Discover the deeper meaning of 'knowing Christ' as Paul emphasizes intimate understanding over mere facts. John Ortberg explores the importance of experiential knowledge through personal stories, contrasting it with resume-building accomplishments. He discusses how Jesus remains actively present in our lives today and encourages daily engagement with Him. Using relatable anecdotes, listeners learn to seek Christ in the mundane and to interact with Him through service and prayer, fostering a transformative spiritual growth journey.
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insights INSIGHT
Knowing Christ Is Participatory
Paul contrasts his old resume of achievements with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.
Knowing Christ means participation in his life, resurrection power, and sufferings, not just facts.
insights INSIGHT
Two Kinds Of Knowledge Matter
Bertrand Russell's distinction frames two kinds of knowledge: description and acquaintance.
Paul and Dallas Willard emphasize acquaintance knowledge as life-changing for spiritual growth.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Popcorn In Bacon Grease Example
Ortberg shares a childhood memory of popcorn made in bacon grease to illustrate experiential knowledge.
He argues taste and smell experiences can't be fully conveyed by description alone.
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In Philippians the word “Knowing” takes on a new meaning. Paul uses the word to distinguish the collection of facts from intimate understanding. What Paul calls “knowing Christ” isn’t merely theology to be recited; it’s participation: sharing in his life, teachings, sufferings, and resurrection. When we put the gleam of résumé-building accomplishments beside the surpassing worth of this present, personal relationship with Jesus, the choice becomes clear: let go of what inflates pride so we can be shaped by his life.
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Music in this episode: Starry Dream - Uptempo by A. Blomqvist MB01OKHAB5EAUXF
00:00 — What does Paul mean by “knowing Christ”? 00:25 — Why Paul calls his old resume garbage 01:12 — What surpassing worth really means 02:09 — Two ways of knowing explained: description vs. acquaintance 03:19 — Popcorn, bacon, and knowledge by experience 04:31 — What it means to know a person deeply 05:8 — Why knowing God is more than facts 06:04 — Dallas Willard on knowing Christ today 07:29 — Jesus is present in our world now 08:50 — What Jesus meant by eternal life in John 17:3 09:42 — How to invite Jesus into your daily life 10:08 — A honeymoon story and the meaning of “to know” 11:00 — Why knowing Christ is interactive engagement 11:48 — How serving others becomes knowing Christ 12:05 — The daily invitation: “God, let me know You”
Become New with John Ortberg 
