To Know Him
Daily Rays of Hope #149
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
— Philippians 3:10–11 (NIV)
There is no greater pursuit in life than to know Jesus—not just in intellect, but in deep, abiding relationship. Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10–11 reveal a holy longing that should stir the heart of every believer: “I want to know Christ.” This knowing goes beyond facts and Sunday sermons. It’s intimate. It’s experiential. And it is transformative.
To know Christ is to become one with His journey—His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. It means embracing the full picture of what He accomplished on the cross and allowing that truth to reshape the way we live, think, and respond to the world around us.
Seated in Heavenly Places
Scripture tells us that we are not merely followers of Christ—we are united with Him. Ephesians 2:6 declares, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” This heavenly position is not just a future promise—it is a present reality. When we receive Jesus, we are spiritually raised with Him. We operate from a higher place of authority, identity, and victory.
Yet this elevation doesn’t exempt us from hardship. Rather, it empowers us to endure it with grace and hope. We don’t suffer alone. We suffer with Christ, and in that fellowship, we find strength, clarity, and the power to overcome.
His Suffering Was Not in Vain
The suffering Jesus endured—the beatings, the cross, the tomb—was not without purpose. Isaiah 53:5 tells us, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
His suffering produced peace. His death birthed new life. His resurrection destroyed the grip of death and hell. When we share in His suffering—whether through trials, rejection, or spiritual warfare—we also share in His victory. 2 Timothy 2:12 affirms, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”
The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
Jesus is not only our Savior—He is our Sustainer. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
He authored your faith, and He is committed to perfecting it. The road of faith will test you. It will challenge your comfort, your logic, and your will. But Jesus—who walked the road before you—is faithful to walk it with you. The more you lean into Him, the more your character will be refined, your heart renewed, and your purpose revealed.
To Know Him Is To Overcome
Knowing Christ intimately is not merely for personal enrichment—it’s your key to victory. The more time you spend in His presence, the more aware you become of your authority over the enemy. In Luke 10:19, Jesus declares, “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Every attack from the enemy loses power when you walk in the power of His resurrection. Every lie loses its grip when your mind is renewed by truth. To know Him is to become like Him—and Jesus never lived under the oppression of the enemy. He lived under the power of the Spirit, and so can you.
To Know Him Is To Think Like Him
As we mature in Christ, our thinking must also change. Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”
This renewing is how we take on the mind of Christ—a mind of humility, discernment, obedience, and love. Philippians 2:5 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” To have the mind of Christ is to see with clarity, speak with wisdom, and walk with unwavering purpose, even in difficulty.
When you know Him—when you truly know Him—you begin to reflect Him.
Three Practical Ways to Walk This Out Daily
Here are three intentional ways you can seek the will of God and walk out Philippians 3:10–11 in your daily life:
1. Pursue Daily Intimacy Through Word & Worship
Don’t rush into your day without centering yourself in Christ. Read a passage of Scripture slowly and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight what He wants to show you. Worship not just with music, but with gratitude and adoration. To know Him, you must spend time with Him.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
2. Invite God into Your Suffering
Don’t despise your difficulties—let them draw you deeper into God’s heart. Pray honestly. Ask Him what He’s teaching you. Offer your pain as worship. Through every trial, He is conforming you to His image.
“But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance…” — Romans 5:3
3. Think Higher, Live Set Apart
Remember that you are seated in heavenly places. Don’t let temporary troubles cloud your eternal perspective. Train your mind to think with faith, not fear. Choose peace over panic. Choose joy over bitterness. This is the mind of Christ.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” — Colossians 3:2
Closing Encouragement
To know Christ is the greatest honor of your life. As you grow in intimacy with Him, you will walk in resurrection power, overcome trials with grace, and be transformed into His likeness day by day. Never forget: you are seated with Him, empowered by Him, and deeply loved by Him. Let that truth anchor your soul.