Pastor's Power Points

Surpassing Worth

 When would a man give up something of great value to himself? When he finds a superior replacement. Today we speak of upgrades: a devise to wear on the belt that has ten more functions than just a phone; a newer, classier automobile; or replacing veteran teammates with faster, more powerful ones. Eventually just about everything needs replacement.

In His shortest parable, Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven in terms of “upgrading” to something superior: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Matt. 13:44).  The cost of obtaining what is superior is letting go of what is inferior. It was with this understanding that the apostle Paul affirmed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil.3:8). In terms of success in his day, Saul of Tarsus was the poster boy. He had reached what every young man would dream of – prestige and position, with lion-sized passion to match. But these are the things Paul would brush aside like street litter if hanging on to them would in anyway obstruct his experience with Jesus Christ. The word he used to describe it is huperecho (to have over) which here is translated “excellent,” and in other places, “better,” surpassing,” “higher,” and “supreme.”

The excellency of the knowledge of Christ can be measured two ways; by its quality and outcome, and by contrast to what is inferior. Paul’s statement could be paraphrased: What value is there in anything absent the knowledge of Jesus Christ? At a time when Jesus outlined the cost of following Him (i.e. letting go of the inferior) many decided that was too great a cost and no longer walked with Him. When Jesus asked the twelve if they too would leave, Peter responded To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Paul echoes Peter here – there is no better option. This is superior – by far the best.

Specific Knowledge

Paul’s statement of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ leads us to understand that there is no better option. This statement could be made with authority and confidence because of his experience. Paul’s knowledge was intellectual and rational, but it was more. His knowledge of Christ was experimental, meaning he spoke of His relationship (experience) with a person – The Person. And such knowledge was superior to any other that may compete.

I remember being attracted to a young lady in college with whom I was casually acquainted. During one summer we both traveled in a small group representing our Bible college to various churches around the country. After spending ten weeks driving 13,000 exhausting miles in a van and experiencing common stresses, pressures and joys of such an itinerary, my knowledge of this young woman was much deeper than before.  There was no question – I thought she was the best… so I asked her to be my wife. It is of this kind of knowledge that the Psalmist invited: “O taste and see that the Lord is good!” It is a knowledge that goes beyond intelligence to the level of experience – relationship. Wuest describes Paul’s knowledge as “the knowledge he gained through the experience of intimate companionship and communion with Him.” Yet Paul never seemed complacent with his knowledge of Christ and always craved more interaction.

Now the apostle is not speaking of the surpassing worth of knowledge in general. He speaks of a very specific knowledge. There are many arenas of knowledge, but one specifically is infinitely superior to them all – the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Much is wrapped up in that name contingent upon His essence, His person, and His work from creation to redemption to regeneration. Who is Jesus Christ? He is, as Paul would affirm, the infinite, personal, loving Creator, Redeemer, Reconciler, and Intercessor. So, as Motyer explains, “the bare mention of Christ has been filled out over the years of experience of him, so that it is now the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

The last two words are telling. It was to this supreme Person that this well-educated, highly successful, driven man had wholly resigned himself. Much as Thomas, kneeling at the feet of the risen Jesus Christ cried out: “My Lord and my God!” it was an unequivocal recognition of and surrender to – it was absolute devotion. Nothing else mattered if it did not have something to do with Christ.  It is through this surpassing specific knowledge – of Jesus Christ my Lord – that you and I acquire the perfections of Christ.