Knowing
The Joy of Knowing Christ: Counting All as Loss
What is the most valuable thing in your life? Your career? Your family? Your reputation? What if you discovered something so precious that everything else paled in comparison?
In Philippians 3:1-21, Paul boldly declares that everything he once valued—his status, achievements, and possessions—is worthless compared to knowing Christ. He writes:
Philippians 3:8 (CSB)
"I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."
Paul understood that true joy is not found in what we achieve or own but in Jesus alone. Like a runner focused on the finish line, he urges believers to press forward, forgetting what is behind and striving toward eternity with Christ.
Philippians 3:13-14 (CSB)
"Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus."
A Treasure Worth Everything - Jesus illustrated this truth in a simple but profound parable:
Matthew 13:44 (CSB)
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field."
Imagine discovering the greatest treasure imaginable—one that surpasses every desire, every goal, and every possession. Jesus tells us that knowing Him is that treasure. When we truly understand His worth, we joyfully surrender all else to gain Him.
But the question is: Are we willing to let go?
Friends, what are you holding onto? Paul warns against placing confidence in the flesh—in our own efforts, achievements, or backgrounds. Instead, he highlights three marks of those who truly know Christ:
Worship by the Spirit of God (Philippians 3:3) – A life transformed by God’s presence.
Boast in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:3) – Finding confidence in what Jesus has done, not in ourselves.
Put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) – Rejecting self-reliance for complete dependence on Christ.
Many of us still cling to things that compete with Christ for first place in our hearts:
A desire for approval. A love for comfort or security. A reluctance to let go of past achievements. A fear of stepping fully into God’s calling.
Paul counted everything as loss so that he might gain Christ. What might God be calling you to surrender?
Pressing Forward in Faith
The Christian life is not about dwelling in the past—it’s about pressing forward in faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)
"Let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith."
Paul urges us to keep our focus on Jesus, not on past failures or worldly distractions. He reminds us that our true citizenship is in heaven—not in this world (Philippians 3:20).
So, what’s holding you back from pursuing Christ wholeheartedly? What’s keeping you from experiencing the joy of fully knowing Him?
The Call to Communion: Remembering Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Knowing Christ isn’t just about intellectual knowledge—it’s about deep, personal relationship. That’s why Jesus left us a tangible way to remember Him: communion.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (CSB)
"On the night when He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, broke it, and said, 'This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way also He took the cup, after supper, and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.'"
As we take communion, we are reminded that Jesus gave up everything for us—His glory, His comfort, His very life. He counted all as loss so that we might gain eternal life.
Final Challenge: Count It as Loss
Take time to identify something in your life that you need to count as loss in order to know Christ more fully. Is it a habit or distraction that pulls you away from Him? Is it a fear that prevents you from fully trusting Him? Is it a pursuit of something that competes with your devotion to Christ?
Surrender it joyfully, just as the man who sold everything to buy the treasure in the field. Knowing Jesus is worth more than anything this world offers.
Join us this Sunday at Union Avenue Baptist Church, 2181 Union Avenue, at 10:45 AM or online at unionavenue.orgas we continue to seek the joy of knowing Christ together!