Filipenses-3:8-11-jbs

That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).

Our spiritual puppy-love is soon lost, to be replaced through the years by our bridal-love. The bride always gravitates to her Bridegroom. "My beloved spoke, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away" (SoS. 2:10).

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ" (Phil. 3:7).

When we finally understand that the Lord Jesus is our life, we, with Paul, no longer think in terms of things.

"Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (

That I may know Him" (Phil. 3:10).    

It takes us years of trial and error to finally realize that nothing outside the Lord Jesus Christ can fully satisfy and rejoice our hearts. Joy in Him includes the fellowship of His sufferings.' So, rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings' (

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14).

We must be truth-centered if we are to be Christ-centered.

"With an increase of knowledge and apprehension of the truth, there is a constant sense that we are not practically up to what we have received;...

That I may know Him, and the power of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10a).

Fellowship with the written Word is the foundation, and fellowship with the living Word is the superstructure, for spiritual growth.

"While Martha was cumbered about much serving, and her love, most true in its way, went...

I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord” (Phil. 3:8).

Truth is acquired in fellowship with His Word; truth is shared in fellowship with His heart. “It is feared that when we speak of being here for Christ it is often the thought of our...

That I may know Him. . . being made conformable unto His death" (Phil. 3:10).

The wondrous depths of the finished work of the Cross will always be adequate to deal with the terrible depths of the unfinished work of the old man. As we glory in the Cross, the flesh is denied.

My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in (your) weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9).

Our greatest liability: self-confidence. Our greatest asset: Christ-confidence. It usually takes years to discover one's misplaced confidence. The flesh will fail us every time, and...