Thursday, February 17, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Deuteronomy 32
SCRIPTURE READING
Philippians 3:8 (NIV); What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ
This verse continues the passage that was highlighted yesterday. Not only did Paul consider his highly-esteemed credentials loss for the sake of Christ, but he considered everything a loss! Everything is everything – shelter, food, wealth, possessions, friends, family, marital intimacy, pleasure, TV, high speed internet, air conditioning, BlackBerrys, vacations and all of our other vices and addictions, and even genuine enjoyments! EVERYTHING, Paul said was garbage (or “dung” as the KJV puts it) when “compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus”.
Paul lived the truth that the rich young man of Matthew 19 could not bring himself to submit to. Paul was willing to give up all things for the sake of Christ. Not only because he knew Christ to be worthy of his forfeit, but because he knew that it was the only way he would ever GAIN Christ. This goes beyond knowledge about Jesus. When we are willing to put Jesus primary to all things – people, thoughts, attitudes, possessions – we actually win Him. We grow in relational intimacy with Him and discover the joy – the surpassing greatness – of truly knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Meditate on the verse. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you full understanding of its message. Ask Him questions as you read: What kind of “surpassing greatness” comes from knowing Jesus? What does it mean that I can “gain Christ”?
2) Do a reevaluation of the priorities in your life right now. Ask God if there is anything that He wants you to give up for a period of time in order to more fully understand the truths of this verse.
3) Spend some time memorizing this verse. Ask the Holy Spirit to engrave it into your heart and mind, and ask Him to help you live consistently by this verse.
