Essential Convictions
That I May Know Him 1 – Apart from Jesus Christ you have no part with God. 2 So to know Him, be known by Him and make Him known is the greatest pursuit you can pursue. 3 All other pursuits ought to live in its shadow. 4
1. That I May Know Him (Exodus 33:13, Acts 17:27, Philippians 3:10)
To know Jesus Christ intimately is the greatest privilege bestowed by God upon all of mankind. The mystery which has been hidden from all ages has been revealed. Mankind, even in its rebellious and sinful condition has been invited to seek the Lord and know the One through whom the entire universe was created. Therefore, to know Jesus Christ is the lifelong pursuit to become more acquainted with and to have an ever increasing desire for.
2. Apart from Jesus Christ you have no part with God (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)
Outside of Jesus Christ there is no way to know God and come to God. There is no way to be saved and inherit the joys of salvation. Salvation has been made possible only through the finished work and merits of Jesus Christ alone. The testimony of the Scriptures proclaims that all of mankind is at enmity with God. Men hate God and are seperated from Him because of their evil and sinful nature. Therefore, reconciliation to God is accomplished only through faith in Jesus Christ. No man comes to the Father but through Jesus Christ.
3. So to know Him, be known by Him and make Him known is the greatest pursuit you can pursue (Exodus 33:17, Jeremiah 33:5, John 10:14,27, 1 Cor 8:3)
Know Him
Knowing facts and information about Him is not the answer or hope. Simply respecting Him or regarding Him as a good man or a teacher is to ignore His claims. Judas who betrayed Jesus knew Him very well. Even the Devil knows much about Jesus Christ. Adolf Hitler and Friedrich Nietzsche knew much about Jesus Christ. Therefore, the evidences of a desire to know Him are abiding in Him, believing in Him, commiting to Him, desiring Him, exalting Him, giving supreme allegiance to Him, having faith in Him, loving Him, obeying Him, surrendering to Him and worshipping Him.
Known by Him
He knows all of His creatures. He knows every single man, woman and child. However to be known by Him as His very own ought to be desired above everything else.
Make Him Known
Jesus Christ has commanded all those who know Him and are known by Him to make Him known to those who don’t yet know Him.
4. All other pursuits ought to live in its shadow. (Philippians 3:7-9)
There are many beneficial, wholesome and worthy pursuits and recreations which can be enjoyed. However in the context and light of the pursuit of Jesus Christ, these ought to come no where close.
The prevailing goal of life ought to be a passionate desire for Jesus Christ. Everything else ought to live in the shadow of this great pursuit.