Word@Work Phil33 - Philippians 3:10-11
Published: Mon, 11/09/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
IN-DEPTH RELATIONSHIP
Phil. 3:10-11 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.(NIV)
Paul had met the living Lord Jesus on the Damascus road (see Acts 9:1-9). He knew Christ's presence and had suffered many things because he followed Jesus (see 2 Cor 11:23-29). He had prayed that believers in Ephesus would know Jesus better (see Eph 1:17); and yet he now says that he wants to 'know Christ'. Of course, as with every relationship, there is so much more we might learn about the other person. Even long-time married couples still learn about each other's character, likes and dislikes, years after the wedding. That is even truer with getting to know the infinite God.
Saying, "I want to know Christ ..." does not mean that he has no previous relationship: rather, it is a passionate heart-cry of hunger to go on wanting to know more of Him. Paul had many experiences of Christ's power, but he wants more. Likewise, he has suffered for Christ but is hungry to suffer more, and even to die for His sake. These are very strong emotions inspired by the Holy Spirit, propelling Paul's walk with the Lord to the ultimate depth of identification. Nevertheless, Paul's goal is to be made alive again when Jesus returns: he does not know how that might be done by God, but he is confident that death is not the end.
In the fast and furious world of target-driven business and virtual relationships, many are hungry for real friendship and intimacy. Too often God himself is squeezed out, and our search for meaning is easily focussed on people who will give us time to be ourselves. Alas, many of those relationships reach frustration point as greater self-revelation brings increased vulnerability and disappointment. But there is no disappointment in getting to know Jesus better, and in allowing Him to see every part of our lives. On the contrary, Christians who have no hunger to know the Lord better are in a very dangerous place. They are a prey for Satan; and the stronger they feel in themselves, the more vulnerable they are. So Christian, dare to be totally open with Jesus; dare to search the Scriptures daily to discover more of His character; and dare to risk all so that you might know His power. That is the sort of Christian your colleagues hope they might see; and so does Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Forgive my feeble love and weak desire to know You better. Forgive my satisfaction in knowing You so little. Please give me a fresh hunger to know You more and more; and to identify strongly with You at work and home, whatever the cost. Until then, help me to keep looking forward to seeing You and serving You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Paul had met the living Lord Jesus on the Damascus road (see Acts 9:1-9). He knew Christ's presence and had suffered many things because he followed Jesus (see 2 Cor 11:23-29). He had prayed that believers in Ephesus would know Jesus better (see Eph 1:17); and yet he now says that he wants to 'know Christ'. Of course, as with every relationship, there is so much more we might learn about the other person. Even long-time married couples still learn about each other's character, likes and dislikes, years after the wedding. That is even truer with getting to know the infinite God.
Saying, "I want to know Christ ..." does not mean that he has no previous relationship: rather, it is a passionate heart-cry of hunger to go on wanting to know more of Him. Paul had many experiences of Christ's power, but he wants more. Likewise, he has suffered for Christ but is hungry to suffer more, and even to die for His sake. These are very strong emotions inspired by the Holy Spirit, propelling Paul's walk with the Lord to the ultimate depth of identification. Nevertheless, Paul's goal is to be made alive again when Jesus returns: he does not know how that might be done by God, but he is confident that death is not the end.
In the fast and furious world of target-driven business and virtual relationships, many are hungry for real friendship and intimacy. Too often God himself is squeezed out, and our search for meaning is easily focussed on people who will give us time to be ourselves. Alas, many of those relationships reach frustration point as greater self-revelation brings increased vulnerability and disappointment. But there is no disappointment in getting to know Jesus better, and in allowing Him to see every part of our lives. On the contrary, Christians who have no hunger to know the Lord better are in a very dangerous place. They are a prey for Satan; and the stronger they feel in themselves, the more vulnerable they are. So Christian, dare to be totally open with Jesus; dare to search the Scriptures daily to discover more of His character; and dare to risk all so that you might know His power. That is the sort of Christian your colleagues hope they might see; and so does Jesus.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Forgive my feeble love and weak desire to know You better. Forgive my satisfaction in knowing You so little. Please give me a fresh hunger to know You more and more; and to identify strongly with You at work and home, whatever the cost. Until then, help me to keep looking forward to seeing You and serving You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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