RELATING WITH THE KNOWN
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:10).
The word “know” in our underlined portion above is from the Greek, “ginōskō.” Here, the Apostle Paul alludes to knowing God like a discovery that you make, like when we say, “Discover Jesus.” That kind of knowledge only comes with revelation.
As you study the Scriptures, God reveals certain things to you. And then when you’re praying, there’s more knowledge of God that’s imparted to your spirit. All of this works out by revelation. However, in the 8th verse, he shows us another kind of knowledge; he says, “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord….”
This time, he’s talking about “gnōsis” (Greek); he’s dealing here with what you may call scientific knowledge, “a finding out.” But he reveals yet another kind of knowledge in Philippians 1:9; Paul says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” The word “knowledge” here is the Greek “epignōsis.”
Epignosis is the knowledge that relates with that which is known. It’s accurate, full, and precise knowledge of God, resulting in a well-seasoned life. This kind of knowledge is knowledge by relationship.
It’s not just about receiving revelation or what you discovered through study. At this point, you’re relating with that which has been revealed and dealing with actual knowledge.
When you don’t have this knowledge, things look like speculation to you; even your prayer may be like trial and error. But when you know and relate with the One that answers the prayers, things are different;
you’re confident and excited to pray. It’s about your knowledge of the One to whom you pray. When you function in this relationship, in prayer, you’re only about one thing: praying the will of the Father, carrying out the Father’s will in the earth.
Those who don’t know the Word easily get overwhelmed by circumstances and defeated by the crises of life. You’ve got to give more attention to the Word and grow in the “Epignosis” of God.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for the blessedness of your Word, by which you continually grant me divine insight into deep and intricate things of life and the supernatural. I yield myself to knowledge through a voracious appetite for the Word. I have accurate, full and precise knowledge of God, resulting in a well- seasoned life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
1 John 5:14-15; Proverbs 11:9; Colossians 1:9-10 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 2:23-3:1-12 & Leviticus 11-12
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 19:8-20 & Psalm 25-26
