The first Sunday in 2025.
Brethren, … one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13–14)
What do we need to forget about 2024 (and earlier)? What do we need to do to press on?
Forget
Clean out the past: don’t be stuck on the good or bad. Be ready to press on.
Don’t rest on laurels. Don’t rest on accomplishments. Don’t coast on a past success. Past victories are great, but don’t let them reduce your motivation to press on.
Forget the sins we have confessed and learned from. Don’t be stuck in the past.
If we are weighed down with a particular sin or failure in 2024 (or earlier), even though we have confessed it to our Lord and received His forgiveness, we MUST forget and press on. Sometimes people talk about not being able to forgive themselves. This may really mean that they are stuck in the past. Get over it. Don’t lose what you’ve learned, but move on.
Paul had a lot to forget: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:12–13)
Forgive those who have sinned against you. If you don’t forgive, the offense will stay in your mind, slowing you down. Don’t be stuck in the past.
Press on
It is a new day. It is a new year. Press on, working on your sanctification, working towards becoming in the image of Christ. Sanctification is partly God and partly our responsibility. Work on your part! (Philippians 2:12)
More to come!
Happy New Year!
