Faith Check: Do you want to know Him?

In amusement, I wonder how Apostle Paul, despite knowing Christ, would write, “That I may know Him, …”. What did he see or, ironically, know?

You find a bigger picture when you study the book of Philippians. Here’s a short summary.

I want to know Him – A Philippians Summary

Let the Gospel be seen in your conduct. Even in prison, Apostle Paul gladly encouraged the Philippians, saying:

‭‭Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27

Have the same mind as Christ. Citing Jesus humbling himself and being obedient till the point of death, Apostle Paul asks that the Church serve each other humbly and be of one accord.

Boast in Christ and put no confidence in the flesh. Apostle Paul spent a great deal of time explaining how he could put confidence in the flesh, but he counts those as loss in order to gain Christ.

Subsequently, he says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” Philippians‬ ‭3:10‭-‬11‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Apostle Paul was quite honest in letting the Church in Philippi know that although he hadn’t met his goal, he’ll keep pressing on to the goal.

Above all, Apostle Paul asks the Church to follow his example. The Message translation puts Philippians‬ ‭3:15‭-‬19‬ clearly:

[15-16] So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.

[17-19] Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal (Christ). There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

P.S: Emphasis is mine

Having said all of that, do you want to know Jesus? Follow Apostle Paul’s example.