sf975 - Looking Back And Moving On (Philippians 3 13-14)
Philippians 3:13-14
Introduction
We all have a past that is some of our past events affect and control us. When this is the case we miss God’s blessings and purposes in our lives.
How much pain and suffering is caused by our being controlled by our past?
There are two types of past events:
Things out of our control
Consequences of our sin
If we don’t deal Biblically with the past we will be robbed of the blessings of God.
Paul helps us know how to deal with our past in our text.
1A. Dissatisfaction (3:13a)
Verse 12 tells us why Paul is dissatisfied, what we are to seek that we have not laid hold of.
The very reason why we were saved; God’s purpose to glorify God and enjoy Him forever
We accomplish this when we are conformed to the likeness of Christ.
Romans 8:29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
This is not our position but our practice, our daily walk. This includes my thoughts!
We must be dissatisfied as long as we are not attaining to Christ’s likeness.
We are to be content with our circumstances, but not with our sinfulness.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
I worry about the things that don’t matter.
Philippians 1:20-21 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
We must have a passion, hunger, thirst to daily be more like Christ!
2A. Determination (3:13b)
“On thing I do…” what one thing?
Magnify Christ and manifesting Christ in my daily life!
We must be channeled in our lives to one thing – CHRIST!
We are too often divided, dabbling in 300 things, we must get in the “zone” of serving God.
3A. Direction (3:13a)
“Forgetting… reaching forward to what lies ahead”
1B. The direction we choose to forget
“Forget” – no longer influenced or controlled by the past.
Hebrews 10:17 "AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE."
Things we must forget…
Ø Past glories, they make us prideful or nostalgic
Ø Past guilt, one our sin has been dealt with in confession and repentance we move on.
The next time repented sin comes back to your mind start praising God for His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and Satan will stop bringing it up.
God grace will take you through the consequences of past sin. Paul is a perfect example of this truth.
Ø Past grudges, bitterness will control you, trust God to handle these, refuse to hold on to it!
It requires a one time decision followed by a lifetime of discipline enforcing that decision!
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
2B. The direction we choose to focus on.. “reach forward”
We must continue looking to our goal – JESUS!
Continual – do not ever stop.
3B. The discipline (3:14)
“Goal” – the end marker
“Press on toward” – diligent search, straining
“The prize of the upward call…” – referred to the Greek games, the past greats would call the exceptional athletes “up” to the platform where they were.
Our “upward call” comer from Jesus, it is a call to discipline!
1 Timothy 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
How are we to discipline ourselves…
Ø Reading the Word
Ø Ministry
Ø Stewardship
Ø Pure thought life…
Application
Ask God to show you how your past is controlling you.
Why do I continue to fall into certain sins?
Repent of whatever He reveals!