Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death; I. THIS KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST AND HIS SUFFERINGS HERE SO ARDENTLY DESIRED. We may have it — 1. By an actual participation in suffering for His sake. Many persons of affected sensibility feel a sort of delight in following Christ into the judgment hall and to Calvary who have no heart to make sacrifice for His service. Their hearts seem moved, but when persecution arises they walk no more with Him. 2. By the cordial reception of the benefits secured to us by His sufferings in the exercise of a lively faith. (1) Pardon. (2) Purity. (3) Reconciliation and peace. (4) Life spiritual and eternal. 3. By a tender sympathy with all His followers in the sufferings they endure. All the members of the body feel if one be afflicted, so do all the members of the body of Christ. II. THE GROUNDS OF THIS PREFERENCE. 1. The knowledge transcends all other as to its importance. All else is earthly and therefore transient; this affects the dearest and eternal interests of men. 2. It is infinitely more valuable than testimony or theory. (T. Raffles, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; |
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