We are still in chapter three of Philippians with our study on how God expects us to conduct ourselves during this life on earth.
I believe that the Book of Philippians is a God inspired guideline for our walk and being in this world. And just as a reminder, the Book of Philippians is not the only book in the Bible to give advice for life. We have to take the whole of Scripture into consideration and it’s important to keep all of it in context.
Philippians 3:13 (NKJV)
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
The New Living Translation puts it this way:
Philippians 3:13 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
What is Paul talking about when he says, “I have not achieved it”? Perfection! We won’t be perfect until we are with the Lord. In the meantime however, as soon as we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God sees us as righteous in His eyes because the sacrifice of His Son has cleansed us forever.
Forget the past and look forward to what lies ahead is, I think I am repeating myself but, easier said than done. How often do we look back and relive the past thinking about what we could have done different in certain situations? Satan uses these small opportunities to come into our mind and sow doubts. This is not fruitful! Still we need to learn from our past experiences so that we can make better choices going forward.
Isn’t there something beyond beautiful in our future? YES, eternal life in heaven with our Lord. That’s an awesome prospect. That’s worth living for. Once we have asked for forgiveness of something we did wrong the Father forgives and He forgets. How awesome is that?
Hebrews 8:12 (NKJV)
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.
May we look to the Lord and be successful in forgetting the past, learning from it, and looking forward to what lies ahead!
Is that easier said than done?
Do you have moments where you go back to past failures?
Feel free to leave me a comment; I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
May our hearts rejoice in the Lord always!
I hope this post is an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
To God be the Glory!
In my next post we will continue with Philippians 3:17.
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