The Father's Menu
Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh
Monday, July 8, 2024
LOOSING FOR CHRIST
“Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea verily, 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 do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, (even) that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death.”
Phil 3:7-10
Main Text: Main Text: James 1:12
In Apostle Paul’s writings, he emphasizes something rarely discussed today in Christian circles. He declared that he counted all his worldly achievements as loss—even though he was a Pharisee and a successful tent-maker—because of his devotion to Christ. His singular desire
was to know the Lord intimately and be constantly in communion with Jesus. This heartfelt longing is evident in Philippians 3:10: 'that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death.' So, I ask: What are you willing to lose for Christ?
Your Christian walk will never be complete without sacrificing for Jesus—you must give up something for the Lord. This could mean sacrificing your time, friendships, family, or finances. As Paul said, 'I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.' The phrase 'surpassing value' in Greek (also translated as the excellency of knowing Christ) denotes something superior, standing out or above. It contrasts with 'loss,' which implies damage caused by violence. Your Christian journey remains incomplete until you sacrifice something for the sake of knowing Christ Jesus as your Lord.
Ask yourselves these, Do I spend more time on my own pleasure and entertainment or have I found the greater, surpassing value of time in God’s Word and prayer, deepening the relationship I have with Him? Do I give generously, sacrificially, or only out of the abundance God has blessed me with after all my wants and needs are taken care of? Am I willing to appear foolish because I cling to the cross of Christ or do I avoid letting people know what I really believe? Your answers to these questions will show you if you are willing to lose for Christ. Jesus Christ is Lord.
Confession:
I declare, I love the Lord and it shows in my doings, I am a believer in Jesus and I give my all to Him, I am blessed by the Lord and I am spent for His work in Jesus name. Amen.
Further Reading:
Rom 8:17 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Acts 9:16 “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”
Read through the bible in 1 year: 1 Chronicles 5:18-6:81 Acts 26:1-32 Psalm 6:1-10 Proverbs 18:20-21
Read through the bible in 2 years: Luke 22 & Prov 28
