“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” – Philippians 3:10
LIGHT FOR NOW: Union with Christ means participating in His life; not only enjoying His blessings, but also sharing in the journey of knowing Him, following Him, and becoming like Him.
Paul makes a profound statement: “That I may know him”. This is remarkable because Paul was already a believer, yet he still desired to know Christ more deeply. The word “know” comes from the Greek word ginosko, which speaks of knowledge gained through experience, relationship, and personal understanding. Paul was not satisfied with merely knowing facts about Jesus. He wanted deeper fellowship with the Person of Christ. This reveals something important about union with Christ: it is relational before it is experiential. We are not merely connected to a doctrine. We are joined to a Person.
Paul then says, “And the power of his resurrection”. The resurrection is not merely an historical event we celebrate. It is the demonstration of the life and power of Christ. Paul wanted to experience the practical reality of that resurrection life. But then he adds something many believers would rather avoid: “The fellowship of his sufferings.” The word “fellowship” is koinonia, meaning participation, sharing, or communion. Paul understood that union with Christ means sharing in the realities of following Him, including suffering for the sake of the gospel. This does not mean every hardship is sent by God, nor does it mean believers should seek suffering. Rather, following Christ can involve rejection, sacrifice, persecution, inconvenience, and the cost of obedience.
Jesus Himself said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me”. Union with Christ therefore produces more than the enjoyment of benefits. It produces conformity to Christ. Paul wanted to know Christ, experience His resurrection power, participate in His sufferings, and become increasingly conformed to Him. This is spiritual maturity. Many people want the power of resurrection without the transformation of character. They want Christ’s benefits without Christ’s pattern. But true union with Christ makes us increasingly like the One to whom we are united.
When we know Him, we begin to love what He loves. When we behold Him, we begin to reflect Him. When we follow Him, our lives increasingly take His shape. This is why the Christian life is not merely about asking, “What can Christ give me?” It is also asking, “What is Christ producing in me?” Union with Christ changes our desires, priorities, character, and direction. Paul had accomplished many things, yet his greatest pursuit remained: “That I may know him”. May this also become our pursuit. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Spend time today seeking Christ Himself, not merely what He can give you. Ask the Holy Spirit to deepen your knowledge of Christ and produce His character in you.
CONFESSION: My greatest pursuit is to know Christ. I desire deeper fellowship with Him, the reality of His resurrection life, and the character that comes from walking closely with Him. I am becoming increasingly like Jesus, in Jesus Name. Amen!
FOR MORE LIGHT, get the message ‘Understanding Salvation’ by Prophet Dr John Linus.
QUOTE: The deepest privilege of union with Christ is not merely receiving what He gives, but knowing the One to whom we are united.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 3; EVENING: LUKE CHAPTER 9
