“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33).

Pursuing the Knowledge of God

Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to liken the knowledge of God to deep riches! The Greek word used here for “riches” means, “wealth; an abundance of external possessions; fullness; plentitude; a good with which one is enriched”. And what do we typically do with riches? We pursue them! We seem to want them more and more! And why? Because we love them – they have the power to alter our lives, and this is the comparison being drawn by Paul. Possessing an intimate knowledge of Jesus is likened to a grand prize worth running after – run as if you’ve just discovered unspeakable riches at your disposal! Jesus counseled His followers to live with this mindset (Lk. 14:26). Paul seemed to obey this advice: he gave all that he had to pursue a deeply-intimate place with the Lord, and he is an apt model for us who likewise desire Jesus above all else. We too must intentionally lay down our lives for the excellency of truly knowing Him.

“I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ” (Phil. 3:8, AMP).

It should be noted that Paul wanted to “gain Christ“. The King James Version says, “that I may win Christ“. It is clear that this cannot refer to Paul’s justification, but to something else – something beyond his initial salvation experience that must be sought after and pursued. Paul had already gained Christ – the Holy Spirit was alive within his heart. Therefore, I believe Paul wanted to find, “gain“, and “win” a deeper and deeper place of intimacy with Jesus, a deeper knowledge of God and His nature – one that can only be gained by laying down one’s own life for the glory of God (Matt. 16:25; Rev. 12:11). Paul had already gained Christ in his spirit, now he sought to win Him in every chamber of his soul as well:

“By knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Prov. 24:4).

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2).

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to [fulfill] the lusts [thereof]” (Rom. 13:14).

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it” (Matt. 16:25).

Let’s ask ourselves, do we likewise possess such a fervent desire for Jesus? Are we too pursuing the depths of the knowledge and glory of God? If not, the Holy Ghost will be our helper! He is the One who deposits hunger within the human spirit, and He will give liberally to all who humbly ask (Jas. 1:5).

Don’t forget – Jesus is worth pursuing! In the next post we’ll examine what this looked like in Paul’s life.

To be continued…