“I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”
Philippians 3:8
Today, our dogs were barking excitedly. They were elated because Kori was going to take them for a run. If God somehow took away the paralysis from my stroke and allowed me to run again, my joy would be boundless like that!
Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Truthfully, it would not be an ability to run that would grant me full joy. But I have that already in Christ.
Paul knew the fullness of joy in Jesus, something completely different than he’d experienced based on personal success and religious achievements. From a Roman prison he wrote that he longed to “be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:9-10).
Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Truthfully, it would not be an ability to run that would grant me full joy. But I have that already in Christ.
Paul knew the fullness of joy in Jesus, something completely different than he’d experienced based on personal success and religious achievements. From a Roman prison he wrote that he longed to “be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:9-10).
Scripture Focus
Philippians 1:9-11; 2:1-4
Insight
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Bible In A Year
- Ezra 7-8
- Psalm 29
- Mark 8
