Introduction
As the year comes to a close, Philippians 3:12-14 (AMP) invites believers to reflect on the journey of faith with a focus on pressing forward. This scripture speaks to the apostle Paul’s determination to grow in Christ, letting go of the past and reaching toward the ultimate goal of fulfilling God’s purpose. For today’s Christians, it provides encouragement to release the weight of past mistakes and embrace the future with hope and determination. On this New Year’s Eve, these verses serve as a reminder that in Christ, we are empowered to move forward with purpose, leaving behind what hinders us and striving toward what God has prepared.
New Let’s Eat Some Meat!
Philippians 3:12-14 (AMP): “Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
The Context of Philippians 3:12-14
Paul writes this scripture as part of his letter to the church at Philippi, reflecting on his spiritual journey and the surpassing value of knowing Christ. In the preceding verses, Paul declares that his righteousness comes not from the law but through faith in Christ. He expresses a deep desire to know Christ fully and to experience the power of His resurrection. Verses 12-14 acknowledge that while Paul has not yet reached perfection, he is committed to pursuing Christ with unwavering focus and energy.
This scripture highlights both humility and perseverance. Paul acknowledges his need for growth while emphasizing his determination to continue striving for God’s purpose. For modern believers, it offers both encouragement and challenge—encouragement to let go of past failures and a challenge to pursue Christlike living with intentionality.
Relevance to Today’s Believers
Philippians 3:12-14 is especially relevant for Christians reflecting on the past year and preparing for a new beginning. Many people enter the new year carrying the weight of regrets, missed opportunities, or unfulfilled goals. This scripture reminds believers that their past does not define them. In Christ, they can move forward with hope and confidence, focusing on God’s purpose rather than being held back by mistakes or disappointments.
The call to “forget what lies behind” is not about ignoring lessons from the past but about releasing anything that hinders spiritual growth. The invitation to “reach forward” challenges believers to approach the future with faith and determination, trusting that God has a plan for their lives. This truth is both empowering and liberating, offering a perspective that is rooted in God’s grace and eternal purpose.
Supporting Scriptures
Isaiah 43:18-19 (AMP): “Do not remember the former things, or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing; now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” This verse reinforces the idea of letting go of the past and looking forward to the new things God is doing.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].” This scripture complements Paul’s focus on leaving the old behind and embracing new life in Christ.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (AMP): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity].” The call to perseverance and focus mirrors Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:12-14. Keep our focus on Jesus, who most assuredly isn't in our part, He is the reason for our glorious future to come.
Galatians 6:9 (AMP): “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in.” This scripture encourages persistence, aligning with Paul’s theme of pressing forward. Remember where your strength and help coke from, God!
Romans 8:28 (AMP): “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” This verse assures believers that God is at work in every season, giving hope for what lies ahead. As I like to say ‘nuff said!
Applications for Modern Faith
Letting Go of the Past: Believers are encouraged to release regrets, failures, and distractions, trusting that God’s forgiveness and grace provide a fresh start.
Pursuing Growth in Christ: This scripture challenges Christians to actively seek spiritual maturity and Christlike living, recognizing that growth is an ongoing process. Christ says come to him and He will make us right, He isn't looking for us to be right when we come to him, it is a process as with any process the most important step is the first step, so step out and believe!
Maintaining Focus on God’s Purpose: Paul’s determination to press on toward the goal reminds believers to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
Embracing New Opportunities: The call to “reach forward” inspires believers to approach the future with faith, trusting that God has prepared good things for us.
Persevering with Hope: This scripture encourages persistence, reminding believers that their efforts in faith are part of a greater purpose and will be rewarded in God’s timing.
Summary
Philippians 3:12-14 (AMP) captures the essence of a life devoted to Christ, emphasizing humility, perseverance, and purpose. Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection but is committed to pressing forward toward the goal of becoming Christlike. His focus on forgetting the past and reaching toward the future highlights the transformative power of grace, which enables believers to pursue God’s calling without being hindered by our previous failures.
Cross-referenced scriptures such as Isaiah 43:18-19 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 reinforce the themes of renewal and new beginnings. Hebrews 12:1-2 and Galatians 6:9 echo the call to perseverance and determination, encouraging believers to stay focused on our spiritual race. Together, these verses provide a comprehensive picture of what it means to live with purpose, hope, and faith in Christ.
For today’s believers, Philippians 3:12-14 offers a timely message as we prepare to welcome a new year. It invites us to release the burdens of the past, embrace God’s grace, and press forward with confidence. The call to “reach forward to what lies ahead” is a powerful reminder that God’s plans are good and that He equips His people to fulfill their purpose.
Year Ending Encouragement for December 31, 2024
As we close this year and prepare for the next, let us take Paul’s words to heart. Forget what lies behind, and press on toward the goal. In Christ, the new year is not just a fresh start but a continuation of God’s work in our lives. May we embrace the future with hope, determination, and faith, trusting in the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Happy New Year!
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