Devotions based on week 7 of Joy in the Journey: Grace (WATCH HERE)
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Philippians 3:10–11
Grace changes everything. The apostle Paul’s desire in Philippians 3:10–11 isn’t for more comfort, prestige, or success—but simply, more of Christ. He longs to know Jesus deeply, not only in resurrection power but even in suffering and death. He is confident that grace has already secured the final outcome: resurrection.
This is what grace does. Grace changes us. It meets us in our brokenness, forgives our sin, reshapes our desires, walks with us in trials, empowers us for godly living, and carries us all the way to glory.
- Grace Gives Us a New Passion
Paul had once found pride in his religious resume, but now he considers all of that “loss” compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ (Phil. 3:8). That shift in passion is the first gift of grace. Grace rewires our hearts to love what God loves and to long for what truly matters.
- Grace Gives Us Resurrection Power
When Paul speaks of knowing “the power of His resurrection,” he’s referring not only to future hope, but to present power. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. Grace gives us strength to overcome sin, to have courage in suffering, and to persevere in every trial. Romans 6:4 says: “Just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
- Grace Redeems Our Suffering
“Participation in His sufferings” may sound intimidating, but it’s actually one of grace’s unexpected blessings. In suffering, we come to know Christ in intimate ways we never could in ease. Grace doesn’t always remove hardship—but it redeems it. Paul knew this personally as he asked for the thorn in the flesh to be taken away and the Lord responded to him in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
- Grace Guarantees Our Future
Paul writes, “and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” He’s not expressing doubt—but humility. Paul knows that the resurrection is sure, but he also knows it’s a gift, not a reward. It’s not earned through works, but guaranteed through grace. He wrote to Titus 3:7:
“So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” You don’t have to fear death or eternity if your life is in Christ. Grace has already secured your future.
Grace is a gift. It gives confidence greater than our pedigree and righteousness greater than our performance. It gives us peace because we shift our reliance from our imperfect selves to our perfect Savior.
Grace leads us to glory.
Apply: What are you chasing in life right now? Is it knowing Christ—or simply knowing success, approval, or comfort? Let grace stir in you a deeper desire for Jesus Himself.
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for the gift of grace. Thank You that I don’t have to earn Your love or fear losing Your promise. Help me to know Christ more—to walk in resurrection power, to trust You in suffering, and to live with hope in the resurrection to come. Let Your grace shape my heart, my desires, and my future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.