What did Paul say he wanted in Philippians, to know Christ intimately and the power of what?
Paul desired to know Christ intimately, on a person-to-person basis, and to know the power of His resurrection. This was to be the prayer of every believer. Resurrection power is the very heart of the Gospel and makes true Christianity different from the religions of the world.
Les teaches from Philippians 4:10 that Paul's words should be the prayer of every believer as we follow this apostle. Paul wanted to know Christ intimately on a person-to-person basis, and he wanted the power of Christ's resurrection. Les points out that if a person cannot believe the resurrection, then they have no salvation, no power, and are destitute. The resurrection is the very heart of the Gospel, and it is what makes true Christianity different from the religions of the world. Other religions may claim reincarnation, but they know nothing of resurrection power. Earlier, Les also stresses that Paul was just as human as we are—he hurt when the whip fell and got cold on windswept plains—so if Paul could endure by God's grace, believers can too. Paul can be followed as an example, as he says, "Be ye followers of me."
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
More Questions
Why did Paul want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection?
The purpose of Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection was that he might win the prize.