Paul's theme, in this chapter, is that our knowledge of Christ should cause us to experience joy, confidence and purpose in our life. When Paul was a zealous Pharisee he thought he knew God and was doing very well. Then, there came the day that he realized that he had not profited from his religious efforts at all. To know Christ is to experience forgiveness and a new heart. This knowledge made all of Paul's other accomplishments and experiences seem like dung or trash. Power had come into Paul's life and, with that, a new purpose for living. Paul's religious life had made him a dangerous person. Now, he was heart-broken towards people. He now had a message of hope and power to give to others: a message that would deliver them also from the deception of false-righteousness, pride and hatred. The power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is still here on earth today. Let's examine that power, so that we can experience it ourselves and share it with others.

Power and Purpose - Philippians 3:8-14

Paul said that he counted "all things" loss in exchange for the knowledge of Christ. "All things" can be summed up in the phrase "no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). The statements in Philippians 3:5-7 represent Paul's religious report card. He thought he was getting all "A's," but gaining a relationship with Christ brought a power into his life that would cause him to die to self and resurrect to a new life. He had been arrested / apprehended by the grace of God. Now, he must pursue / press towards the goal of fulfilling the purpose God had given him.

Power and Authority - Ephesians 1:15-23

As Paul reveals his burden and prayer for God's blessings in the lives of others, he talks about a knowledge of God that brings power into people's lives. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is still on earth today, working in the lives of true believers (Ephesians 1:19-20). This power is not just to make us feel good. It is for the purpose of fulfilling the will of God through Jesus Christ. Christ has been given all authority in heaven and in earth. Through His authority we are to represent Him on earth and point others to Him (Ephesians 1:20-23 cp 1:12; 20-21; Matthew 28:18-20).

Power and Perseverance - I Peter 1:3-5

The resurrection of Christ gives us a living hope. This hope is not only about our heavenly inheritance that cannot be taken away, it also secures for us the power to persevere in this life. He not only preserves a place in heaven for us. He preserves us, so that we can serve Him and glorify Him in this life. See Galatians 2:20; Philippians 4:13; II Timothy 4:14-18.