I Want to Know Christ
Date: April 30, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." - Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Lord, help me hear Your voice and feel Your presence. Guide my steps and fill me with Your peace. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The letter to the Philippians was written by the apostle Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome, around AD 61-63. Paul founded the Philippian church during his second missionary journey, and he loved this community. For Paul, the resurrection wasn't merely a historical event but a present reality that impacted every aspect of his life. It symbolized victory over sin and death and offered hope for believers both in this life and the life to come.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Know Christ: This implies more than just intellectual knowledge; it involves a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.
Power of His Resurrection: The transformative power of Christ's resurrection in your life.
Participation in His Sufferings: Consider what it means to share in Christ's sufferings, recognizing the depth of His love and sacrifice.
S - Summarize and Share:
Paul is speaking about not just of knowing about Christ but of truly knowing Him – of experiencing the power of His resurrection and even sharing in His sufferings. As I reflect on this verse, I'm reminded of my own journey of faith, marked by moments of both joy and struggle.
There have been times when I've felt the overwhelming presence of Christ's resurrection power in my life – moments of victory, breakthrough, and divine intervention. These experiences have left an indelible mark on my soul, reminding me of the reality of Christ's victory over sin and death.
Yet, Paul's words also speak to the reality of suffering and hardship in the Christian life. I've encountered seasons of pain, doubt, and uncertainty, where it felt like I was walking through the valley of the shadow of death. In those moments, I've found comfort in knowing that Christ Himself walked that path before me, sharing in my pain and offering His comfort and strength.
As I continue to journey with Christ, my prayer is that I will grow in my knowledge of Him – not just in the highs but also in the lows, not just in the triumphs but also in the trials. I want to know Him intimately, to experience His presence in every aspect of my life, and to become more like Him with each passing day. May this verse serve as a reminder of the depth of Christ's love for me and His desire for a deeper relationship with me.
4 Bible Cross References:
Romans 6:5
Galatians 2:20
2 Corinthians 4:10
Colossians 1:24