Knowing Christ Through A Resurrected Life

Introduction

The last time we were together we discussed the four qualities that define a great church. Paul writes the Philippians and informs them on how disunity among them will hinder their work together for God’s Kingdom. Paul encourages them to imitate the humility of Jesus, by humbling themselves. In chapter one Paul points out certain qualities that define a great church. Those qualities were Character, Commitment, Courage and Conflict. This morning I would like for us to consider what would be the #1 objective of the Christian life? I believe the Apostle Paul sums this up for us all. I believe we could say it was certainly one verse that defined Paul’s life.

Spurgeon said, “Scripture frequently sums up a man’s life in a single sentence.”

There are many verses in the New Testament that we could say are defining verses in Paul’s life. There are many that stand out, but as I considered this subject one verse in particular stood out to me.

Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”

Paul’s sole aim in this life was to know Christ fully. This knowledge that Paul is speaking about is more than just objective knowledge, it is personal knowledge. It is an intimate knowledge of His person and the God we serve. Knowing Christ is the one thing that really matters in this life. We must come to know Him in whom we now live. Paul says that in order to fully know Christ we must first know “ The power of His resurrection.”

1. The Power of the Resurrected Life

To know Christ is to know His resurrection power now. We were dead in sin but through the power of His resurrection we are now dead to sin. A daily dying and a continual resurrection.

(1) Knowing the Power of the Resurrected Life is a Living Reality - There is absolutely no reason why we can’t live the Christian life right now. In fact Christ expects us to live the Christian life and not only does He expect it, He has enabled us to live this life through His resurrection power! Christ accepts no less than our full and entire dedication. Our lives are to be worthy of the imitation of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Paul is saying to the Corinthians as followers or imitators of him they are actually following or imitating Christ. Therefore what was written initially to the Corinthians is written for us, to us and is forever applicable in our 21 century lives.

David Jeremiah wrote, “This knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ is what sets Christianity apart from all the religions of the world. Our faith is not one of systems and doctrines and regulations and rituals. Our faith is personal and intimate. We know a Person who has changed our lives and we live in fellowship with Him.”

(2) Knowing the Power of the Resurrected Life is a Learning Revelation - We must learn Christ through the power of His resurrection.

Ephesians 4:17 “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,”

Ephesians 4:20–24 “But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Paul tells the Ephesians they have not learned Christ through the vanity of their minds (v.17) but they have learned Christ through the knowledge of the resurrected life. This knowledge can only be obtained through God’s truth and the revealing work of the Holy Spirit.

(3) Knowing the Power of the Resurrected Life is a Lasting Relationship - Scripture tells us that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Once we are recreated (born again) in Christ Jesus we are His forever and He is ours forever.

John 1:12 “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

Romans 8:17 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Christ is renewed everyday in our lives. In Jesus we have an Abiding love & a Abundant life.

(4) Knowing the Power of the Resurrected Life is a Longing Readiness - one day we shall see Him!

1 Peter 1:7–9 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”

Conclusion

Can your life be defined by this verse? Are you living a resurrected life? Do you know Christ and the power of this resurrected life? I’m not asking if you know about Christ, but I’m asking if know Christ personally? If not you may know Him and the power of His resurrection by His grace, through faith you can come to Jesus!