Knowing Christ: The Path to True Righteousness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into one of the great texts of Scripture, focusing on Paul's letter to the Philippians. Paul, a man of impressive credentials, once prided himself on his heritage and achievements. However, he came to realize that true righteousness is not about personal accomplishments but about knowing Christ intimately. This knowledge is not superficial; it is deeply relational and transformative. Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through the law or personal merit.
Paul's desire to know Christ goes beyond mere acquaintance. He seeks an intimate relationship that involves understanding Christ's sufferings and experiencing the power of His resurrection. This kind of knowledge is akin to the deep, unspoken understanding that can develop in a long-term marriage, where partners know each other so well that words are often unnecessary. Paul wants to share in Christ's sufferings and resurrection, aiming to attain the resurrection of the dead himself.
The sermon also touched on the importance of letting this knowledge of Christ sink deeply into our lives, transforming us from the inside out. This transformation is not just about intellectual assent but involves a profound change in how we live and relate to others. Paul’s life serves as a powerful example of this transformation, as he moved from being a persecutor of the church to one of its most ardent advocates.
In our modern world, it can be challenging to fully grasp the reality of the resurrection. Yet, Paul believed it wholeheartedly, and it became the foundation of his faith and life. This belief in the resurrection is not just a mythological story but a historical event that has profound implications for our faith and daily living. As we reflect on our own lives, we can see the transformative power of Christ at work, shaping us into His image.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Righteousness Through Faith: Paul teaches that righteousness is not about personal achievements or adherence to the law but about a relationship with Christ. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, transforming us from the inside out. [40:22]
2. Intimate Knowledge of Christ: Knowing Christ is more than just intellectual understanding; it involves a deep, relational intimacy. This kind of knowledge transforms our lives and aligns us with Christ's sufferings and resurrection power. [46:37]
3. Transformation Through Suffering and Resurrection: Paul’s desire to share in Christ's sufferings and resurrection highlights the transformative power of these experiences. This transformation is not just about enduring hardships but about being reshaped into Christ's image. [47:38]
4. The Reality of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is a historical event that forms the foundation of our faith. Believing in the resurrection is crucial for understanding the depth of God's love and the power of His redemption. [49:23]
5. Living Out Our Faith: Our daily lives should reflect the transformative power of knowing Christ. This involves meditating on God's word, praying, and allowing His love to shape our relationships and actions. [01:02:00]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:18] - Introduction to the Great Text
[38:19] - The Intimacy of Knowing
[39:20] - Doing the Will of the Father
[40:22] - Righteousness Through Faith
[41:08] - Paul's Credentials and Transformation
[42:35] - The Heart of Christian Life
[43:38] - Knowing Christ Deeply
[44:13] - Personal Anecdote: Meeting the Governor
[46:37] - The Depth of Knowing Jesus
[47:38] - Sharing in Christ's Sufferings and Resurrection
[49:23] - The Reality of the Resurrection
[50:17] - The Compassion and Love of Christ
[51:11] - The Deity and Humanity of Jesus
[52:36] - Intimacy in Relationships
[54:22] - Paul's Desire to Know Christ
[55:52] - The Wonder of Christ's Miracles
[56:38] - Attaining Resurrection Life
[57:20] - Reflecting on Life's Transformation
[59:30] - The Worthlessness of Earthly Achievements
[01:00:17] - The True Value of Knowing Christ
[01:02:00] - Living Out Our Faith
[01:02:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 3:7-11 (ESV)
> "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead."
2. Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
> "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul consider as "rubbish" in Philippians 3:7-8, and why does he use such strong language? [41:44]
2. According to Philippians 3:9, what is the source of true righteousness, and how is it obtained? [40:22]
3. In Matthew 7:21-23, what is the key difference between those who enter the kingdom of heaven and those who do not? [39:20]
4. How does Paul describe his desire to know Christ in Philippians 3:10-11, and what does this entail? [47:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that righteousness comes through faith in Christ rather than through personal achievements or adherence to the law? [40:22]
2. How does the concept of knowing Christ intimately, as described by Paul, differ from merely having intellectual knowledge about Him? [46:37]
3. What does it mean to share in Christ's sufferings and resurrection, and how might this shape a believer's life and faith? [47:38]
4. How does the reality of the resurrection serve as the foundation of our faith, according to the sermon and Philippians 3:10-11? [49:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there personal achievements or credentials that you have been relying on for your sense of righteousness? How can you shift your focus to faith in Christ instead? [41:44]
2. Think about your relationship with Christ. Is it more intellectual or relational? What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with Him this week? [46:37]
3. Paul speaks about sharing in Christ's sufferings. Can you identify a recent hardship in your life? How might viewing this hardship as a way to share in Christ's sufferings change your perspective? [47:38]
4. The resurrection is a historical event with profound implications. How does believing in the resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? [49:23]
5. Paul’s transformation from a persecutor of the church to one of its most ardent advocates is a powerful example. Can you identify an area in your life where you need transformation? What steps can you take to allow Christ to work in that area? [41:08]
6. How can you let the knowledge of Christ sink deeply into your life, transforming your actions and relationships? Identify one specific relationship or action you want to change this week. [01:02:00]
7. Reflect on the idea that earthly achievements are "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ. How can this perspective influence your goals and priorities? [01:00:17]
Devotional
Day 1: True Righteousness Through Faith
True righteousness is not about personal achievements or adherence to the law but about a relationship with Christ. Paul teaches that this righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, transforming us from the inside out. He once prided himself on his heritage and accomplishments but came to realize that these were insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. This transformation is deeply relational and involves a profound change in how we live and relate to others. Paul’s life serves as a powerful example of this transformation, as he moved from being a persecutor of the church to one of its most ardent advocates. [40:22]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: What personal achievements or credentials do you find yourself boasting in? How can you shift your focus to boast in your relationship with Christ instead?
Day 2: Intimate Knowledge of Christ
Knowing Christ is more than just intellectual understanding; it involves a deep, relational intimacy. Paul seeks an intimate relationship that involves understanding Christ's sufferings and experiencing the power of His resurrection. This kind of knowledge is akin to the deep, unspoken understanding that can develop in a long-term marriage, where partners know each other so well that words are often unnecessary. This intimate knowledge transforms our lives and aligns us with Christ's sufferings and resurrection power. [46:37]
Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ today? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer and reflection to grow in your intimate knowledge of Him.
Day 3: Transformation Through Suffering and Resurrection
Paul’s desire to share in Christ's sufferings and resurrection highlights the transformative power of these experiences. This transformation is not just about enduring hardships but about being reshaped into Christ's image. Paul wants to share in Christ's sufferings and resurrection, aiming to attain the resurrection of the dead himself. This kind of transformation involves a profound change in how we live and relate to others, moving from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. [47:38]
2 Corinthians 4:10-11 (ESV): "Always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh."
Reflection: How have you experienced suffering in your life? How can you see these experiences as opportunities for transformation and growth in Christ?
Day 4: The Reality of the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus is a historical event that forms the foundation of our faith. Believing in the resurrection is crucial for understanding the depth of God's love and the power of His redemption. In our modern world, it can be challenging to fully grasp the reality of the resurrection. Yet, Paul believed it wholeheartedly, and it became the foundation of his faith and life. This belief in the resurrection is not just a mythological story but a historical event that has profound implications for our faith and daily living. [49:23]
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and faith? Take a moment to reflect on the hope and power that the resurrection brings to your life.
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
Our daily lives should reflect the transformative power of knowing Christ. This involves meditating on God's word, praying, and allowing His love to shape our relationships and actions. As we reflect on our own lives, we can see the transformative power of Christ at work, shaping us into His image. This transformation is not just about intellectual assent but involves a profound change in how we live and relate to others. [01:02:00]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to live out your faith more fully? Consider how you can show Christ's love and compassion in your interactions with others.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Righteousness is not about what I am and what I have achieved and what I've done. Righteousness is not about us. Righteousness is about the Lord Jesus Christ. And what we have gained in our relationship to him." [40:22] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "To know Jesus is to know well that his death on the cross was relationship that he bore for us, that we might be set free from our sins. Now, whether we like it or not, that is something we learn by faith. That is not something we can just say, oh yeah, I know that. Have you let it sink deep into your life to where it changes everything that you are?" [46:37] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. And that becomes the foundation of our faith in what God has done to bring about our redemption. Jesus Christ is the resurrected Lord. Amen. That's the key to our life. And it happened because he was willing to give himself even to death on a cross, Paul says." [49:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Think of your life. Think of from whence you've come, where you might have been born, where you might have grown up as a young boy or girl, where you went to school, where you went to college, your early home life as an adult, and where God has brought you to this moment. Isn't it an amazing transformation that has taken place? Isn't it grand what you sense about life?" [57:20] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are the children of God. And we have gained that through Jesus Christ himself. Paul says, yeah, there are other ways to try to find righteousness. He says, I've tried them and they're just rubbish. That's the word that the ESV uses. And it's a good word, like that. But the word skubala in the Greek can mean whatever is just kind of worthless, throw away." [59:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul says, with regards to this desire of entering the life of righteousness, he says, that I may know him. That I may know Christ. That I may encounter his life in my life. Now, what does Paul really mean when he says that I may know Christ?" [43:38] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But to think that we have the ability to share resurrection power and to share in the suffering of Jesus becoming like him in his death, that is an incredible statement that Paul is making. can only say before you this morning, I pray to God that I know that. But what an incredible statement it is. To share that resurrection power that literally few people believe is even possible." [47:38] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul says, I wanna know about his suffering. I wanna know about his resurrection power. And then he adds that third thing that says that I too may attain to the resurrection of the dead. Paul knew there was more coming even for him. And he knew that he too would die and that he wanted to be a part of that resurrection life that could be promised only in Christ Jesus." [56:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This great apostle, this great man who gave his life that others might hear the good news is bearing his soul as to what it means now for him to find righteousness. And it's all caught up in Jesus. Nothing else. And as you live your life this week, as you take time to meditate on God's word, to perhaps sit quietly in his presence as you reflect and pray, may God help you to understand afresh the wonder of what it means to know him." [01:01:02] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "That you can share in the life and the wonder of his love in your life. Because you see, that righteousness is not about us. It's about what we find in our relationship with him as we open ourselves to that intimacy that only he can give." [01:02:00] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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