Philippians 3:13,14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
I want us to look today, as we enter into the New Year, at some of the benefits we have as a result of our salvation. The past is gone, with all its failures, sins, missed opportunities, and sufferings, and there is nothing we can do about it. Our salvation, on the other hand, is a settled and eternal state. There is therefore nothing in the past, in the present, nor in the future that can change its eternal status. That’s what Paul is telling us in 1 Timothy 1:12, concerning all the suffering that he was then experiencing. The verse tells us that our salvation is in the care of someone with almighty power, and he can keep it, in spite of us: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Also, the apostle Peter verifies that our eternal security is in the hands of one far greater than us. Hear his words in 1 Peter 1:3-5 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Then, in the text verse in Philippians, the apostle is telling us through the scripture, about the past, “forgetting those things which are behind.”
I think he is encouraging us to not let our past control, or ruin our future. Then, he finishes the verse by saying, “and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” This tells us that the future is more important than the past, because it is still before us, and there is always hope in Christ. January 1, 2025, can be a New Beginning!
I want to cover several points, as space permits, that we should consider and that can be a help in the coming year: The first is a Faithful Profession which is accompanied by “Changed Affections.” Some of the things we have our affections on are mentioned in verses 7-14 in our text. The scripture calls them “things” and “all things” no matter what they are. Philippians 3:7-8 “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
To be continued.