Knowing Christ Above Everything

 

Sincere Milk Devotional – August 20

Series Theme: Joyful Living in Christ: Lessons from Philippians

Theme: Knowing Christ Above Everything

Scripture: Philippians 3:8–11 (NKJV)

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...” — Philippians 3:8

Reflection

Yesterday, Paul showed us that his religious achievements and personal credentials could not compare with Christ. Today, he takes that thought even further.

Paul says that he counts all things loss compared with the surpassing value of knowing Jesus.

Notice that Paul does not merely say that Christianity is about knowing about Christ. He speaks about knowing Christ personally.

There is a difference.

We can know facts about a person without actually knowing that person. We can study Scripture, listen to sermons, read theological books, attend church, and even participate in ministry—and yet still fail to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus.

Paul's greatest ambition was not simply to become more religious.

It was to know Christ.

He wanted to know the power of Christ's resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and to become increasingly conformed to Him.

This is the heart of discipleship.

Knowing Christ means allowing Him to reshape our desires, priorities, attitudes, and character. It means discovering that Jesus is not simply someone we turn to when we need help; He becomes the treasure around which our entire life is organized.

Paul also speaks about being found in Christ, “not having my own righteousness... but that which is through faith in Christ.”

This brings us back to yesterday's lesson.

Our standing before God is not based on our ability to become good enough. It rests on Christ's righteousness received through faith.

That should produce both humility and confidence.

Humility—because we cannot boast about earning our salvation.

Confidence—because our salvation does not depend on our imperfect performance.

Paul then expresses a desire to know Christ even more deeply—not only the power of His resurrection but also the fellowship of His sufferings.

This is a challenging truth.

We naturally want resurrection power without suffering.

We want victory without sacrifice.

We want blessings without trials.

But Paul understood that following Christ involves sharing in both the joys and costs of discipleship.

Sometimes we know Christ more deeply in the valleys than we ever could on the mountaintops.

A difficult season can teach us dependence.

A disappointment can teach us surrender.

A trial can reveal God's faithfulness.

A weakness can teach us to rely on His strength.

Paul's goal was not simply to have a comfortable Christian life. His goal was to become more like Christ.

That should be our desire too.

Today, ask yourself:

Do I want God's blessings, or do I truly want God Himself?

Do I want Christ primarily for what He can give me, or because He is worthy of being known and loved?

The greatest treasure of the Christian life is not what Christ can give us.

The greatest treasure is Christ Himself.

Application

• Spend time today seeking to know Christ rather than simply seeking things from Him.
• Read Scripture not merely to gain information but to encounter the character and heart of Jesus.
• When facing difficulty, ask: “What is this teaching me about Christ?”
• Surrender anything that has become more important to you than knowing Jesus.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I want to know You more deeply. Forgive me for the times I have been more interested in Your blessings than in Your presence. Teach me to treasure You above everything else. Help me to know the power of Your resurrection and to remain faithful even when following You becomes difficult. Shape my character until my life increasingly reflects Yours. You are my greatest treasure. In Your name, Amen.

Last Thought for the Day

“The greatest reward of following Jesus is not what He puts into your hands; it is knowing the One who holds your life.”

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Midnight Reflection – August 20

Theme: Is Christ Enough?

Scripture: Philippians 3:8

“I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Reflection

As this day comes to an end, pause and ask yourself a simple question:

If I had Christ and nothing else, would He still be enough?

It is an uncomfortable question, but it can reveal where our hearts truly are.

We often ask God for many things—provision, healing, success, opportunities, relationships, security, answers, and open doors. There is nothing wrong with bringing these needs to Him.

But beneath all our requests should be one deeper desire:

“Lord, I want You.”

Paul had discovered something that the world struggles to understand: everything else is temporary, but Christ is eternal.

Tonight, let your heart become quiet before Him.

You don't need to solve tomorrow tonight.

You don't need to understand everything.

You don't need to prove your worth.

You simply need to rest in Christ.

Whatever tomorrow brings, the greatest treasure cannot be taken from you.

You have Christ.

And in Him, you have more than enough.

Night Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of knowing Jesus Christ. Tonight, I surrender my desires, plans, fears, and expectations to You. Teach me to treasure Christ above everything else. When I am tempted to find my security in temporary things, bring my heart back to You. Let the knowledge of Your presence give me peace tonight. May I wake tomorrow with one desire above all others—to know and follow You more deeply. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Midnight Thought

“When everything else is uncertain, one certainty remains: Christ is enough. Rest tonight in the treasure that cannot fade, fail, or be taken away.”