Understanding 'Experiencing Christ vs. Enjoying Christ' Through Biblical Examples

 

Understanding 'Experiencing Christ vs. Enjoying Christ' Through Biblical Examples

Luke 10:40 "But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'"

Luke 10:41 "The Lord answered, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things;'"

Luke 10:42 "But only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

 

Aspects	Experiencing Christ	Enjoying Christ
Primary Location	In spirit (Phil. 1:27)	In soul (Phil. 2:2)
Type	Crossing Red Sea, Exodus from Egypt, Wilderness journey	Entering and inheriting Canaan
Essential Meaning	• Deliverance from sin, freedom from bondage • Basic spiritual experience • Focus on ministry and service • May only have external changes	• Tasting the riches of Christ, obtaining satisfaction • Deeper life communion • Focus on life and fellowship • Brings internal satisfaction and transformation
Key Features	• Emphasis on salvation and deliverance • May feel burdened in service • May lack enjoyment due to soul issues	• Emphasis on intimate communion with Christ • Rest at the Lord's feet • Requires dealing with soul parts, especially the mind
Biblical Examples	• Israelites exiting Egypt but dying in wilderness (Num. 14) • Martha busy with service (Luke 10:40-41) • Elder son working outside (Luke 15:25-28) • Paul's initial salvation experience (Acts 9)	• Caleb and Joshua entering good land (Josh. 14:6-15) • Mary sitting at Jesus' feet (Luke 10:39) • Younger son enjoying feast with father (Luke 15:23-24) • Paul counting all things loss (Phil. 3:8)
Scripture References	• "Conduct worthy in Christ" (Phil. 1:27) • "Brought out from Egypt" (Ex. 13:3) • "Martha was distracted" (Luke 10:40) • "Strive to enter" (Luke 13:24)	• "United in soul, same love" (Phil. 2:2) • "Rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. 3:1) • "Taste and see the Lord is good" (Ps. 34:8) • "Holding forth the word of life" (Phil. 2:16)
Practical Application	• Pursue deliverance from sin • Practice obedience to the Lord • Learn to experience Christ in all circumstances • Experience the Lord's presence in service	• Deal with soul parts (mind, emotion, will) • Fellowship with the Lord in spirit • Taste nourishment in the Word • Enjoy the Lord's presence in service
Relationship	• Foundation for enjoying Christ • Needs to develop into enjoyment • May become dry if only experiencing	• Built on the foundation of experience • Enriches and deepens experience • Leads to fuller knowledge of Christ
Pastoral Focus	• Help believers overcome negative things • Establish proper service life • Teach exercise of spirit	• Guide in dealing with soul issues • Lead into deeper fellowship • Build habits of enjoying Christ

 

Biblical examples clearly illustrate the distinction between experiencing and enjoying Christ:

In the Old Testament:

 

The Israelites experienced Christ's redemption by crossing the Red Sea under Moses' leadership, escaping from Egypt's idolatry and Pharaoh's bondage

However, the first generation (except Caleb and Joshua) died in the wilderness without entering Canaan to enjoy the all-inclusive riches of Christ (typified by the good land)

 

In the New Testament Gospels:

 

Martha was busy with service and distracted, unlike Mary who enjoyed Jesus Himself at His feet

In Luke 15, the elder son was busy laboring but unwilling to enjoy the feast (fatted calf) with his father and younger brother

These are examples of experiencing Christ without enjoying Christ

Key Conclusions:

1.      Experience and enjoyment of Christ are inseparable aspects of spiritual life

2.      Renewal of the soul is key to enjoying Christ

3.      Pursue both experience and enjoyment in balance

*Please refer to the 2024 International Thanksgiving Conference  'Living the Christian Life and Church Life under God's Government for God's Economy'  Chapter 4 Becoming a Replica of Christ and Experiencing Christ as the Shepherd of Our Soul