Knowing Christ
Knowing Christ in the Bible encompasses a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that transcends mere intellectual acknowledgment. This concept is rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this knowledge in Philippians 3:8-10. Paul expresses his desire to "know Christ and the power of his resurrection" as central to his faith, suggesting that knowing Christ involves a transformative experience that affects one's identity and purpose. The term "know" in this context is often derived from the Greek word "gnosis," which implies an experiential, relational understanding rather than just theoretical knowledge.Moreover, knowing Christ is integral to the believer's life, as illustrated in John 17:3, where Jesus states, "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." This suggests that eternal life is fundamentally about an intimate relationship with God through Jesus. The New Testament also emphasizes that this knowledge results in a life of obedience, love, and sanctification, as seen in 1 John 2:3-6, where knowing Christ is linked with keeping His commandments. Thus, knowing Christ is an invitation to a deeper, abiding relationship that transforms the believer's life and aligns it with the character and mission of Jesus.
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Profiting From the Word 3. the Scriptures and Christ
By A.W. Pink0ISA 64:4MAT 9:12JHN 5:39JHN 14:21PHP 3:10JAS 4:71PE 2:72PE 3:181JN 3:2REV 19:12A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our own depravity before we can truly appreciate the perfections of God and the role of Christ as our Savior. He explains that the Scriptures reveal our need for Christ, making Him more real and precious to us, and that true knowledge of Him is spiritual and experiential rather than merely intellectual. Pink encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through the Scriptures, which leads to increased faith, a desire to please Him, and a longing for His return. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to reflect on their relationship with Christ and the extent to which they are profiting from the Word.
The Power of His Resurrection
By Leonard Ravenhill0ROM 6:4PHP 3:10Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection, as expressed in Philippians 3:10. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's unwavering aspiration to deepen his relationship with Christ, despite his own suffering and imprisonment. Ravenhill contrasts the resurrection of Jesus as the ultimate demonstration of God's power, which not only signifies victory over death but also empowers believers to live transformed lives. He urges the congregation to seek a deeper understanding of this resurrection power, which is essential for spiritual growth and victory over sin. Ultimately, Ravenhill calls for a commitment to live in the reality of the resurrection life, encouraging believers to aspire to know Christ more fully.
That I Might Know Him - Part 1
By Peter Brandon12650:57PHP 3:1Peter Brandon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, as expressed in Philippians 3. He discusses the contrast between rejoicing in the Lord and having confidence in the flesh, highlighting Paul's personal journey from legalistic righteousness to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Brandon encourages believers to rejoice in their salvation, service, and sanctification, reminding them that true joy comes from understanding their identity in Christ. He warns against the dangers of externalism and urges the congregation to focus on the heart of Christianity, which is a vibrant relationship with Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ, encouraging all believers, regardless of age, to seek this intimate connection.
The Supreme Importance of Knowing Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 17:3PHP 3:8T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the supreme importance of knowing Christ as the foundation of a Christian's life, asserting that this knowledge underpins our relationship with God, our growth in grace, and our service. He highlights that true knowledge of Christ is spiritual and cannot be fully grasped through mere intellectual understanding, but rather through a deep, personal communion with Him. Sparks points out that the Apostle Paul exemplified this pursuit of knowing Christ, valuing it above all else, and that such knowledge is essential for spiritual effectiveness and eternal life. He warns against relying on superficial knowledge gained from upbringing or education, urging believers to seek a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a ministry that communicates Christ, emphasizing that true ministry is about imparting the life of Christ to others.
That I Might Know Him - Part 3
By Peter Brandon8841:49PHP 3:11Peter Brandon emphasizes the importance of striving to know Christ deeply, using the metaphor of a race to illustrate the journey of faith. He discusses the concepts of attaining, apprehending, and comprehending the Christian life, urging believers to forget past failures and press forward towards the goal of Christlikeness. Brandon warns against the dangers of worldly distractions and encourages the congregation to be examples of faith, highlighting the imminent return of Christ and the transformation that awaits believers. He calls for a life filled with the Spirit and a readiness for Christ's coming, urging everyone to live in anticipation and preparation for that glorious day.
That I Might Know Him Phil 3+4
By Phil Beach Jr.3220:30PHP 3:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound importance of knowing Jesus Christ over earthly achievements, as illustrated by Paul's reflections in Philippians 3 and 4. He urges believers to adopt a heart posture that values Christ above all else, recognizing that worldly accomplishments are insignificant in comparison. Beach encourages the congregation to reject distractions and false teachings that undermine the centrality of the cross and to focus on living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus. He concludes with practical advice on maintaining a mindset aligned with God's truth, promising that the God of peace will be with those who do so.
That I May Know Him
By Leonard Ravenhill781:07:04ROM 8:11EPH 2:1PHP 3:10COL 3:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound desire of the Apostle Paul to know Christ intimately, particularly the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. Despite being imprisoned, Paul’s aspiration remains focused on a deeper relationship with Christ rather than seeking personal relief or recognition. Ravenhill draws parallels between the resurrection of Jesus and the transformative power it holds for believers, asserting that true salvation and life come from this resurrection power. He challenges the congregation to seek a deeper understanding of this power and to live in the reality of their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to knowing Christ and experiencing the fullness of His resurrection life.
One Thing I Desire
By Erlo Stegen9781:02:30PSA 27:4PRO 13:20JHN 8:111CO 3:16EPH 5:251TI 3:62TI 4:16In this sermon, the preacher starts by acknowledging his attempts to help others but is confronted with the realization that he was given resources to keep life turning and protect financial welfare. The sermon then shifts to the story of Moses leading the children of Israel and God's frustration with them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of choosing the right friends and being faithful before marriage. The sermon concludes with a story about an artist who fails to portray the Lord Jesus in his work and the message that believers should reflect Jesus to the world.
An Open Heaven
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 11:28JHN 1:51JHN 3:3ROM 6:41CO 1:301CO 2:14GAL 2:20EPH 1:172TH 1:101JN 3:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of knowing Christ personally rather than merely learning about Him, highlighting that true understanding comes from the Holy Spirit revealing Christ in our hearts. He warns against reducing the teachings of the Gospel and Epistles to mere doctrines or systems, urging believers to focus on the living Person of Christ. Sparks illustrates that entering the 'School of Christ' requires a transformation, where the self-life must be broken to experience the open heaven and the fullness of God's communication. He stresses that the open heaven is accessible to all believers, not just a select few, and that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for this revelation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper, experiential knowledge of Christ that transcends intellectual understanding.
An Apostle's Supreme Ambition (Philippians 3:10)
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 12:24ACT 14:19ROM 8:172CO 1:9GAL 2:20EPH 3:19PHP 3:10COL 1:242TI 2:121PE 4:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Apostle Paul's supreme ambition to know Christ intimately, highlighting that this desire persists even after profound revelations and experiences. Paul expresses a longing for a deeper, personal knowledge of Jesus, which transcends mere intellectual understanding. The sermon outlines four key aspects: the passion for knowing Christ, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and the process of being conformed to His death. Sparks illustrates that true knowledge of Christ is rooted in personal experience and is often accompanied by suffering, which ultimately leads to spiritual growth and resurrection power. This journey of knowing Christ is progressive and transformative, shaping the believer's life and ministry.
The Scriptures and Christ
By A.W. Pink0PSA 73:25ISA 64:4MAT 9:12JHN 5:39JHN 14:21PHP 3:10HEB 11:19JAS 4:72PE 3:181JN 3:2A.W. Pink emphasizes the transformative power of the Scriptures in revealing our need for Christ and deepening our relationship with Him. He explains that true knowledge of Christ is not merely intellectual but spiritual, cultivated through the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts. As we engage with the Scriptures, we become more aware of our imperfections and Christ's perfections, leading to a growing desire to please Him and a longing for His return. Pink encourages believers to reflect on their spiritual growth and the reality of Christ in their lives, urging them to seek a deeper communion with Him through the Word.
Loving Jesus (Know Jesus, and Make the Exchange: Himself for Your self.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0SNG 5:9JHN 17:31CO 6:17EPH 3:17PHP 3:10Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the profound love and relationship one can have with Jesus, contrasting it with fleeting human affections. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate that true love for Christ comes from truly knowing Him, which leads to a transformative exchange of self for His presence. Waldvogel encourages believers to seek a deeper connection with Jesus, as He is the source of joy and fulfillment, and stresses the importance of unity in the body of Christ. The sermon highlights that knowing Jesus is essential for eternal life and that He desires to fill our hearts with His love and power.