Hungering for Christ

Details: Published: Wednesday, 23 March 2016 02:29; Written by James Dean

While working through the material for Discipleship Explored this week (Philippians 3:10-4:1) I was challenged to consider how deeply I know Christ. That might seem unusual - I'm a Christian, after all, and have been for over 30 years; I should already know Him, right?

But the discussion just resonated with me: "...the more Paul gets to know Christ the hungrier he is to know him more." What a great reminder that we're never "there"; our relationship can always deepen further; we must always press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Do I hunger and thirst to know Christ?

The challenges given were helpful and I'll share them with you now. To know Christ we must be...

Suffering Christians
- suffering for Christ brings us closer to Christ
-not that we seek suffering, but we should expect it
Dissatisfied Christians
- we keep pressing on. Even after 30 years of knowing Christ there is so much more to know
- let dissatisfaction drive you deep into God's word and deep into prayer because that is where you get to to know Christ.
Forgetful Christians
- don't let your memories of past failure make youmiserable or depressed. Your sin has been forgiven!
- only look back if it helps you press forward.
Disciplined Christians
- we will have to put in disciplined effort, knowing that every effort it worthwhile
- after all, the prize is knowing Christ fully!
Heavenly minded Christians
- we don't focus only on earthly things, satisfying earthly appetites
- our citizenship is in Heaven, so live with Heaven in view.

There's more about Discipleship Explored below.

Did you choose a Bible reading plan last week?
If you haven't, don't worry but let me perhaps encourage you again to take one on with a friend - read through the Bible together; challenge each other and spur one another on.

I had a couple of other blog posts sent my way that take us on from last week's encouragement to read our Bibles. Here's one to get you started. Have a read yourselves then get to God's word!