1. I want to know Christ (10-11)

Surely Paul knew Christ. But who can know the depths of Christ's love and power? We can know the power of Christ's resurrection when we share in the fellowship of his sufferings, and become like him in his death. Christ suffered because of the sins of the world. The sinful imaginations of the hearts of men grieved God in Genesis 6. The unresponsive and unrepentant people of Jerusalem made Jesus weep (Lk 19:41). Jesus died on the cross because of my sins. When I repent, lay my sins on his cross, and die to my sinful nature, I can die with Jesus and live with him (Ro 6:5). When I accept his mission for a lost world, I can share in his sufferings.

2. I press on toward the goal (12-16)

A mature Christian is a growing Christian. The race of life is not over until we cross the finish line of heaven. If we don't keep on growing, we slip backward.

Application: Lord, teach me to hate the sins that grieve you. Help me to die to myself daily and receive your grace of forgiveness so that I may know you better.
One Word: That I may know Christ