KNOWING CHRIST
June 18, 2000 PM
Sermon Outline
(Phil 3:10,11)
INTRO: In v. 8 Paul had referred to the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. He returns to that subject of knowing Christ and enlarges upon exactly what he had in mind. As we look into the workings of the mind of Paul and the things which seemed most important to him, we need to keep the word know in mind. Over the years it seems to me that we have become doubtful, timid and uncertain ... about so many things relative to life, to the church, to Christ, to eternity. Yet, one cannot but be impressed by the number of times and ways we are encouraged to be certain, to be sure .. to know.
I. KNOWING CHRIST IS PERSONAL (3:10a)
A. Not just to know about Christ
1. so many have known about Him - millions
2. but for all practical purposes He has either been studied as a historical person or has just been isolated fact of knowledge
3. but no life changes have resulted
B. Know Christ personally, intimately
1. Paul - like we - did not company with Christ in flesh
2. yet, he uses a word for know which speaks of a very intimate acquaintance
3. discipleship is from start to finish very personal (that does not mean that it changes meaning from person to person ... but that every person must be involved, engrossed in it ... thus,
II. KNOWING CHRIST IS POWERFUL (3:10b)
A. He is not referring to historicity of resurrection
1. this is - of course - an accomplished fact
2. he never doubts it ... 1 Cor 15:3,4,20
B. But he refers to the power of His resurrection for him
1. the resurrection of Jesus says some things
a. it says this life is important - 2 Cor 4:14 and 5:10
b. it says there is life to come - 2 Tim 1:10
c. it says Christ is with us - Heb 13:5b
2. each of those things - for a disciple - becomes a power in, of, behind thought processes, decisions, actions
3. power of His resurrection is truly life changing and life influencing in nature
III. KNOWING CHRIST IS PAINFUL (3:10c)
A. New Testament acknowledges possible pain of discipleship
1. Peter, Paul, John certainly do not avoid telling us
2. but people have an aversion to pain of any kind ...and often prefer avoiding anything which could bring pain ... this is one of the spiritually deadly temptations ... we would compromise, give in, blend in to avoid personal pain
3. yet, the more impact Christ makes on our lives, the more we are influenced by Him, the more potential for suffering
B. Such suffering is fellowship with Christ
1. it must never be viewed as personal and isolated
2. note 2 Cor 1:5; 4:10,11; Gal 6:17; Col 1:24 our suffering for Christ is our suffering with Christ
3.and I love to think of 1 Pet 4:12-14,16 or Rev 6:9
IV. KNOWING CHRIST IS PRACTICAL (3:10d)
A. This is, I believe, reference to the idea of Rom 6:1-6
1. there one is united into the death of Christ at baptism
2. there is a death ... death to self and sin (6:11)
3. there is a newness of life (6:4) ... it is a life in which sin does not reign (6:12)
B. Thus, Pauls reference here is to life lived as Christian
1. the old man - with his interest, emphasis, desire - is a man of the past
2. every step now is in view of the new life in Christ
3. Eph 4:22-24 there are very practical changes in a disciples life as he comes to know Christ more closely
V. KNOWING CHRIST IS FILLED WITH PROSPECT (3:11)
A. It is, of course, the final resurrection toward which we are looking and thinking
1. certainly this is objective of Christian life
2. 2 Cor 5:1,2 in this we groan
B. But it is a prospect only if we are in him (3:9)
1. knowing Christ, one would have to desire fervently to be with Christ in the resurrection
2. and the only way to that wonderful prospect is through this life united with Christ and impelled by Him
CLOSE: I think, then, it is appropriate for me to ask, How well do you know Christ?
Cecil A. Hutson
18 June 2000