TAKE A STEP FORWARD (3)

INTRODUCTION

If we wish to move forward, we must leave the past behind (Philippians 3:13–14).

We all have a past. Within that past lie many different chapters of our story. There are successes that make us proud, but it is not uncommon to encounter failures, disappointments, pain, or even past sins that continue to cast a shadow.

The Apostle Paul shared a secret to extraordinary spiritual growth: forgetting what lies behind and straining towards what lies ahead.

Content

To ‘forget’ here means to release the past’s hold over our lives today—but how?
  1. What must be left behind?
    2. There are two main things from the past that often hold us back:
    1. Past failures, sins, and wounds
      2. Guilt over past sins or bitterness from being hurt by others often acts as an anchor holding us back from moving forward. The Lord Jesus has forgiven us (1 John 1:9). If God Himself has already forgotten our sins, why do we continue to punish ourselves?
    2. Past successes and triumphs
      3. Feeling satisfied with past spiritual achievements or our former way of life can make us lukewarm and stop us from growing today.
  2. Focusing on moving forward (Philippians 3:13b)
    • Paul uses the metaphor of a runner. A good runner does not look back whilst running, as this would slow them down or even cause them to stumble.
    • They keep their eyes fixed straight ahead. Looking ahead means we choose to focus on the plan and vision God has for our lives right now. Our future in Christ is full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
    • Every new day is a fresh opportunity God gives us to grow, serve and be a blessing.
  3. Running towards the goal (Philippians 3:14)
    4. Christianity is not merely a leisurely stroll, but an active struggle of faith—‘running towards the goal’. The purpose of our lives is to obtain ‘the prize, namely the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus’, to become more and more like Christ and to finish our race of faith well until we meet Him in heaven. Focusing on this heavenly prize gives us extra strength when we feel weary in the face of life’s challenges in this world.

CONCLUSION

Let us make the decision to lay aside the burdens of our past, so that we may continueto press on towards God’s calling.

 
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Fullgospel Mission Church