“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already attained or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind.” (Philippians 3:8-15)
Academics, that which pertains to a school of higher education by man’s standards.
We need to learn accurate world, national, and local history. We need to have a sharp understanding of laws whether local, national, or international. We need to appreciate and grasp differences of culture internationally. These are some things that would be helpful in making wise decisions in cooperative community and beyond. However, the greatest knowledge and wisdom can only come through determined familiarity of God and His Word.
Paul/Saul, was a highly educated man and knowledgeable in both Hebrew and Roman culture. He had an earth-shattering conversion experience with the sudden appearance of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus while pursuing the destruction of those in the Way (early followers of Jesus). Paul had faithfully followed his LORD’S instructions and pursued a lasting relationship with Him since conversion. He had discipled many new believers, and had memorable experiences of God’s grace and mercy through Jesus Christ in his journeys. But, Paul said boldly with determination, “That I may know Him.”
Beloved, “Know Yourself” or “Be True to Yourself” has been the idiom of enlightenment since the explosion of the ‘drug’ and ‘love’ ethos of the late 60’s, 70’s and even beyond. Another phrase that is often used is, “Follow your heart.” This continues to be both futile and often fatal, as it is fueled by the demonic with a goal of destruction.
The Apostle Paul figured out what ought to be the aim of man, particularly for himself, hundreds of years before. He summed it up with these words: “That I may know Him.” (Philippians 3:10)
The Holy Spirit is unwavering in that we shall attach importance to Jesus Christ at each moment in life. Do you know Him where you are today?
One great sorrow within today’s church is that there are many person attending Worship services for God “Nodding in agreement without change.” No direction; no longing desire for God in Christ in a personal relationship, just an “Amen!” and a nod of the head, then walk out as they walked in; nothing different at all.
My aspiration or motivation is not to achieve joy as the prize, neither peace, nor even blessings; no, never that. I want the LORD Himself, my God; nothing less . . . but in this deep abiding pursuit, I find in abundance His Peace, His Joy, and His Blessings. My Beloved, Pursue Jesus . . . Pray On!
