Introduction

Welcome, beloved, to our sacred gathering today. We gather not as strangers, but as family, united under the banner of Christ's love. We are here to break bread, to share in the joy of fellowship, and to delve into the profound depths of God's Word.

Our focus today is the third chapter of Philippians, specifically verse 10, which reads: "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death." This is the heartbeat of our faith, the essence of our walk with Christ. It's not about merely knowing about Christ, but intimately knowing Him, experiencing His power, sharing in His sufferings, and becoming like Him even in His death.

In the words of the great Christian theologian, J.I. Packer, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know Christ, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." This statement, simple yet profound, is a compass guiding us towards the true north of our faith – knowing Christ.

As we embark on this sacred discourse, let us bow our heads in prayer. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your Word. We ask that You would reveal Yourself to us in new and profound ways. Help us to know You more intimately, to experience Your power, to share in Your sufferings, and to become more like You in Your death. May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Dying to Self: The First Step

In the life of a believer, there is an essential transformation that must occur. This transformation is not a superficial change, but a profound shift in the very core of our being. It is the process of dying to self. This is not a physical death, but a spiritual one. It is the surrendering of our own desires, ambitions, and will to the will of God. It is the letting go of our own plans and dreams to embrace God's plans and dreams for us.

This process of dying to self requires a great deal of courage and faith. We must let go of our own understanding and to trust in God's wisdom. Let go of our own strength and to rely on God's power. God's plans and dreams for us are far greater and more glorious than anything we could ever imagine. They are plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

In the process of dying to self, we also come to realize that our own strength and wisdom are often insufficient. We often find ourselves facing challenges and difficulties that are beyond our own ability to handle. But God's power and wisdom are infinite. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

We also come to realize that our own desires and ambitions are often misguided. They are often driven by our own selfishness and pride. God's desires and ambitions for us are pure and holy. They are driven by His love for us and His desire for our good.

Now, our own will is often stubborn and rebellious. We often find ourselves resisting God's will and going our own way. But God's will for us is perfect and pleasing. It is the path of righteousness and peace. Our own retribution is often unretaliated and fleeting. We often find ourselves seeking retribution in the things of this world. It is a retribution that is not based on what we do, but on who we are in Christ.

In the process of dying to self, we also come to realize that our own vindication is often unvindicated and fleeting. We often find ourselves seeking vindication in the things of this world. But our vindication in Christ is vindicated and lasting. It is a vindication that is not based on what we do, but on who we are in Christ.

Delving into Fellowship: The Power of Shared Suffering

In the spirit of fellowship, we find ourselves drawn to the shared experiences of suffering ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO