That We Might Know Him – Part 1

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:3

It has always amazed me that Jesus’ desire is that we would KNOW Him. John learned this firsthand during his time with Jesus, so it’s no surprise that later in Paul’s ministry he echoes the same longing: “That I might KNOW Him.”

The word know here means to grow in the knowledge of who Christ is. Why is that important? Because only then can we fully understand and experience the power of His resurrection in our life, our walk, and our ministry.

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.” — Philippians 3:10

Notice Paul says, “that I may know the power of His resurrection.” He doesn’t say, “that I may learn how to receive the power.” Why? Because Paul already understood the truth found in 2 Peter 1:3 — that through salvation, Christ has already given us everything we need to live a godly life.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” — 2 Peter 1:3

Paul tells us in Galatians that he received revelation directly from Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11–12). Yet we also know that after his conversion, he spent time with Peter and later with the other apostles, affirming the doctrines of Christ.

Galatians 1:18–19 “After three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas [Peter] and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother.”

Galatians 2:1–2 “Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem… I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.”

I am always so excited to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior. For most of my Christian walk, I never read the Bible, and because of that, I never truly knew God or His glory. My view of God was small. But once I began to study His Word, God started showing me just how AMAZING He is — and He continues to do so!

I’m excited to see what God will teach us as we come to KNOW Him more intimately, diving into His Word and learning to live out these truths through the power of the Holy Spirit living in and through us.

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” — 1 John 5:7

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are eager to KNOW You more — to know You and the power of Your resurrection in our lives, that we may share with those around us the hope that is in You. How awesome that You desire for us to know You intimately and personally. You created the universe, the earth, and everything in existence, and yet we are but a small part of Your creation — still, in Your eyes, we are significant. Oh, how infinite Your love and mercy are, O Lord. In Jesus’ holy name we pray… Amen.