Life is a journey liken to one sailing in a ship that is loaded with too many uncertainties, fears and dangers, difficulties, deprivations but the good news is Jesus the master of land and sea has called us to partner with Him through our life journey (Matthew11:28).
In this sacred space, we shall delve into the timeless words of the Apostle Paul, who, in his letter to the Philippians, expressed an earnest desire: “That I may know Him.”
These words, simple yet profound, encapsulate the essence of our human quest for a deeper connection with the divine.
In this sermon on that I may know him, we shall unravel the significance of this desire, exploring the depths of spirituality, faith, and the unending pursuit of a profound and intimate knowledge of the Divine.
Sermon On That I May Know Him
The Beginning
Looking carefully at the bible from the book of Genesis. Jesus is the hidden truth behind its stories. When God created the first man (Adam), He created a type and shadow of his son (Jesus Christ) to reveal his life, death, and resurrection and His bride to the church.
After God created Adam a fully grown man he put him to sleep, picked one of his ribs formed EVE, and brought to the man Adam. This is a demonstration of everything about Jesus and His Bride.
The scripture tells us that God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:21- 22), This is similar to the kind of death Jesus died, it was a terrible and painful death (Matthew 26:38- 39).
Jesus as a man, when the reality of his death was revealed to him by his father, the tension of it caused the sweat on His face to turn to blood, He sought the father for alternatives, but none was presented, he was to die a shameful death on the cross.
Nobody killed Jesus, it was God the Father Himself who bruised His son (Isaiah 53:10). Just like the first Adam, God caused Jesus to sleep. Now looking at this, one should ask, why would God put Adam into this kind of sleep? What is it significant to us?
Let us go back to Genesis2:21-22 God put Adam to sleep so He could bring out Eve, Adam’s Bride. Jesus death and resurrection was to birth the Church “ THE BRIDE OF CHRIST”
As a believer, when you read the bible, read with the understanding that it is all about Jesus Christ. Jesus after his resurrection, when he appeared to his disciples, He took them through the whole Bible, beginning from Genesis to Malachi showing them the things about Himself (Luke 22:27).
That is to say whatever a man desires in life be it money, marriage, business, children, or spiritual growth is found in JESUS CHRIST. Thus; every scripture quoted outside the revelation of Christ is in error (Matthew 22:29). Through scriptural truth our freedom is sure (John 8:32).
The knowledge of the scripture gives a believer the needed edge in life concerning spiritual matters. This will help you not to be in darkness concerning spiritual operations (Psalm 119:130) Christ is the light and when that light is found, darkness which represents bondage has no option but to flee.
Spiritual freedom and wisdom are the functions of scriptural knowledge (2 Timothy 3:15).
As believers, the scripture (the Bible) is our final authority when it comes to spiritual truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Learning is a continuum ( it is continuous).
Through the studying of the bible, we are provided with the knowledge required to know and understand spiritual realities(Romans 15:4), We need to study the bible daily to be able to rightly divide and apply the words to our individual lives (2 Timothy 2:15).
STUDIES
There is a kind of certainty that comes from knowing the character of a man or woman. It is infallible, it secures confidence when dealing with or recommending such a person(Hebrews 10:22). How do you know Him? You will only enjoy God to the level of your knowledge of Him.
The more of the scripture you know and your ability to apply it to your day-to-day life experiences and conditions, the more of God-Life and Spirit truth you will enjoy.
So many people have quoted the scripture out of context or to suit their selfish desires, but one thing is certain, God’s word can never change (Isaiah8:20) “ To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” Beloved, you need to study the word of God.
Like the Berean Christian, make a conscious effort to know the scripture for yourself and to be able to relate the same to others when the need arises ( Acts17:11)
So many wolves have come in sheep’s clothing in the name of man of God, woman of God, or with big titles “Pastor, Bishops” There are too many scriptural and spiritual babes behind the pulpit today. Their messages are contrary to God’s viewpoint of us. They teach to glorify the self and the devil leaving behind Christ who is the essence of the bible.
But Paul Apostle said,” we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called both Jews and Greeks Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1Corinthian1:23-24).
When reading and studying the bible, losing sight of the revelation of Jesus in what you are reading, whether on topics like marriage, the fruit of the womb, breakthrough, death, or life is spiritual blindness ( 2Corinthian3:13-18)
Power
Do you know as one that has all the power as declares in Matthew28:18-20 “ And Jesus came and spake unto them saying; All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth—-‘.
Power is said to be the ability to do all things. And declaring that all power is in Christ, Christ assures us that no one truly believes in Him has any reason to be troubled or distressed because He can do all things.
Christ has awesome power that is greater than any power be it physical, spiritual even nuclear. He has the power to blot out the vilest of sins, cure the deadliest of sicknesses, destroy the strongest of satanic works, solve the toughest of mysteries, and banish the cruelest of demons.
Paul according to Philippians3:10-11 was desperate to know who Christ was and the power behind His resurrection.
The desire that drove him wherever he went, in his sleep, persecution, affliction. A strong spiritual desire that went beyond human imagination, before now Paul had seen God use him to perform several miracles, in the ministry he had recorded great achievements, traveled far and wide beyond Jerusalem, and wrote a lot of books.
One could say Paul had reached the peak of his spiritual walk with God but Boom! Paul said that I may know Him. What does God want us to learn from this message as believers? We cannot come to a point in our life or Christian walk when we feel we don’t need Christ anymore.
There is no spiritual height we have attained and we don’t have any need to move higher. At every point of our Christian walk, we are to desire more of Him, pray more, study more, meditate more, and concentrate more until we are fully conformed to the image of Christ for as he is so are we in this world.
Of those who backslide, some were so enthusiastic at the beginning of their Christian journey but as life challenges showed up contrary to what they anticipated in their heart and what religion had taught them that when you come to Christ there won’t be any challenge, affliction their faith begin to go down.
They no longer have a desire for spiritual goals, no aspirations, or expectations. Some are content with their salvation experience, with no desire for greater height and deeper spiritual experiences. To them getting deeper experiences is just an addition that’s not necessary.
When Jesus came into the world. His mission was to redeem those who were under the law ( Galatians4:4-5). He was sent by the father to live under the law ( the same law that man failed woefully to keep unto God) then he will completely keep without failing any of it, thereby paying the ultimate price for the sake of man.
Jesus knew He had to live under the law to salvage man from the bondage of not being able to keep the law ( Matthew5:17)
For Jesus to fulfill the demand of the law he must live and operate within the law like every other person under the law.
After Jesus’ resurrection there was a new order, A NEW AND LIVING WAY introduced Romans1:16-17, Galatians 3:11; and Romans3:21-22. Paul in Galatians2:20 says “ I am crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.
Now; when you begin to live a life focusing on what Christ had done, not necessarily what your strength can offer, from that point your Christian life will take a glorious turn for the better for you. Such knowledge will certainly take the burden of life from you and put it on Jesus who wants to carry it for you and me.
Now my question is how do you know Him?
1: Decide to follow Him (1 Kings 18:21). This is not lip service or to show up before men, desire fellowship with Him, be prepared to reach to the lost souls, imbibe Christ-life of righteousness.
Let us look at Ruth1:16 “ And Ruth said, intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:”
Ruth took this decision when there was no hope for a better life with her mother-in-law (Naomi). But she was not disappointed, her decision brought her untold blessings, and her name is traced to the genealogy of Christ. If you too will make such a decision as Ruth made, immeasurable blessings of Christ are your Thank you, Jesus
2: Persistence determination: Determination is a force that propels you to your destination. Being determined does not exempt you from the challenges of life, you are sure to face a challenge, and storms of life.
A determined man does not give up so easily. Daniel was one man in the bible who had determined to focus on God (Daniel1:8), and Apostle Paul was such a man too (Acts20:24)
3: Living a disciplined life- Discipline is what helps to keep things in order and shape for you. Self-control is important in every aspect of your life including your spiritual life. Paul recorded this in 1 Corinthians 9:27. achievement, wealth, and fame cannot last if you cannot discipline yourself.
When you cannot bring your thoughts, eyes, tongue, body, and cravings under control you will be brought low. The biggest victory anyone can claim to have is victory over the flesh and personal tendencies that lead to downfall.
Learn to regulate your life with the help of the Holy Spirit, and surrender everything under His control. Be careful of the kind of friends you keep and, the types of books you read.
Conclusion
Beloved, there are no shortcuts to knowing Christ, success in life and ministry. Make up your mind today to follow Christ, be determined to hold unto Him alone, and lean not on your understanding.
Learn to subject the members of your body to discipline.
1: Who is Christ to you? 2: What aspect of your life do you want to know Him for? 3: Are you still playing religion?
