Transformative Power of Knowing Christ

 

Summary

In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul reflects on the profound transformation in his life, emphasizing the shift from valuing worldly gains to cherishing the knowledge of Christ. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the radical change that occurs when one becomes a Christian. Paul recounts his past pride in his heritage and achievements, which he now considers worthless compared to the excellence of knowing Christ. This transformation is not merely an addition to his life but a complete reorientation of his values and priorities.

The essence of becoming a Christian is not just about experiencing happiness or peace in this world; it is about securing one's eternal destiny. The Bible consistently presents the choice between an eternity of bliss with God or an eternity of suffering apart from Him. This choice hinges on one's relationship with Jesus Christ. As we approach the Advent season, we are reminded of the monumental event of Christ's birth, which signifies God's intervention in human history to redeem and save us from eternal punishment.

Paul's conversion story is a testament to the profound change that occurs when one encounters Christ. It is a transformation from darkness to light, from chaos to order, and from ignorance to knowledge. This change is wrought by the Holy Spirit, making it the most significant transformation a person can experience. It involves a complete overhaul of one's values, where worldly achievements and possessions are seen as insignificant compared to the eternal value of knowing Christ.

The Christian life is marked by a new perspective on the past, present, and future. The past is viewed with humility and repentance, recognizing the futility of former pursuits. The present is an opportunity to know and serve Christ, finding joy and purpose in Him rather than in worldly pleasures. The future is filled with hope and anticipation of Christ's return and the promise of eternal life with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Transformation in Christ: Becoming a Christian involves a profound transformation, where one's values and priorities are completely reoriented. This change is not just an addition to life but a complete overhaul, as seen in Paul's shift from valuing worldly achievements to cherishing the knowledge of Christ. [12:28]

- Eternal Perspective: The Christian life is marked by an eternal perspective, where the past is viewed with humility, the present is an opportunity to know Christ, and the future is filled with hope. This perspective changes how we evaluate everything, prioritizing eternal value over temporary gains. [32:13]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The transformation from non-Christian to Christian is a work of the Holy Spirit, who implants a new principle within us. This divine intervention makes the change the most significant transformation a person can experience, as it involves becoming partakers of the divine nature. [12:57]

- The Futility of Worldly Pursuits: Paul emphasizes the futility of worldly pursuits, which he once valued but now considers worthless compared to knowing Christ. This realization challenges us to evaluate our own lives and recognize the things we value that may ultimately be fruitless. [34:25]

- Hope in Christ's Return: The Christian's hope is anchored in the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him. This hope provides peace and assurance, even in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. [46:26]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Philippians 3:7-8
- [01:07] - Paul's Life Transformation
- [02:00] - Refuting False Teachings
- [03:05] - The Importance of Becoming a Christian
- [04:24] - The Eternal Perspective
- [05:41] - Advent and the Coming of Christ
- [07:16] - Paul's Conversion Experience
- [09:37] - Tests of True Christianity
- [11:39] - The Profound Change in Values
- [13:32] - Gain and Loss in Christ
- [17:04] - Evaluating Life's Past, Present, and Future
- [21:35] - The Christian's New Perspective
- [32:13] - Judging Life by Eternal Standards
- [46:26] - Hope in Christ's Return

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:7-8

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul consider as "loss" compared to the "excellence of the knowledge of Christ"? [00:31]
2. How does Paul describe the transformation in his life after encountering Christ? [01:07]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the primary reason for becoming a Christian according to the scriptures? [03:52]
4. How does Paul view his past achievements and heritage after his conversion? [21:00]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's transformation illustrate the concept of moving from darkness to light and from chaos to order? [10:35]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit plays a role in the transformation from non-Christian to Christian? [12:28]
3. How does the sermon describe the Christian's new perspective on life, particularly in terms of past, present, and future? [17:04]
4. What does the sermon imply about the futility of worldly pursuits in comparison to knowing Christ? [34:25]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there achievements or possessions you once valued that you now see as less important? How has your relationship with Christ influenced this change? [21:00]
2. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in transformation. How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit's work in your life this week? [12:28]
3. Consider your current priorities. Are there areas where you are still pursuing worldly gains over spiritual growth? What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [34:25]
4. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, focusing on the hope of Christ's return? What practical changes can you make to keep this perspective at the forefront? [46:26]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of knowing Christ in the present. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [38:36]
6. How do you view your past now that you are a Christian? Are there aspects of your past that you need to view with more humility and repentance? [18:36]
7. In what ways can you share the hope and transformation you've experienced in Christ with others around you? [42:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation in Christ
The transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian is profound and all-encompassing. It is not merely an addition to one's life but a complete reorientation of values and priorities. Paul, in Philippians 3:7-8, exemplifies this shift as he moves from valuing worldly achievements to cherishing the knowledge of Christ. This change is a testament to the power of encountering Christ, where the Holy Spirit works within us to instill a new principle, making us partakers of the divine nature. This transformation is the most significant change a person can experience, as it involves a complete overhaul of one's values, where worldly achievements and possessions are seen as insignificant compared to the eternal value of knowing Christ. [12:28]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about transformation? How can you actively participate in this change today?


Day 2: Eternal Perspective
The Christian life is marked by an eternal perspective, where the past is viewed with humility, the present is an opportunity to know Christ, and the future is filled with hope. This perspective changes how we evaluate everything, prioritizing eternal value over temporary gains. Paul’s life transformation serves as a reminder that our past pursuits, no matter how significant they seemed, are futile compared to the excellence of knowing Christ. As Christians, we are called to live with an eternal mindset, focusing on the things that truly matter and finding joy and purpose in serving Christ. [32:13]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary gains to eternal values in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an eternal perspective?


Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The transformation from non-Christian to Christian is a work of the Holy Spirit, who implants a new principle within us. This divine intervention makes the change the most significant transformation a person can experience, as it involves becoming partakers of the divine nature. The Holy Spirit guides us from darkness to light, from chaos to order, and from ignorance to knowledge. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God that requires our willingness to be led by the Spirit and to embrace the new life that comes with knowing Christ. [12:57]

Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Reflection: In what ways can you be more open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life? How can you actively seek His presence and leading today?


Day 4: The Futility of Worldly Pursuits
Paul emphasizes the futility of worldly pursuits, which he once valued but now considers worthless compared to knowing Christ. This realization challenges us to evaluate our own lives and recognize the things we value that may ultimately be fruitless. As Christians, we are called to reassess our priorities and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with Christ and the eternal life He offers. This shift in perspective requires us to let go of our attachment to worldly achievements and possessions and to find our identity and purpose in Christ alone. [34:25]

1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."

Reflection: What worldly pursuits or possessions are you holding onto that may be hindering your relationship with Christ? How can you begin to let go of these and focus on what truly matters?


Day 5: Hope in Christ's Return
The Christian's hope is anchored in the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him. This hope provides peace and assurance, even in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. As we approach the Advent season, we are reminded of the monumental event of Christ's birth, which signifies God's intervention in human history to redeem and save us from eternal punishment. This hope in Christ's return encourages us to live faithfully and expectantly, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him. [46:26]

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (ESV): "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words."

Reflection: How does the hope of Christ's return influence the way you live your life today? What changes can you make to live more expectantly and faithfully in light of this hope?

Quotes


The Apostle tells us here he uses this striking language it's the difference between gain and loss it's the difference between something that he had regarded as very precious and refug now he couldn't use stronger language he couldn't paint a to Greater extreme and he does it quite deliberately in order to show us something of the character of this change which are taking place in him. [00:13:32]

Becoming a Christian says the Apostle simply changes everything it isn't merely that he has light and knowledge where he formerly was ignorant it isn't m that there's order where there was formerly chaos he tells us here that he's got an entirely new set of values his way of looking at everything is absolutely different from what it was before he's got new standards he's got new balances new scales the way he estimates and analyzes and examines everything is absolutely different. [00:14:44]

The Christian's view of life this evening is entirely different and I use my word advisedly from that of the non-Christian now let me prove that contention how do you evaluate a man's view of Life what is life I say that these two view of two views of Life are essentially different but what is life well a very convenient way of describing or analyzing life is this life rarely consists of the past and the present and the future. [00:16:48]

The first thing a Christian asks about anything is this what is the value of this to my soul you see before he hadn't realized that he'd got a soul if he believed it theoretically he certainly didn't live on it and as he estimated and judged and evaluated things it wasn't in terms of the Soul he was adopting another standard but the moment a man becomes a Christian he says to himself the most important thing about me is this that I have got that within me which has been given to me by God which is bigger than this world and life itself. [00:26:31]

The Christian says with this men we are a of Heaven our citizenship is in heaven we are strangers here there is my home that's the country to which I belong that's the territory to which I'm going the life of the Christian in this world is but a passing life pilgrims and strangers Travelers and sers that's how the Christian looks at the future yes he says time is passing I'm getting older day by day yes I know it is life but what is it well it isn't a terrible thing to me I'm not a man who belongs to this life any longer I belong there. [00:46:26]

The Christian's life in the present is a life that is controlled by the Lord Jesus Christ so he spends his time in seeking him how does he do that well he reads this word if you want to find him come to the word it's the word about him it is his word and the Christian comes to it and he spends his time with it he reads it he studies it he meditates upon it and thus he gets to know him through it. [00:40:30]

The Christian's hope is anchored in the return of Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him. This hope provides peace and assurance, even in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges, as we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises. [00:46:26]

The Apostle Paul in the sixth chapter of the epistle to the Romans asking these Roman Christians to look back he puts this question what profit had he then in those things of which you are now ashamed you're ashamed of them now says Paul what profit did you have in them even when you were doing them there's no value in them there's no fruit in them they don't lead to anything. [00:34:25]

The moment a man becomes a Christian he changes his view utterly and entirely of such things he must do so I'll tell you why he's got a new standard of values I say the Apostle obviously had why does he now describe as refug that which he formerly bursted in oh the answer is he's got a new way of looking at things he's got a new yard stick he's got a new measure he weighs things differently. [00:26:31]

The Christian life is marked by a new perspective on the past, present, and future. The past is viewed with humility and repentance, recognizing the futility of former pursuits. The present is an opportunity to know and serve Christ, finding joy and purpose in Him rather than in worldly pleasures. The future is filled with hope and anticipation of Christ's return and the promise of eternal life with Him. [00:32:13]

The Christian's view of the past life is a completely different one there has been an entire reversal in his standard of values let me hurry on to say a word about the present what is the present to the non-Christian well there can be no doubt about that the present of the non-Christian is nothing but a simple continuation of the past he is so ignorant he so bounded and ined in darkness that he knows of nothing different. [00:34:25]

The Christian's life in the present is an opportunity to know him he's seen him he's met him he's come to know him and the one thing he wants is to know him better yes the pity in life says the Christian is that I can't spend the whole of my time in just getting to know him more and more the difficulty with the Christian is not how to pass his time away it's to make time to have enough time. [00:39:58]

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Transcript
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