Somewhere in the early 1900s, Mahatma Gandhi set a goal for himself. He wanted to gain political freedom for his native India and led his people in their quest for freedom for over three decades until it was granted in 1947. Some will know the name; Sir Edmund Hillary, and like Ghandi, he also set a goal for himself—determined that he would climb Mount Everest even though no one else had ever done it. In 1953, he climbed all the way to the summit and returned to tell others he had reached his goal.
In Philippians 3:7-11, we read: “ 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with Him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with Himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
In this passage of Scripture, we read where Paul also had a goal. While detained in a Roman prison, he writes his goal in verse 10; “I want to know Christ . . .” Doesn’t he want to be released from prison? I would hope so, but he doesn’t mention that. Does he want to be healed?
Probably, but again, it is not the most pressing thing on his mind. First and foremost, on Paul’s mind; what he wanted more than anything—his primary goal was spelled out clearly: “ 10 I want to know Christ . . .”
So, how can we intimately know Him? First—spend time talking with Him in prayer. The biggest part of any relationship is communication, and He invites us all to talk to Him.
Second—read His Word. One of the primary ways God reveals Himself to us is through the Bible. He will disclose His likes and dislikes, His values, and the plans He has for you.
Third—memorize His Word. Memorizing the Bible helps us think about pure and good things.
It will come to memory before you consider committing a sin. Fourth—read a good devotional book. The number of devotional books available is limitless. Most have daily Scriptures, readings, and prayers. FIFTH—worship Him. Regular worship is the expression of your love to Him, and you can do it by participating in Sunday School, Sunday Worship services, andn discipleship classes. SIXTH—grow with Others. Surround yourself with people eager to know Jesus better; encourage each other; hold each other accountable and love each other.
What is there in your life that really counts as valuable? Are you who you are because you know Christ? Are you worth more just because you were given birth? Maybe you are more important because of what you have achieved? “If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
I want to conclude with a question. Do you “know him?” . . . I mean really “know him?”
Some might answer: “Sure. I know Jesus. I can tell you who He was and what He did.”But that is not the question I’m asking you. I’m asking: “Do you know Him personally, intimately, passionately?” If you answered “NO,” are you really content living without having a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? Always struggling to make it on your own, in your own strength. My prayer for you is that you, like Paul, might know Christ—and know him personally!
Always in His Service, PastorRon Pastor, Fellowship Church of the Nazarene