puricare chronicles: Sin

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Monday, December 21, 2020

FORGET THE PAST AND PRESS ON - “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Although Christians are called to be like Christ, we continue to make mistakes. We have not "arrived" yet. We fail. In fact, we'll never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord. But, God uses our imperfections to "grow us" in faith. We have a problem to deal with called "the flesh." Our flesh pulls us toward sin and away from the prize of the upward call. Our flesh keeps us painfully aware of our need to diligently press on toward the goal. The Apostle Paul was laser-focused on the race, the goal, the finish line. Like an Olympian runner, he would not look back at his failures. Now, remember, Paul was Saul who persecuted the church violently. He played a part in the stoning of Stephen, and he could have let guilt and shame cripple him for that. But Paul forgot the past. He didn't dwell on his sufferings, beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. He looked forward resolutely toward the finish line where he would see the face of Jesus Christ. Paul knew that God alone was the source of his salvation as well as the source of his spiritual growth. The closer we get to completion, the more we realize how much further we have to go to become like Christ.

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Forget the Past and Press On

(Philippians 3:13-14)

The closer we get to completion, the more we realize how much further we have to go to become like Christ.

Be encouraged by Paul's emphasis on forgetting the past and straining forward to what lies ahead. Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call. Press on for the prize until you meet the Lord Jesus at the finish line.

By Mary Fairchild

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining 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 (ESV)

Although Christians are called to be like Christ, we continue to make mistakes.

We have not "arrived" yet. We fail.

In fact, we'll never obtain complete sanctification until we stand before the Lord.

But, God uses our imperfections to "grow us" in faith.

We have a problem to deal with called "the flesh."

Our flesh pulls us toward sin and away from the prize of the upward call. Our flesh keeps us painfully aware of our need to diligently press on toward the goal.

The Apostle Paul was laser-focused on the race, the goal, the finish line. Like an Olympian runner, he would not look back at his failures.

Now, remember, Paul was Saul who persecuted the church violently.

He played a part in the stoning of Stephen, and he could have let guilt and shame cripple him for that.

But Paul forgot the past. He didn't dwell on his sufferings, beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment.

He looked forward resolutely toward the finish line where he would see the face of Jesus Christ.

The author of the book of Hebrews, possibly Paul, made a similar statement in Hebrews 12:1-2:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NIV)

Paul knew that God alone was the source of his salvation as well as the source of his spiritual growth.

The closer we get to completion, the more we realize how much further we have to go to become like Christ.

So, be encouraged by Paul's emphasis here on forgetting the past and straining forward to what lies ahead.

Don't let yesterday's failures derail you from the goal of your upward call.

Press on for the prize until you meet the Lord Jesus at the finish line.

Mary Fairchild

Christianity Expert

Education

General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center

Introduction

Christian minister since 1988 with General Biblical Studies and Missions degrees

Full-time writer and editor specializing in Christianity, Bible study, and Christian living since 2005

Author and general editor of "Stories of Calvary"

Experience

Mary Fairchild has worked full time in Christian ministry since 1988. While in Bible School, she worked for a major city church as the assistant to the dean of Christian education. Next, Mary served on the foreign mission field in Brazil from 1990-1994. Upon returning to the States, Mary became a pastoral assistant and office manager for a large intercity church.

Mary worked as the general editor on several Christian books and booklets for Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg from 2006 until 2017. Recently, Mary joined the team of writers for GotQuestions.org, where she provides responses to questions related to the nature of God, the Scriptures, salvation, and other spiritual topics.

Education

Mary received a General Biblical Studies degree from an Interdenominational Christian Training Center in Central Florida. She also holds a Missions degree from Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School.

Publications

"Stories of Calvary" (2008, Winepress Publishing)

"Exposing Samson" (General Editor, 2009, Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg)

A Message from Mary Fairchild

As a writer, my greatest passion is to study and expound on the Word of God. I’ve made it my goal to offer practical, applicable resources for living the Christian faith with authenticity in today's world. Inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:12, I’ve adopted this purpose: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Learn Religions and Dotdash

Our mission at Learn Religions is to help you explore the practices of your own faith, understand your neighbor’s beliefs, and familiarize yourself with the world’s major religions — regardless of your own spiritual background.

Learn Religions is part of the Dotdash family.

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https://www.learnreligions.com/forget-the-past-and-press-on-philippians-313-14-701886

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