The Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ
J. Lyth, D. D. Philippians 3:8 Yes doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord… I. IT SURPASSES all other. II. IS ONLY COMMUNICATED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD. III. EXALTS THE NATURE OF MAN. IV. BRINGS PEACE, HOLINESS, SALVATION. V. IS PERMANENTLY VALUABLE. VI. IS WORTH ANY SACRIFICE. VII. SECURES ETERNAL GAIN. (J. Lyth, D. D.) I. WHAT THIS KNOWLEDGE IS. 1. Comparatively — (1) It stands opposed to the ignorance of the heathen (1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 1:21; Acts 17:23). (2) It is distinguished from the knowledge of the law of Moses (John 1:17; Hebrews 10:1). (3) It is superior to the speculative unsanctified notions of nominal Christians (Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:5; 2 Timothy 2:19; Luke 13:27). 2. Positively. It is — (1) Spiritual (Ephesians 1:17; John 6:63). (2) Supernatural (1 Corinthians 2:14); the sole prerogative of the supernaturally renewed man. (3) Experimental (2 Thessalonians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:2-3). (4) Practical It is sometimes put for the whole of religion (1 John 2:3-4). 3. Specifically. It is the knowledge of Christ. (1) Christ Himself is the object of it. (2) His character, also, and office and work (1 Corinthians 2:2; John 1:14). (3) Faith is included (Isaiah 53:11; Psalm 9:10). II. ITS EXCELLENCY. 1. It is most necessary. Of many things we may be ignorant, because we cannot attain the knowledge of them; and of many others we may safely be ignorant; but this knowledge is necessary to salvation (Proverbs 19:2). There can be no faith in or love to Jesus without it. Satan takes the greatest pains to prevent its attainment, and God to communicate it (1 Timothy 2:4). 2. Most heavenly. Every good gift comes from God, but this especially (2 Corinthians 4:6; Isaiah 54:13). 3. Most useful. 4. Every kind of knowledge is useful in its place; for it is to the mind what light is to the eyes; but this exceeds all other. (1) It converts the soul (Acts 26:18); (2) regenerates (Colossians 3:10); (3) humbles; other puffs up (Isaiah 6:5; Job 40:4; Revelation 1:17); (4) encourages (Psalm 9:10; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:12). 4. Is most pleasant. Knowledge in general is grateful to the mind, yet some kinds are painful (Ecclesiastes 1:18). There must be a good deal of pains to get it, a good deal of care to keep it; the more we know the more it seems to us remains to be known, and the folly and misery of man the more apparent. But this knowledge is easily attained, and he who increaseth it increaseth joy (Psalm 119:72, 162; Jeremiah 15:16).Conclusion: Is this knowledge so excellent, then? 1. Do we possess it? (1 Corinthians 15:34; John 3:19). If not, seek it at once (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:3-7). 2. If so, be thankful (Matthew 13:16; Luke 10:21; Jeremiah 9:23-24). 3. But do not be proud. The wisest know but little of what is to be known (Hosea 6:3; 2 Peter 3:18). (G. Burder.) 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