That I May Know Christ

GOLDEN TEXT: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” —Philippians 3:8

PHILIPPIANS 3:4-14, 20, 21

JESUS explained to his disciples that those who would be his followers would need to deny themselves and take up their cross and follow him. (Matt. 16:24) In Paul we have an outstanding example of willingness to do this. He wrote, “If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more.” (vs. 4) Then he mentions some of the things which, according to the flesh, were considered of value among the Jewish people of that time.

He had been circumcised, and was of the true stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a “Hebrew of the Hebrews,” and, “as touching the Law, a Pharisee.” And he had been zealous for the Law and the prophets. Believing that Christ and his followers were imposters, he did all he could to stamp out this heresy. Outwardly he had kept the Law, so from this standpoint was “blameless.”

So, for Paul to deny self meant to turn his back on all these things which to the natural man were assets. None of them were of any value to him as a follower of Jesus. At one time they were “gain,” but now he counted them loss. “Yea doubtless,” Paul continues, “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”—vss. 7,8

There is more to being a Christian than simply to accept Jesus as one’s personal Savior. In chapter 1, verse 29, Paul states, “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.” Since Christ suffered and died for the world, why should it be necessary for those who accept this work of redemption, to suffer and die for Christ? This is one of the “mysteries” of the Gospel which few in the entire age have understood, although made clear by Paul.—Col. 1:24-27

Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the prophets had foretold the “sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” (I Pet. 1:11) Paul, and the other apostles, understood that this prophetic testimony applied to the true footstep followers of Jesus as well as to Jesus himself, that we have the privilege of suffering with him, inspired by the hope—if faithful unto death—of sharing in his glory, living and reigning with him in his kingdom.

It was in order to attain to such a relationship with Christ that Paul gladly suffered the loss of all earthly things. Or, as he states it, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”—vss. 10,11

Up to this point in his Christian life Paul had suffered much, as he recounts in II Corinthians 11:23-27. He realized, however, that he could not rest on his laurels, that he had not yet “attained.” He had not yet “apprehended,” or laid hold upon that for which he had been “apprehended of Christ Jesus.” Until he had reached the end of the way, there was always the danger of becoming unfaithful.

There is an important point brought to light in Paul’s reference to being “apprehended of Christ Jesus,” or, more literally, laid hold upon. No one can take this honor unto himself. No one can come to Christ unless drawn by the Father. (Heb. 5:4; John 6:44) Those who have this privilege are partakers of a “heavenly calling.”—Heb. 3:1

In our lesson, Paul describes this as the “high calling of God in Christ, Jesus.” (vs. 14) It is indeed a very “high” calling. Paul speaks of it as a “prize” to be won. It is made possible, of course, by the grace, of God through Christ; but it will be attained only by those who, through self-sacrifice even unto death and by willingness to suffer in any way divine providence may permit, prove worthy of the great honor bestowed upon them through this “high calling.”

No wonder Paul was hesitant to say that he had “attained.” At the time he wrote these words he had hope of being released from prison and of again mingling with the brethren and serving them. Would he be able to endure the further tests that would thus come upon him? Paul felt that this remained to be seen. Later, however, when he knew he was to be executed, and believed he had passed the final test, he wrote, “I have fought a good fight, … I have kept the faith. … Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”—II Tim. 4:7,8

QUESTIONS

What was implied in Paul’s denial of self?

What is there to being a Christian besides believing on Christ?

What did Paul mean by being “apprehended” of Christ Jesus?

Why did Paul say that he had not yet “apprehended”?

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