In the Gospel of John our Lord confronts the Disciple named Philip with a most convicting question: “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” (John 14:9). I think of that interaction between the Lord and His Disciple as I ponder the words of Paul in Philippians 3:10.

As we discovered last Sunday in our message, it is here that the Apostle expresses his greatest aim in all of life: “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” We have suggested that this should be our preeminent ‘resolution’ for the New Year, and for each day of our lives.

Obviously, it is one thing to “know” our Lord in terms of becoming a Christian, and in this sense we all “know” Him. But these passages from John and Philippians also imply that there is much more to “know” about Him even after we have been redeemed!

In Philippians 3:10, Paul lays out three ways, or three mechanisms, for gaining a deeper knowledge of the Savior. The first one has to do with the resurrection power of God. The second involves suffering. And the third includes death.

At first glance, these appear quite mysterious to us. But as we probe them more closely, Paul’s message will become very clear, as will that which should be our greatest goal.