Paul now speaks of resignation-not to defeat, but to a relationship. Being found in Christ is not merely a doctrinal position; it is the beginning of a real walk with Him. Paul realized that salvation was not outward reputation, but inward relationship.
When Paul says, that I may know him, he is not talking merely about knowledge in the intellectual sense. Paul already knew theology. He already understood truth. But now his desire is to know Christ intimately and personally.
He wants to know the power of His resurrection. Jesus is risen, and that resurrection power is seen in the life of a Christian. We do not have to live under the dominance of sin. We do not have to remain slaves to the flesh. There is victory in Christ, and His resurrection power can be experienced in daily life.
He also wants to know the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. This is the presence of God in the difficulties of life. In tragedy, heartache, setback, and pain, there is sweet fellowship with Jesus. He meets us there and gives grace to help.
Then Paul says, being made conformable unto his death. This is dying to self. This is true discipleship. Paul was willing to die to his own reputation, his own agenda, and his own will in order to know Jesus better. He may have lost much, but what he gained was far greater. He lost an empty religion, a show, and a reputation-but he gained a real relationship with Christ.
Paul now speaks of resignation-not to defeat, but to a relationship. Being found in Christ is not merely a doctrinal position; it is the beginning of a real walk with Him. Paul realized that salvation was not outward reputation, but inward relationship.
When Paul says, that I may know him, he is not talking merely about knowledge in the intellectual sense. Paul already knew theology. He already understood truth. But now his desire is to know Christ intimately and personally.
He wants to know the power of His resurrection. Jesus is risen, and that resurrection power is seen in the life of a Christian. We do not have to live under the dominance of sin. We do not have to remain slaves to the flesh. There is victory in Christ, and His resurrection power can be experienced in daily life.
He also wants to know the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings. This is the presence of God in the difficulties of life. In tragedy, heartache, setback, and pain, there is sweet fellowship with Jesus. He meets us there and gives grace to help.
Then Paul says, being made conformable unto his death. This is dying to self. This is true discipleship. Paul was willing to die to his own reputation, his own agenda, and his own will in order to know Jesus better. He may have lost much, but what he gained was far greater. He lost an empty religion, a show, and a reputation-but he gained a real relationship with Christ.