304. PHP 3:8. THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST
Php_3:8. The Knowledge of Christ
"Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord."’97Php_3:8.
The apostle Paul had one theme, one subject, one cause. That theme was Christ; that subject, the cross; that cause, the cause of salvation. His various epistles are full of these, the topics of his ministry were these, the end of all he wished, and labored to promote, were these. Hence he said, addressing the Corinthians, "We preach Christ crucified," &c. And again, "We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord," &c. To the Galatians, he said, "God forbid that I should glory," &c. To the Philippians, "Yea, doubtless," &c.
Let us consider,
I. The Knowledge specified.
Now this is the knowledge "of Christ Jesus our Lord." This knowledge includes,
1. A scriptural conception of Christ’s person and work.
Now these seem to be epitomized in the text. A knowledge of the Redeemer.
(1) As Jesus. The Saviour. The name to which the types and sacrifices especially referred. The name given by the angels. The name by which he is to be preached, &c. The name which contains the music of salvation’s sound. Then he is presented to us,
(2) As Christ. The Saviour selected’97appointed’97sent’97and anointed expressly for this great work. "The elect of God," &c. He had upon him the great seal of divinity,
(3) As Lord. Jesus is both Lord and Christ, King, as well as Priest. Lord of heaven. Lord of glory. Lord of angels. Lord of all. Not only Lord officially, but essentially. Truly divine; Co-equal with the Father. "Thy throne, O God," &c.
The knowledge of Christ, includes,
2. An experimental acquaintance with Christ’s work.
To know him in the efficacy of his saving character. In his power to deliver in his gracious ability to save. To be able to attest from happy experience, that he has "loved us and given himself for us."
3. An intellectual consecration of ourselves to Christ.
To know him as "our Lord." To feel and acknowledge his claims to rule; over us. To feel that we are not our own, but Christ’s. That we should not live unto ourselves, &c. To be his cheerful, willing, obedient subjects. To serve the Lord Christ. Observe,
II. The Excellency of this Knowledge.
All knowledge is excellent. It is the food of the mind. The dignity of the soul. Confers true greatness, &c. But the knowledge of Christ is the "excellency" of all knowledge. The light of a lamp is valuable, the light of the moon more so; but the light of the sun is the excellency of all light. Now the excellency of this knowledge arises,
1. From the divinity of its origin.
It is immediately from God. The revelation is from God. The gospel is light from the throne of the Eternal. This experimental knowledge is produced in us by divine influence. No man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, &c. "God, who commanded the light," &c.
2. The dignity of its object.
The knowledge of "Christ." And who can set him forth? Who describe his infinite glories? Who explain his illustrious titles? Who comprehend the immensity of his works? The knowledge of Christ is the only clear and explicit knowledge we have of God. "No man hath seen God," &c. "Whoso hath seen the Son," &c. He and the Father are one 3. From its influence on the heart and character of man.
It illumines the understanding. Emancipates the soul. Transforms into the divine likeness. Produces peace and joy, and a hope of eternal blessedness. It is eminently saving knowledge "This is life eternal, to know," &c.
Then notice.
III The Estimation in which it was held by the Apostle.
"Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss," &c.
The apostle’s estimation was,
1. Personal.
"I" count, &c. The conclusion of his own judgment. The decision of his own heart. Religion is experimental.
2. It was intellectual.
He says, I "count." That is, I have examined the matter carefully’97I have made it my study. I have tested it. Brought it to every ordeal. And now as a reasonable man, as a Hebrew student, and as an inspired apostle, "I count," &c.
3. It was supreme’97pre-eminent.
"All things but loss. " His learning. His former religion. His worldly prospects. His ease. His friends. His liberty, yea, and if necessary too, his life. "I am now ready to be offered up," &c. See Act_21:13. And can such attachment to the knowledge of Christ be justified? Yes, a dying hour, and the day of judgment, will show the propriety, the wisdom of such a preference. The mariner throws over all his goods to save the vessel; yea, deserts the vessel itself, to save his life! "What shall it profit," &c.
Application
1. Have you this knowledge? If not, seek it. You cannot be wise, or happy, or safe, without it.
2. If you possess it, cultivate it. Grow In knowledge, &c.
3. Diffuse it. By the brightness of your example, and by extending the gospel, until all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS