I Want To Know What Paul Knew

If you haven't read the previous article entitled "What Do You Know?," I encourage you to do so here.

It would be fair to say that the Apostle Paul was one of, if not the, most influential Christians of the first century and beyond. So let's look at a few things that he affirmed to know.

THE "I KNOW'S" OF PAUL

"I KNOW" #1: THE FLESH IS NOT PROFITABLE TO GOD

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life." 

- John 6:63 KJV (emphasis mine)

"15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not."

- Romans 7:15-18 KJV (emphasis mine)

First of all, Jesus makes it extremely clear that the flesh has no real benefit spiritually. Then the Apostle Paul comes along and declares that he knew there was "no good thing" in his flesh. Why is the Bible so emphatic about the depravity of the flesh? The flesh operates in direct contrast with God and therefore has no possibility of producing anything worthwhile. God created man to be a spiritual being. When man disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, they became different creatures than God intended. God promised them that the moment they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they would die.    

"And Jesus said unto him...[there is] none good but one, [that is], God." 

- Mark 10:18 KJV

"Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." 

- Romans 8:7 KJV (carnal mind means the flesh)

Let me clarify that we're not necessarily referring to the physical body when we're talking about the flesh. Instead, we are talking about the inward nature of mankind because of the fall and sin. 

"I KNOW" #2 - THE LORD IS MY JUDGE

"1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and steward,s of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJV

Paul was regularly criticized and scrutinized for every little thing he did, and many reminded him of his past, while others judged him as unfit for apostleship. Who among us has not felt the pressure of outside judgment and critique? For the great Apostle, it became a matter of who mattered most. The Lord or other people who were just as flawed as he was? 

In the final account, The Lord's thoughts are what count.

"I KNOW" #3 - THERE'S MORE TO THE STORY

"10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

- 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 KJV

When we understand that this life is short and limited, it is only then that we can focus on the eternal. What we see and feel isn't the essential part of the story. This life is but a vapor. Even when I feel defeated or overwhelmed, I can focus on the more extraordinary story of everlasting life with Jesus. 

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

- 2 Corinthians 4:18

"I KNOW" #4 - THE PRIORITY OF MY LIFE

"15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain."

- Philippians 1:15-21 KJV

Paul knew his purpose in life. Once Christ arrested him, all he lived for was to preach Christ. So it was what drove him to the ends of the known world of that day. He was willing to be persecuted and even executed for what he believed. 

We, too, must know the purpose for which Jesus redeemed us. It is to live and proclaim Jesus as Lord. 

"I KNOW" #5 - I'M NOT THROUGH TILL GOD IS

"20 According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again."

- Philippians 1:20-26 KJV

"We are immortal until our work on earth is done." 

- GEORGE WHITFIELD

No matter what comes against us, nothing can defeat us until our God is through with His plan. 

"I KNOW" #6 - TO TRUST THE LORD

"11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

- Philippians 4:11-13 KJV

There is a significant difference between trying to work for our justification and working because we are justified. Christ defines our status by what He has done for us. Not what we do for Him. We can trust Him for the needs of our lives because of His work, not ours. We can be content with Jesus in every season of life. 

"[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

- Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

"I KNOW" #7 - THE PROMISE KEEPER PERSONALLY!

"12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."

- 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV

I saved this one for last, not because it needs to be last but because I want to leave this thought as the most important one in your mind. The former six things have no value if you don't know The Lord yourself. You must have a relationship with Him and enjoy intimacy with Him daily. It will be challenging to trust Jesus if you don't cultivate a relationship with Him. 

Can you honestly say that you know Him?