The Surpassing Value of Knowing Christ

In (Philippians 3:8) we see the Apostle Paul getting very personal when he says: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” We know that Paul had attainted a great reputation in Judaism for (Philippians 3:4-6) tells us: “…If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”

But to Paul all of these Jewish accolades were of no value compared to what happened to him on the Damascus road where he met Christ. At Paul’s conversion, I believe, he began to fully understand the reality and implications of (Mark 8:36) which says: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Paul realized, once he came to Christ, that all of his accomplishments couldn’t save his soul, but in Christ he was assured of eternal life. And knowing Jesus now meant everything to Paul who for the first time in his life was no longer bound by legalism but by grace.

As Paul grew in his knowledge of the Lord he began to fully understand and know who he was in Christ. And knowing who he was in Christ meant everything to Paul. And in Christ the apostle knew the following: He was created in God’s image, a masterpiece of His creative genius. (Genesis 1:27). He was a treasured possession to Jesus. (Deuteronomy 14:2). In Christ he was on the pathway to having maximum meaning, joy, and pleasures. (Psalm 16:11). God had a myriad of precious thoughts toward him. (Psalm 139:17-18). In Christ, Paul knew that Jesus was always with him to strengthen, help, and uphold him. (Isaiah 41:10). God was not only his heavenly “Abba” Father but he was a joint heir with Christ. (Romans 8:16-17). In addition, he knew the Holy Spirit lived inside of him making him a temple of God. (1 Corinthians 3:16). And finally, in Christ, Paul knew he was chosen, royal, holy, and special to God. (1 Peter 2:9). Let’s face it, Paul knew that God was just plain crazy about him!

Is it any wonder that Paul considered everything he had achieved in life of no value compared to knowing Christ. And with eternal life secure in Christ Paul could safely say: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). My friends, I pray, that like Paul, you grasp just how special a relationship you have knowing Jesus. I love how the hymnwriter put it: “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold; I’d rather be His than have riches untold.” I pray you will meditate on just who you are in Christ. I believe it will make your relationship with Him just that much sweeter!