Paul’s Pursuit – Partaking of Christ.

Paul’s pursuit of Christ was the defining feature of his life. His words and actions demonstrate he followed Christ whole-heartedly.

Knowing Christ

Thank you for joining me for part 11 of our series, Lessons from Philippians: What Really Matters. In this episode, we’ll reflect on two powerful verses—Philippians 3:10–11.

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! (Philippians 3:10–11 NLT)

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, have you ever paused to imagine the moment you will stand before Him—face-to-face—and consider what you might say?

Before Paul was transformed by the Lord, his Hebrew birth name was Saul, and he had set his heart on goals that, in the eyes of the Jews of his day, were considered noble pursuits. We considered this in our last program as we looked at Philippians 3:4–9, where Paul contrasts his religious pursuits and achievements—as Saul—with “knowing Christ.” In retrospect, he evaluates it all and concludes that everything he had strived for and accomplished is worthless compared to the infinite value of gaining Christ.

In verses 10 and 11, he continues to express his passionate pursuit of Jesus—a direction that stands in stark contrast to all he once cherished.

Paul’s Previous Pursuit

In his previous life he was purposeful in his pursuit for knowledge, power, identity, and achievements. He had a drive for gaining knowledge as he was educated under the most respected and learned men of his day.

But then Jesus turned His world upside down, and his passion for understanding turned toward only one thing; knowing Christ – the very one he persecuted as Saul.

John 17:3 expresses the initial ‘knowing Jesus,’ the illumination of understanding that leads to salvation. Following that, there is the continual objective to know Him more and more.

The Apostles Encouragement

The Apostles encouraged the Church to keep seeking a greater understanding of Him:

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight…” Philippians 1:9

“… so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…” Colossians 1:10

“… you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

The spiritually minded person longs to go deeper.

How Can We Know More of Jesus?

When we talk of ‘knowing more of Him – Jesus,’ in what ways do we mean, and how?

It’s not any different than when you start to fall in love with someone; you want to pursue a greater understanding of them as a person, what their life plans and interests are; it shouldn’t be any different in our desire to discover more about Jesus.

• We do so by gleaning truths of His person when we read the Bible.
• Seeking the Spirit’s power to reveal to us His heart and mind.
• Through the practice of prayer, we open the lines of communication, in which we make our love and desire for Him known – when we draw near to Him, He promises to draw near to us (James 4:8).

The Power of Christ

Paul had worked his way up the corporate Pharisaical ladder; he had gained great position and influential power… But when he saw the power of Christ, a force that literally knocked him off his high horse, he forsook his status, identity and the authority he held over others, submitting to the might of his omniscient Lord. His heart then targeted on knowing the power of the resurrection of Christ.

Resurrection power – so strong it defeats the force of the arch enemy, death.

I wonder if we will ever fully comprehend the power of Christ’s resurrection… It was the most powerful act ever displayed; Christ Jesus rising from the tomb three days following His death. This power is so great that it is imputed upon those who put their trust in Him; they too are delivered from death into new life.

Walking in Christ’s Footsteps

The saying goes, “before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.” This means we should try to understand another’s life experience and perspectives before we make judgments about them. This does not apply to the context of our discussion, but it does speak of Paul’s heart; as one who was judged by God, fell into conviction, and then sought to live his life walking in the shoes, or footsteps (1 Peter 2:21) of his Savior.

Paul’s passion to know Christ so intimately, drove him to want to know Christ, not only personally but experientially. To suffer as He did. Die as He did. “…and know the power of His resurrection.” To identify with Jesus in every way!

Does it seem fanatical? To have such a heart to know Jesus that deeply?

May all who have received Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior take serious consideration of Paul’s passions and compare them to how deep our walk and relationship is with the Lord.

A New Identity

Paul, when Saul, found his identity in being a zealous pharisee and his achievements were directed toward being the best of the best. In the flesh, before Jesus, that was all he knew, but then born of the Spirit of God, his 180 degree U-turn placed his focus on the best thing God offers; the resurrection -The gift of life eternal, made new- like Christ in totality and free of sin. Paul fixed his gaze on that.

As believers, we are faced with the challenge of taking time to be serious about evaluating

“what really matters (Philippians 1:10 NLT)”

In a world where we are bombarded with many responsibilities, roles, and goals… Going to the Lord often and asking that He press the ‘reset button’ of our lives is a much-needed discipline.

Putting Christ first and foremost and knowing Him needs to be the priority in our lives.

Take it from Paul…

Does Paul’s pursuit seem rational? How are you following Paul’s example? We would to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.