The Knowledge of Christ
J. Lyth, D. D., W. Henry. Philippians 3:8 Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… I. ITS NATURE. 1. Speculative. 2. Experimental. 3. Practical. II. ITS EXCELLENCY in — 1. Itself. 2. Its use. 3. Its effect. III. ITS VALUE. Incomparable; all else but dung and dross. IV. ITS POWER. 1. To sway the judgment. 2. Induce sacrifice. 3. Excite effort. (J. Lyth, D. D.)The more we know of some things, the less we admire them; a minute inspection reveals deficiencies; but the reverse is true about Jesus Christ. So St. Paul felt, and so feels every genuine Christian. I. THE VALUE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS. This knowledge — 1. Contains all that can satisfy the understanding. If we derive pleasure from the knowledge of art, science, literature, history, how much more may we derive from the discoveries of Divine truth? This leaves all the discoveries of scholars at an immense distance. If men were to propound to the wisest, "How shall man be just with God?" it would baffle them. But the knowledge of Christ solves this. The truths of the incarnation, death, etc., of Christ, while the profoundest are yet the most simple. To regard this knowledge, therefore, with indifference is a mark of a weak mind. And, besides, it is the constant study of the angels of heaven who behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2. Pacifies the conscience. Some men would give all the world for a peaceful conscience. Think of what they do to procure it — amusement, repentance, business, etc., alas, are only opiates. But let a man be alive to the discoveries of the gospel, see justice satisfied in the death of Christ, and know that God is reconciled through His Son, and the storm will be stilled. 3. Purifies the heart. In all the lessons of human wisdom there are two incurable defects. (1) They are often only conjectures. (2) They propose no motives of sufficient weight. Now this knowledge has been tried, and has been found to be saving, and no imaginable motives could be stronger than "for the sake of Christ," and "to win Christ." 4. Saves the soul. "This is life eternal," etc. II. THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERS OF THE CHRISTIAN'S REGARD FOR THAT KNOWLEDGE. 1. It is personal — "I count." The error of the Jews was that they substituted relative for personal piety. They gloried in their relation to Abraham, etc. So now a great many depend upon the merits of others. The religion of some is hereditary, or by proxy. But neither the devil nor Christ will be served in this way. 2. Decided and unequivocal. "Yea, doubtless." The Christianity of many is very vacillating; but this Christ rejects, and even man contemns. 3. Rational — "I count." Men sometimes set up a blazing profession because their feelings have been wrought upon, and without any idea of what the profession involves. But the cost ought to be counted, and must be if there is to be any stability. 4. Supreme — "All things."(1) We are to count all things sinful as loss for this knowledge. (2) Things that are lawful. All that is valued on earth must be subordinated to this. (W. Henry.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, WEB: Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ