Knowing Jesus

now, grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... (2 Peter 3:18)

Knowing Jesus is more than just head knowledge like the demons have. And not like those "when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened." (Romans 1:21) We know Jesus as a new creation and that "for from Him and through Him and to Him are all things." (Romans 11:36) This is what God purposed in Christ that we know Him and grow into fullness in Him. (Ephesians 1:10, Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 3:19, Ephesians 4:13, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9, Colossians 2:10) 

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him... (2 Peter 1:3) 

We grow in the knowledge of Him, adding to our faith other virtues or qualities that represent his character and holiness, so we will be effective in every good work. (2 Peter 1:5-8) We escape the corruption of the world through the knowledge of Him. (2 Peter 2:20) The Church is built up into the fullness of Him through the knowledge of Him. (Ephesians 4:13) The weapons of our warfare are used to tear down everything raised against the knowledge of Him. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Rather, I consider all existing loss through having above the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord... (Philippians 3:8-10)

The word for "having above" ὑπερέχω (hyperechō) is from hypér, "beyond, above" and echō, "have." Usually, this word is translated in this verse as "surpassing worth" of knowing Christ, and surely that fits, knowing Jesus is worth, valuable, treasure, that we have found so that we would count all else as loss. But this translation says I would rather have above all else the knowledge of Jesus Christ, my Lord. And to gain Christ, which is not just a one time revealing of the knowledge of him but knowing him as gain, more and more, which implies remaining, abiding. Paul is preaching the gospel as infinitely searchable or immeasurable riches in Christ, to be had.* Spiritual Blessings we have received from the riches of God's grace and glory in him. (Ephesians 1:3) And it is knowing from the riches of His glory, in that God grants us strength in our inner being through His Spirit, Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith, rooted and grounded in love so that we may grasp how infinite is his love, both to know the love of Christ, (that surpassing mere human knowledge but knowing through a spirit of wisdom and revelation in him) and to be filled to the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-21) Both to know him and be filled to fullness in him.

Knowing Jesus is to know of the Spirit's power, of faith, and love with the goal that we are filled to the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19) That we grow in the knowledge of Him, into fullness, so to bear fruit that glorifies God. To know Jesus is to know the Father of glory, so to be filled all in all. Having this knowledge of Jesus and gaining more of it, like treasure more valuable than anything this world has to offer. The truth is I struggle at times but He has laid hold of me, he pulls me along, blessing me with knowing more of Him and who I am in Him so that I see, am enlightened, approving in my mind, knowing him as good, acceptable, and pleasing.