Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 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, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We need goals in life. It’s a new year and people make lots of resolutions. Many don’t last long. Paul had the goal to know Christ. He wanted to be like Christ and do all he could for HIM. We should want to do all that Christ has in mind for us. Don’t let anything take your eyes off that goal to know Christ. If you do, you’ll be in trouble. Don’t believe that? Just ask Peter. He walked on the water toward Christ and was fine till he began to sink. Why did that happen? Instead of keeping his eyes on Jesus, he looked at the storm. He then cried out “Lord, save me.” The work of Christ needs to move forward and move faster on a firm footing. The world is in a mess. Wrong is called right. We must hold on.
We must forget the past. Paul had a lot in his past to be ashamed of. At the stoning of Stephen, the coats of those doing it were laid at Paul’s feet. He persecuted the church. But it was under the blood. It’s good to remember where we were. But we can’t dwell on it. We’ve all made a wrong turn since we got saved. I’ve messed up, but I’m glad the Lord corrects me and gets me back on the right path.
We must forgive those who persecute or have wronged us. Peter asked Jesus if 7 times was enough to forgive. Jesus said I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. We can’t keep track of that many wrongs. The bottom line is that we are to forgive others.
We need to find our place. Romans 12:1-3 says I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. We don’t offer animal sacrifices as they did in the Bible. We are the sacrifice. Daily lay aside our desires to follow the Lord. Serve sincerely. Follow his precepts.
The future is God’s What was lost in the Garden will one day be restored. There’s a better day, a better place. Keep moving forward for Christ.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 