transformative Power: This intimate knowledge of Christ leads to transformation. The more we know Him, the more we are changed to reflect His character and live out His teachings.
- Resurrection Power:
New Life in Christ: The power of Christ’s resurrection is the same power that brings new life to believers. It empowers us to overcome sin, live victoriously, and fulfill God’s purposes. Romans 6:4 states, "We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life."
Hope and Assurance: This power gives us hope and assurance of our future resurrection and eternal life with God.
- Fellowship in Suffering:
Sharing in Christ’s Mission: Participating in Christ’s sufferings means engaging in the mission of the gospel, enduring hardships, and standing firm in faith. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, "If we endure, we will also reign with him."
Spiritual Growth: Suffering for Christ refines our character, deepens our faith, and strengthens our reliance on God.
- Conformity to His Death:
Dying to Self: Being conformed to Christ’s death involves a daily dying to self, putting to death our sinful nature, and living a life surrendered to God’s will. Galatians 2:20 expresses this well: "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me."
Living Sacrificially: This conformity leads to a life marked by sacrificial love and service to others, following Jesus’ example of selfless love.
Applications for Our Lives
- Pursuing Intimacy with Christ:
Daily Relationship: Make it a priority to cultivate a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. Seek to know Him more deeply each day.
Experiencing His Presence: Be open to experiencing Christ’s presence in your life, allowing Him to work in and through you by His Spirit.
- Living in Resurrection Power:
Embrace New Life: Embrace the new life Christ offers, living in the power of His resurrection. This involves walking in victory over sin, pursuing holiness, and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Hope and Confidence: Live with the hope and confidence that comes from knowing the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you.
- Sharing in His Sufferings:
Enduring Hardships: Be prepared to endure hardships for the sake of Christ. Understand that suffering is part of the Christian journey and can lead to spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with Jesus.
Supporting Others: Stand with and support others who are suffering for their faith, offering encouragement and prayer.
- Dying to Self:
Surrender Daily: Practice daily surrender to God, allowing Him to shape and mold you into the likeness of Christ. Let go of selfish desires and seek to live a life of obedience and service.
Live Sacrificially: Follow Christ’s example by living sacrificially, putting the needs of others before your own and serving with love and humility.
Cross-References:
Romans 8:17: "If we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him." This verse emphasizes the connection between suffering with Christ and being glorified with Him, reinforcing the idea of sharing in His sufferings.
Colossians 1:24: "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church." Paul rejoices in his sufferings, seeing them as part of his ministry and service to the church, reflecting his deep commitment to Christ and His body.
2 Corinthians 4:10-11: "Always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh." These verses highlight the ongoing process of dying to self and living out the life of Jesus, demonstrating the practical outworking of being conformed to His death.
Conclusion: Philippians 3:10 captures Paul’s profound desire to know Christ intimately and be transformed by that relationship. This desire encompasses experiencing the power of Christ’s resurrection, sharing in His sufferings, and being conformed to His death. Paul’s words challenge us to pursue a deep and transformative relationship with Jesus, one that goes beyond mere knowledge to experiential and relational depth.
For us today, this means seeking to know Christ more intimately, living in the power of His resurrection, enduring hardships for His sake, and daily surrendering ourselves to His will. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that comes from being united with Christ, both in His sufferings and in His glory.
despair - vessel
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible