“[T]hat I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” Philippians 3:10
Paul has just said he gave up everything he had gained in ordered to know Christ.
This is experiential knowledge, not academic.
Being saved was the beginning of that knowledge rather than the end.
What is the power of His resurrection?
Assuring me the payment for my sins was accepted.
Being justified, made right, in the eyes of God.
Securing my future hope.
Imputing me with His own righteousness.
Becoming more Christ-like each passing day.
Raising me from spiritual death to life and walk as a new creation.
Encouraging me to endure whatever comes my way.
Counting me an heir to the great riches of heaven.
Enjoying access to God.
Receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit.
But Paul doesn’t stop there.
He wants to know, to experience the fellowship of His sufferings.
It is when we suffer that we learn what a Savior we have.
He is our High Priest touched with our infirmities.
He is the one who will never leave us nor forsake us.
He was tempted in points like we are so He responds to us with grace and mercy.
Paul wanted to be conformed to Christ’s death.
In Christ’s death, He exhibited the highest, unquestioning obedience to and trust in God the Father.
He was utterly focused and surrendered to carrying out the task the Father had given Him.
Can we say with Paul, O that I may know Him…?