Philippians 3:10
Verse
Context
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.10I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That I may know him - To be the true and promised Messiah, and experience all that salvation which he has bought by his blood. The power of his resurrection - In having this body of my humiliation raised from death, and made like unto his glorious body. This seems to be the sole meaning of the apostle; for it is in virtue of Christ's resurrection that we are to be raised incorruptible and immortal. And the fellowship of his sufferings - Christ died, not only as a victim for sin, but as a martyr to the truth. No creature can have fellowship with him in his vicarious sufferings; as a martyr to the truth, St. Paul wished to imitate him. Not only in the apostle, but in the primitive Christians generally, there seems to have been a strong desire after martyrdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That I may know him--experimentally. The aim of the "righteousness" just mentioned. This verse resumes, and more fully explains, "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi 3:8). To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. the power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification (Rom 4:25; Co1 15:17), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work for us (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12; Col 3:1). The power of the Divine Spirit, which raised Him from literal death, is the same which raises believers from spiritual death now (Eph 1:19-20), and shall raise their bodies from literal death hereafter (Rom 8:11). the fellowship of his sufferings--by identification with Him in His sufferings and death, by imputation; also, in actually bearing the cross whatever is laid on us, after His example, and so "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Col 1:24); and in the will to bear aught for His sake (Mat 10:38; Mat 16:24; Ti2 2:11). As He bore all our sufferings (Isa 53:4), so we participate in His. made conformable unto his death--"conformed to the likeness of His death," namely, by continued sufferings for His sake, and mortifying of the carnal self (Rom 8:29; Co1 15:31; Co2 4:10-12; Gal 2:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That I may know him,.... The Ethiopic version reads "by faith"; and to the same sense the Syriac. The apostle did know Christ, and that years ago; he knew whom he had believed; he knew him for himself; he knew his personal interest in him; nor did he know any but him in the business of salvation: but his knowledge of Christ, though it was very great, it was, imperfect; he knew but in part, and therefore desired to know more of Christ, of the mystery and glories of his person, of the unsearchable riches of his grace, of his great salvation, and the benefits of it, of his love, which passes perfect knowledge, and to have a renewed and enlarged experience of communion with him. The apostle here explains what he means by winning Christ, for the sake of which he suffered the loss of all things, and counted them but dung; it was, that he might attain to a greater knowledge of the person and grace of Christ: and the power of his resurrection; not that power which was put forth by his Father, and by himself, in raising him from the dead; but the virtue which arises from it, and the influence it has on many things; as on the resurrection of the saints: it is the procuring cause of it, they shall rise by virtue of union to a risen Jesus; it is the firstfruits, which is the earnest and pledge of their resurrection, as sure as Christ is risen, so sure shall they rise; it is the exemplar and pattern of theirs, their bodies will be raised and fashioned like to the glorious body of Christ; and this the apostle desired to know, experience, and attain unto. Christ's resurrection has an influence also on the justification of his people; when Christ died he had the sins of them all upon him, and he died for them, and discharged as their public head and representative, and they in him: hence it is said of him, that "he was raised again for our justification", Rom 4:25. Now, though the apostle was acquainted with this virtue and influence of Christ's resurrection, he desired to know more of it, for the encouragement of his faith to live upon Christ, as the Lord his righteousness. Moreover, the regeneration of men is owing to the resurrection of Christ; as to the abundant mercy of God, as the moving cause, so to the resurrection of Christ, as the means or virtual cause; and therefore are said to be "begotten again by the resurrection of Christ from the dead", Pe1 1:3. This power and virtue the apostle had had an experience of, yet he wanted to feel more of it, in exciting the graces of the spirit to a lively exercise, in raising his affections, and setting them on things above, and in engaging him to seek after them, and set light by things on earth, and in causing him to walk in newness of life, in likeness or imitation of Christ's resurrection, to all which that strongly animates and encourages; see Col 3:1. And the fellowship of his sufferings; either his personal sufferings, and so signifies a sharing in, and a participation of the benefits arising from them; such as reconciliation for sin, peace with God, pardon, righteousness, nearness to God, &c. or the sufferings of his members for him, and with him, and which Christ reckons his own: these the apostle was willing to take his part in, and lot of, knowing, that those that are partakers of his sufferings in this sense, shall reign with him, and be glorified together. What the Jews deprecated, the apostle was desirous of; namely, sharing in the sorrows and sufferings of the Messiah, and which they reckon the greatest happiness to be delivered from, "The disciples of R. Eleazar (y) asked him, what a man should do that he may be delivered , "from the sorrows of the Messiah?" he must study in the law, and in beneficence. And elsewhere they say (z), "he that keeps the three meals on the sabbath day shall be delivered from three punishments, , "from the sorrows of the Messiah", and from the damnation of hell, and from the war of Gog and Magog. But our apostle rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ, and was desirous of filling up the afflictions of Christ in his flesh, for his body's sake, the church: being made conformable unto his death; either in a spiritual sense dying daily unto sin, Co1 15:31, having the affections, with the lusts, crucified, Gal 5:24, and the deeds of the body mortified, Rom 8:13, and so planted in the likeness of his death, Rom 6:5; or rather in a corporeal sense, bearing always in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, Co2 4:10, and being continually exposed to death for his sake, and ready to suffer it whenever called to it, (y) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 2. (z) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 118. 1. See Cetubot, fol. 111. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 to know Christ: In knowing him, a person knows and is accepted by God (cp. 3:7-8; John 1:12-13; 17:3). • Believers experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead, both now and in eternity (see Rom 6:4-14; 8:10-11; Col 3:1-4). • to suffer with him, sharing in his death: Joined to Christ, a believer has the privilege of experiencing his life and death (see Phil 1:29; 2 Cor 4:10-12; Col 1:24; 1 Pet 4:13-16).
Philippians 3:10
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.10I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death,11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
And They Crucified Him
By Art Katz17K00:00ISA 6:5MAT 16:24ACT 4:131CO 1:181CO 2:22CO 4:10GAL 2:20PHP 3:10HEB 12:2JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the avoidance of pain, self-indulgence, compromise of truth, and the lack of correction within the church. The speaker calls for a return to the centrality of the cross and the power of the resurrection, urging a transformation from a comfortable religiosity to a radical, sacrificial faith that stands out in the world.
A Craving for the Presence - Part 2
By David Wilkerson12K27:17EXO 33:15DEU 4:29PSA 27:8PSA 42:1PSA 105:4ISA 55:6MAT 6:33PHP 3:10HEB 11:6JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of craving and seeking the presence of the Lord in our lives, rather than just relying on legal contracts or promises. It highlights the need for a deep, intimate relationship with God, where His presence is cherished above all else, even in times of hardship and uncertainty. The message calls for a genuine desire to know Jesus and experience His glory, urging believers to have a craving heart for the Lord.
Women That Make a Difference
By Elisabeth Elliot8.7K39:43WomenMAT 6:33MRK 16:15ROM 8:292CO 4:72CO 4:11PHP 3:10REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenges and responsibilities of being a mother. She shares anecdotes of her own experiences, highlighting the constant demands and interruptions that come with motherhood. Despite the difficulties, she emphasizes that God has called all of us to share in the work of redemption and that we are not qualified in ourselves. The speaker also encourages listeners to trust in God's plan, even when they cannot see how certain situations could possibly be for their good. She concludes by mentioning a letter she received from someone who wanted to hear about how God met her through a time of heartache in South America.
(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 2
By Art Katz6.4K04:34Suffering for OthersThe Role of Israel in RedemptionSuffering ServantPSA 126:5ISA 53:5MAT 25:40JHN 15:20ROM 8:172CO 1:5PHP 3:10HEB 13:31PE 4:13REV 21:4Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of Israel's suffering as a means to reveal the true church and the true God to the nations. He highlights that only the righteous are willing to suffer for others, particularly for Israel, who is both a suffering servant and a reflection of Christ's own sacrifice. Katz calls for a deeper understanding of God's purposes through suffering, urging the church to identify with Israel and participate in their journey. He warns against reducing the church's calling to mere programs, advocating instead for a prophetic and apostolic stature that embraces suffering for the sake of God's glory and Israel's redemption. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the church to awaken to its eternal destiny and the necessity of suffering in fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
The Cost of Declaring His Glory
By Helen Roseveare6.3K24:27PSA 22:1ISA 11:1ISA 49:2MAT 6:33ROM 8:29EPH 2:10PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing persecution and suffering for their faith. They describe a brutal attack on their home by cruel men during a rebellion. The speaker recounts being physically assaulted, with their glasses broken and teeth shattered. Despite the intense pain and fear, the speaker reflects on the privilege of being identified with Jesus and the realization that their sufferings are actually the sufferings of Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to God and being willing to endure any cost for the sake of the gospel.
Seven Words From the Cross - Compassion
By Warren Wiersbe5.3K38:14MAT 6:21LUK 6:38LUK 9:23ACT 1:8PHP 3:10HEB 13:131PE 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being near the cross, both spiritually and in our actions. He highlights the theme of giving and challenges pastors and church leaders to lead the way in giving. The speaker also discusses the responsibility that comes with being near the cross, as Jesus has entrusted us with the task of spreading His message and love to others. He encourages listeners to not take their relationship with God lightly and to embrace the rewards and challenges that come with being near the cross.
(Biographies) George Mueller
By John Piper5.2K1:15:32PSA 34:8PSA 119:11PSA 119:16PSA 119:105JHN 17:3PHP 3:101TI 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of memorizing extended passages of Scripture as a means of meditating on God's Word. He highlights the life of George Mueller, who sought to glorify God by caring for orphans and trusting in His provision. The speaker encourages listeners to "see God" and find satisfaction in Him, which will lead to freedom from greed and fear and a willingness to take risks and sacrificially love others. He concludes by emphasizing the crucial role of knowing God through the Bible and fighting for joy in Him.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - to Do the Work
By A.W. Tozer5.0K2:11:00Spiritual PerfectionPSA 40:7PHP 3:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God's will and how it is often misunderstood. He emphasizes that God's will is not just something that will happen in the future, but something that is actively being done in the present. The speaker refers to Psalm 40:7-8 to highlight the importance of accepting God's will. He also talks about the need for suffering and sacrifice in order to experience resurrection and the power of God. The sermon concludes with the idea that following God's will may come at a cost, but it is worth it in the end.
911 Tradegy
By K.P. Yohannan4.9K49:56TradegyMAT 10:23LUK 14:26ACT 20:24ROM 12:21CO 2:4PHP 3:102TI 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own life and ministry, realizing that he has become complacent and lacking in passion for sharing the gospel. He is convicted by the fact that thousands of people die every day without hearing about Jesus. He acknowledges that he needs a change of heart and asks God to transform him. The sermon also shares a powerful story of a young brother who risks his life to preach the gospel in a dangerous place, only to be met with opposition and threats. However, through his calm and peaceful response, he eventually gains the respect and curiosity of the village chief, who invites him to his house to learn more about his beliefs.
A Living Hope - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks4.6K39:27HopeDEU 8:2PHP 3:10PHP 3:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the books of Deuteronomy and Philippians, highlighting a point of transition or crisis in both. In Deuteronomy, the transition refers to the Israelites' journey from the wilderness to the Promised Land. The preacher emphasizes that during this time, God tested the Israelites to reveal what was in their hearts and to make them know His faithfulness and patience. The preacher also mentions the importance of recognizing our own shortcomings and weaknesses in order to experience God's intended purpose for our lives. The sermon emphasizes the need for self-reflection and reliance on God's guidance in times of transition.
Losing the Anointing - Part 1 (High Quality)
By David Wilkerson4.6K29:15PSA 32:5ISA 61:1JER 29:13MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ACT 3:192CO 3:17PHP 3:10JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the freedom from guilt of the past through surrendering to God, trading shackles for a glorious song. It highlights the importance of seeking the anointing of God, the cost of maintaining it, and the need for a deep, personal relationship with God to experience His transformative power.
That I May Know Him
By J. Sidlow Baxter4.5K1:07:31Knowing GodMAT 4:4MRK 10:45LUK 9:23JHN 14:6PHP 3:10HEB 9:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of getting to know Jesus through the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He describes these gospels as the most important and extraordinary documents under the sun, as they allow us to understand Jesus as the Son of God incarnate. The speaker encourages younger people to immerse themselves in these gospels, as the Holy Spirit can make Jesus come alive in their minds. He also warns against relying on supposed likenesses of Jesus, as there are no authentic images of him in existence.
Biblical Courtship Session #5 - God's Purpose for Marriage
By Paul Washer3.3K23:24Biblical CourtshipMAT 10:30ROM 8:29ROM 12:21CO 7:172CO 3:18PHP 3:101PE 4:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wanting what God wants and being conformed to the image of Christ. He explains that conformity to Christ is a lifelong process that involves God's work through His Spirit and Word. The preacher also highlights God's providence in orchestrating events in our lives to conform us to Christ's image. He uses the example of a young man who is called to preach but also has a woman in his life, emphasizing the cost and beauty of conforming to Christ. Additionally, the preacher discusses the need to protect children's innocence and allow them to be children, as well as the purpose of marriage in serving and caring for one another. The sermon concludes by mentioning the importance of preparing oneself to be a godly husband and father and the call for all believers to minister in Christ's name for the advancement of His kingdom.
Terms Are Costlier Than We Think
By Alan Redpath3.2K54:33DiscipleshipGEN 22:1MAT 6:33MAT 14:30PHP 3:10HEB 11:6JAS 2:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the world is smaller than we think, and therefore the task of spreading the word of God is greater than we realize. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling afraid and sinking, but being saved by calling out to the Lord. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming challenges. The sermon concludes with the speaker reflecting on the need to prioritize a relationship with God over worldly pursuits and knowledge.
Do You Know Him?
By C.H. Spurgeon3.2K46:32MAT 5:1MAT 14:24LUK 11:9JHN 1:1JHN 4:10PHP 3:10REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker paints a vivid picture of a person who has been captured and enslaved by Roman soldiers during the time of the Roman emperors. The person is stripped, whipped, branded, and imprisoned, and is ultimately appointed to die in the amphitheater for the entertainment of a tyrant. As the person stands alone and naked in the Colosseum, facing a huge lion, they are filled with fear and certain of their impending death. However, just as the person is about to be attacked, a mysterious deliverer appears from the crowd and confronts the lion, driving it away. The deliverer then comforts the person and sets them free. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the power of Christ as our ultimate deliverer and the desire we should have to know Him and bless Him for our salvation.
Fulfills That for Which God Made Him
By A.W. Tozer3.1K39:17FulfillmentMAT 6:33JHN 10:27ROM 8:28PHP 3:102TI 2:151PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of knowing God and being in a relationship with Him. He emphasizes that God created the heaven and the earth and all things in it. The preacher also talks about the concept of the "deeper life" and how it is found in Jesus Christ. He encourages listeners to seek a deeper understanding of God and to remove anything that hinders their relationship with Him. The sermon emphasizes the need to know God and the significance of the image of God in humanity.
Portraits of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon3.1K44:19MAT 16:24ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 6:14PHP 3:10COL 3:101JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being conformed to the image of Christ. He highlights that Christ's nature and character should be reflected in the lives of believers. The preacher also emphasizes the significance of Christ's cross, stating that it is inseparable from understanding who Christ is. He encourages Christians to bear their own crosses and follow Christ's example. The sermon concludes with the preacher discussing the ultimate reward for believers who are conformed to Christ's image, including sitting at his right hand and receiving the Father's approval and delight.
The Remnant People of God
By Art Katz3.0K1:14:10Remnant People of GodPSA 119:11ISA 53:3MAT 5:17JHN 19:11ACT 5:41PHP 3:10REV 12:12In this sermon, the speaker addresses a faithful congregation and expresses gratitude for their presence. He mentions that these nights have been unusual and significant, as something important is being formed and birthed among them. The speaker emphasizes the need for a comprehensive worldview, one that takes into account eternity and aligns with God's perception of reality as stated in Scripture. He discusses the affliction faced by the righteous and the eventual overcoming of evil through God's direct intervention. The sermon concludes with the encouragement for believers to have a confident expectation of an eternal reward, which sustains them in times of oppression and persecution.
Are You Comforatble Yet?
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K07:28MAT 5:11MAT 16:24ROM 5:52CO 12:9PHP 3:102TI 3:12HEB 11:251PE 2:211PE 4:16This sermon emphasizes the contrast between the comfort and ease of modern Christianity and the sacrificial dedication of early believers, challenging listeners to consider their commitment to Christ in the face of potential persecution. It highlights the need to love Jesus personally rather than just adhere to a creed, and to be willing to endure affliction and suffering for the sake of following Him faithfully.
The Battle for Life (2 of 2)
By Art Katz2.3K1:02:24Life Of GodJOB 13:15PSA 27:41CO 2:12CO 4:5GAL 6:14PHP 3:10HEB 10:19In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of preaching the word of God with authenticity and power. He emphasizes that preaching is not about charisma or personal character, but about delivering the message of God. The preacher shares his own experience of initially being hesitant to listen to a sermon due to the speaker's accent and poor grammar, but being compelled by the life and power in the message. He highlights the significance of the veil being torn in the holiest place, allowing believers to boldly enter into God's presence. The sermon also touches on the need for a continuous supply of God's word and the importance of preaching with a sense of dread and reverence for the weight of the moment.
Dvd 18: A Call to Apostolicity
By Art Katz2.3K1:13:20PHP 3:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of living an apostolic life, centered on the anticipation of the end times and the consummation of God's ultimate plan. It challenges believers to surrender their natural abilities and self-sufficiency to fully embrace the risen and ascended life of Christ, leading to a radical transformation and a deep commitment to God's eternal purposes, including reaching out to the Jewish community. The call is for a church that embodies righteousness, authenticity, and a heavenly mindset, willing to pay the price for a genuine, sacrificial lifestyle that reflects the glory of God.
The Glory of God - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks2.3K46:59Glory Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 10:4JHN 11:1JHN 11:47ROM 11:33PHP 3:10REV 21:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the teachings of John's Gospel and applying them to our own lives. He highlights the idea that the Lord Jesus has control over every situation and that true transformation requires a new creation in life, not just patching up the old. The speaker also emphasizes the priority of seeking the glory of God in our lives and the need to align our priorities with His. Lastly, he discusses the attitude of Jesus towards humanity and how it reflects God's attitude towards human life as it is.
The Cross (Compilation)
By Compilations2.2K04:29CompilationMAT 16:24ROM 12:21CO 1:18GAL 6:14PHP 3:10COL 2:81JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God as He is, rather than creating a distorted image of Him based on our own desires and fantasies. The speaker suggests that many Christians have avoided the true message of the cross, which is essential for separating ourselves from the seductive and sinful world. The failure to embrace the cross has led to a woeful condition in the lives of believers and in the church as a whole. The speaker calls for a radical apprehension of God and a genuine understanding of the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross as the true reflection of God's image.
The Acropolis of the Christian Faith
By Paul Washer2.0K1:06:37MAT 10:38ROM 3:23ROM 3:282CO 4:6PHP 3:10HEB 9:22REV 5:13In this sermon, the speaker begins by presenting a hypothetical scenario where a person's entire family is brutally murdered and the murderer is shown mercy by the judge. The speaker then goes on to describe another scenario where a slave who deserves death for stealing pleads for mercy from his master. The speaker emphasizes that justice must be satisfied before forgiveness can be granted. He explains that God, in His justice, sent His only begotten Son to be slaughtered on the cross to appease His wrath and satisfy justice. The speaker concludes by stating that the revelation of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ should be the motivation for all Christian actions.
Jesus Christ Himself
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K51:51JHN 1:14ROM 10:41CO 2:22CO 4:5GAL 6:14PHP 3:10HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus and His teachings. He highlights that Jesus not only spoke about His teachings but also lived them out in His actions. The preacher challenges unbelievers to try and compose a narrative that harmoniously blends Jesus' divine and human nature, showcasing the authenticity of the four Gospels. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that Jesus gave Himself completely for humanity, sacrificing His crown, throne, and even His life on earth, making Him the soul of salvation.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That I may know him - To be the true and promised Messiah, and experience all that salvation which he has bought by his blood. The power of his resurrection - In having this body of my humiliation raised from death, and made like unto his glorious body. This seems to be the sole meaning of the apostle; for it is in virtue of Christ's resurrection that we are to be raised incorruptible and immortal. And the fellowship of his sufferings - Christ died, not only as a victim for sin, but as a martyr to the truth. No creature can have fellowship with him in his vicarious sufferings; as a martyr to the truth, St. Paul wished to imitate him. Not only in the apostle, but in the primitive Christians generally, there seems to have been a strong desire after martyrdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That I may know him--experimentally. The aim of the "righteousness" just mentioned. This verse resumes, and more fully explains, "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi 3:8). To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. the power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification (Rom 4:25; Co1 15:17), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work for us (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12; Col 3:1). The power of the Divine Spirit, which raised Him from literal death, is the same which raises believers from spiritual death now (Eph 1:19-20), and shall raise their bodies from literal death hereafter (Rom 8:11). the fellowship of his sufferings--by identification with Him in His sufferings and death, by imputation; also, in actually bearing the cross whatever is laid on us, after His example, and so "filling up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ" (Col 1:24); and in the will to bear aught for His sake (Mat 10:38; Mat 16:24; Ti2 2:11). As He bore all our sufferings (Isa 53:4), so we participate in His. made conformable unto his death--"conformed to the likeness of His death," namely, by continued sufferings for His sake, and mortifying of the carnal self (Rom 8:29; Co1 15:31; Co2 4:10-12; Gal 2:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
That I may know him,.... The Ethiopic version reads "by faith"; and to the same sense the Syriac. The apostle did know Christ, and that years ago; he knew whom he had believed; he knew him for himself; he knew his personal interest in him; nor did he know any but him in the business of salvation: but his knowledge of Christ, though it was very great, it was, imperfect; he knew but in part, and therefore desired to know more of Christ, of the mystery and glories of his person, of the unsearchable riches of his grace, of his great salvation, and the benefits of it, of his love, which passes perfect knowledge, and to have a renewed and enlarged experience of communion with him. The apostle here explains what he means by winning Christ, for the sake of which he suffered the loss of all things, and counted them but dung; it was, that he might attain to a greater knowledge of the person and grace of Christ: and the power of his resurrection; not that power which was put forth by his Father, and by himself, in raising him from the dead; but the virtue which arises from it, and the influence it has on many things; as on the resurrection of the saints: it is the procuring cause of it, they shall rise by virtue of union to a risen Jesus; it is the firstfruits, which is the earnest and pledge of their resurrection, as sure as Christ is risen, so sure shall they rise; it is the exemplar and pattern of theirs, their bodies will be raised and fashioned like to the glorious body of Christ; and this the apostle desired to know, experience, and attain unto. Christ's resurrection has an influence also on the justification of his people; when Christ died he had the sins of them all upon him, and he died for them, and discharged as their public head and representative, and they in him: hence it is said of him, that "he was raised again for our justification", Rom 4:25. Now, though the apostle was acquainted with this virtue and influence of Christ's resurrection, he desired to know more of it, for the encouragement of his faith to live upon Christ, as the Lord his righteousness. Moreover, the regeneration of men is owing to the resurrection of Christ; as to the abundant mercy of God, as the moving cause, so to the resurrection of Christ, as the means or virtual cause; and therefore are said to be "begotten again by the resurrection of Christ from the dead", Pe1 1:3. This power and virtue the apostle had had an experience of, yet he wanted to feel more of it, in exciting the graces of the spirit to a lively exercise, in raising his affections, and setting them on things above, and in engaging him to seek after them, and set light by things on earth, and in causing him to walk in newness of life, in likeness or imitation of Christ's resurrection, to all which that strongly animates and encourages; see Col 3:1. And the fellowship of his sufferings; either his personal sufferings, and so signifies a sharing in, and a participation of the benefits arising from them; such as reconciliation for sin, peace with God, pardon, righteousness, nearness to God, &c. or the sufferings of his members for him, and with him, and which Christ reckons his own: these the apostle was willing to take his part in, and lot of, knowing, that those that are partakers of his sufferings in this sense, shall reign with him, and be glorified together. What the Jews deprecated, the apostle was desirous of; namely, sharing in the sorrows and sufferings of the Messiah, and which they reckon the greatest happiness to be delivered from, "The disciples of R. Eleazar (y) asked him, what a man should do that he may be delivered , "from the sorrows of the Messiah?" he must study in the law, and in beneficence. And elsewhere they say (z), "he that keeps the three meals on the sabbath day shall be delivered from three punishments, , "from the sorrows of the Messiah", and from the damnation of hell, and from the war of Gog and Magog. But our apostle rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ, and was desirous of filling up the afflictions of Christ in his flesh, for his body's sake, the church: being made conformable unto his death; either in a spiritual sense dying daily unto sin, Co1 15:31, having the affections, with the lusts, crucified, Gal 5:24, and the deeds of the body mortified, Rom 8:13, and so planted in the likeness of his death, Rom 6:5; or rather in a corporeal sense, bearing always in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, Co2 4:10, and being continually exposed to death for his sake, and ready to suffer it whenever called to it, (y) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 98. 2. (z) T. Bab. Sabbat, fol. 118. 1. See Cetubot, fol. 111. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 to know Christ: In knowing him, a person knows and is accepted by God (cp. 3:7-8; John 1:12-13; 17:3). • Believers experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead, both now and in eternity (see Rom 6:4-14; 8:10-11; Col 3:1-4). • to suffer with him, sharing in his death: Joined to Christ, a believer has the privilege of experiencing his life and death (see Phil 1:29; 2 Cor 4:10-12; Col 1:24; 1 Pet 4:13-16).