“That I May Know Him and the power of His Resurrection.”

Study Guide: “That I May Know Him”

A Study of Philippians 3:10–11 (KJV)

Introduction

Paul’s heartfelt prayer in Philippians 3:10–11 reveals the deepest longing of a mature believer’s soul—not knowledge of facts but intimate, transformative knowledge of Jesus Christ. This study guides us through each phrase in these verses and invites reflection on the Christian journey toward maturity and eternal hope.

 

Philippians 3:10–11 (KJV)

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”

 

  1. “That I May Know Him”

The Supreme Pursuit of the Believer

Key Scriptures:

  • John 17:3— “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
  • Jeremiah 9:23-24— “Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,… But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me …”
  • Hosea 6:3— “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord…”
  • 1 John 2:3— “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does “knowing Him” mean to you personally? How is it different from intellectual knowledge?
  2. How do the scriptures describe the relationship between knowing God and eternal life?
  3. In what ways can we actively “follow on to know the Lord” as Hosea 6:3 encourages?
  4. How do obedience and knowing God relate according to 1 John 2:3?

Reflection/Application:

  • Consider what steps you can take to deepen your personal relationship with Christ this week.
  • Reflect on areas where knowledge of God has transformed your life.

 

  1. “And the Power of His Resurrection”

The Living Power of the Risen Christ in the Believer

Key Scriptures:

  • Romans 8:11— “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies…”
  • Ephesians 1:19-20— “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead…”
  • Romans 6:4— “…even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
  • Philippians 4:13— “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean that the same Spirit who raised Jesus now dwells in believers?
  2. How does knowing about this power affect your daily life and challenges?
  3. What does “walking in newness of life” look like practically?
  4. Share a time when you experienced strength through Christ in difficulties.

Reflection/Application:

  • Identify an area of struggle where you need to rely on Christ’s resurrection power.
  • Pray for deeper empowerment by the Holy Spirit in this area.

 

III. “And the Fellowship of His Sufferings”

Sharing in Christ’s Humility, Obedience, and Sacrifice

Key Scriptures:

  • Romans 8:17— “…if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:10-11— “…always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus…”
  • 1 Peter 4:13— “But rejoice, since ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings…”
  • 2 Timothy 2:12— “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him…”

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you understand “fellowship in sufferings” with Christ?
  2. Can suffering deepen your faith? Why or why not?
  3. What examples from Scripture or life show the joy in suffering for Christ?
  4. How does the future glory Paul speaks of impact your perspective on suffering?

Reflection/Application:

  • Reflect on a recent suffering or hardship—how might it be part of sharing Christ’s sufferings?
  • Encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness in suffering.

 

  1. “Being Made Conformable Unto His Death”

The Daily Crucifixion of the Old Man

Key Scriptures:

  • Galatians 2:20— “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…”
  • Luke 9:23— “…let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
  • Romans 6:6— “…our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed…”
  • Colossians 3:3— “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does daily taking up your cross involve in your life?
  2. How does Paul’s statement “Christ liveth in me” affirm our identity?
  3. In what areas might the “old man” still need to be crucified in you?
  4. What are ways to practically “deny yourself” and follow Jesus daily?

Reflection/Application:

  • Journal ways you can die to self this week to follow Christ more closely.
  • Pray for strength to be conformed daily into Christ’s likeness.

 

  1. “If By Any Means I Might Attain Unto the Resurrection of the Dead”

The Final Hope of the Believer

Key Scriptures:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:52-53— “…the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible…”
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17— “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout… and the dead in Christ shall rise first…”
  • Romans 8:23— “…waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
  • John 11:25— “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life…”

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does the promise of resurrection impact your faith and hope?
  2. What comfort do you find in Jesus being the resurrection and the life?
  3. How can the hope of glorification encourage us in present struggles?
  4. How do these scriptures help you prepare for eternal life?

Reflection/Application:

  • Meditate on the hope of resurrection and glorification.
  • Share how this hope sustains you in trials.

 

Conclusion and Prayer

Paul’s prayer in Philippians 3:10–11 reminds us that the Christian life is a deep and ongoing journey: from knowing Christ personally, through empowered living, sharing His sufferings, daily transformation, to the blessed hope of resurrection. As you continue this journey, let all these truths shape your heart.

Suggested Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I desire to know You more intimately each day. Fill me with the power of Your resurrection. Teach me to share in Your sufferings and to be made like You in Your death. Help me to live with the hope of the resurrection and the glory You have promised. Strengthen my faith and guide my steps. In Your precious name, Amen.”