A devotional on the power of the resurrection shows that Easter is not only something to believe but something to experience. In Philippians 3:10 (ESV), Paul says he wants to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and to share his sufferings. Resurrection power is at work in believers today.
Key Verse
“that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death…” (Philippians 3:10, ESV)
Paul’s Great Desire
Paul had an impressive religious résumé: the right family, education, zeal, and moral record. Yet in Philippians 3 he says he counts all of it as loss compared with the far greater worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. His deepest desire was not success or recognition but a living relationship with Jesus.
To know Christ here means more than knowing facts about him. It means personal, growing, intimate knowledge.
Resurrection Power Now
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in those who believe. It is power to forgive what seems unforgivable, to break habits that seem unbreakable, to love people who seem unlovable, and to hope when circumstances seem hopeless. It is not about putting on a show of strength. It is God’s life flowing through ordinary people.
Many believers live as if Easter were only a past event. Paul shows that it is present power.
Sharing His Sufferings
Surprisingly, Paul connects resurrection power with suffering. He wants to share Christ’s sufferings and become like him in his death. The pattern of Jesus’ life, death then resurrection, becomes the pattern of ours. We die to sin and selfishness, and God raises new life in us.
Suffering is never pleasant, but in Christ it is never wasted. It becomes a place where we know him more deeply.
Pursuing Christ
In the verses that follow, Paul says he has not arrived but presses on. Knowing Christ is a lifelong pursuit. Each day, we can seek him in prayer and Scripture, depend on his Spirit, and trust that his resurrection power is at work, even when we feel weak.
The same power that raised Jesus is at work in those who belong to him. It does not make us immune to struggle, but it means no habit, fear, or sorrow is stronger than the life God gives. Lean on that power today.
Today, Try This
Identify one area where you feel powerless, and pray specifically for the power of Christ’s resurrection to work there.
Reflection Question
Where do you most need to experience resurrection power in your life right now?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to know you, not just know about you. Let the power of your resurrection work in me. Help me share in your sufferings with faith and become more like you. Raise new life in the places that feel dead. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 3:10 mean?
Philippians 3:10 (ESV) expresses Paul’s desire to know Christ personally, experience the power of his resurrection, and share in his sufferings. It shows that following Jesus involves both his life-giving power and his pattern of self-giving love.
What is the power of the resurrection?
The power of the resurrection is God’s power that raised Jesus from the dead. Scripture teaches that this power works in believers to give new life, overcome sin, sustain them in suffering, and one day raise them bodily.
Why does Paul want to share in Christ’s sufferings?
Paul saw suffering for Christ as a way to know him more deeply and become more like him. Sharing his sufferings follows Jesus’ pattern of death leading to resurrection, and it deepens fellowship with him.
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