Forgetting What Is Behind

The sermon opens with a story about two friends, one anxious about the future because the past was not good. The pastor points out that many people are trapped in a vicious cycle: saddened by the past, worried about the future, but forgetting the present. Although we cannot change circumstances, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can change ourselves to live according to God's teachings. The apostle Paul in Philippians (3:12-14) is an exemplary model of this way of living, writing that he has not yet reached perfection but continues to run the race to gain the prize.

The second section focuses on "Forgetting What Is Behind." The pastor explains that the word "forget" in Scripture does not mean erasing from memory but rather not allowing the past to hinder present life. There are three major "chains" that demons use to imprison: mistakes, losses, and failures; achievements of a glorious time now past; and words of criticism from others. The sermon uses examples from biblical figures such as Adam, Eve, Noah, Paul, and Joseph to show that no one is perfect. However, the question "if only" cannot change the past; the value of the past lies in the lessons drawn to live better in the present. The pastor tells the story of Jacob from Tennessee Williams' work, a man imprisoned in the past to the point of forgetting his beloved wife standing before him. The influence of negative things is always stronger than positive things; we remember mistakes but forget praise. Jesus Christ is the model of forgiveness that does not count sin, as when He restored Peter after his threefold denial through love and trust.

The third section emphasizes "Pressing Forward, Setting Eyes on the Goal." The pastor explains that even while imprisoned, Paul could press forward because his life's purpose was clear. The word "press forward" (diōkō) shares the same root with "persecute," showing the same kind of focus and determination. Joseph is a vivid example: sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, but he forgot what was behind and pressed forward so that God used him to save Egypt and his own family. The prodigal son repents and decides to return, but his older brother only wants to relive his younger brother's past. The power of focus is like a laser beam that can concentrate sunlight into fire. Paul lived with focus: before trusting Christ he persecuted believers, after trusting he concentrated on preaching the Gospel. Jesus teaches not to trade one's soul for all the world. The world has countless distractions and temptations, but followers of Christ must focus on the race. The book "Many aspire, Few attain" reminds us that the way of serving God is a narrow path, few finish, but those who finish are those who rely on God's strength and persevere despite stumbling. Isaiah 30:29-31 encourages that those who wait on the Lord will have renewed strength.

In conclusion, the pastor presents a practical "equation" for the church community: add things like understanding God's Word, love, fruit of the Spirit, dedication, forgiveness, joy, kind words, and confession of sin; subtract things like division, discord, sarcasm, criticism, greed, bitterness; multiply faithful people, faith, workers, good influence; divide work burdens, sorrows, finances, labor for God's work. The pastor believes this equation will bring unity, joy, and a special identity to the church. Finally, the pastor reminds that the believer's life is a long-distance race, not a sprint; those who finish are not special people but those who deliberately focus and persevere in relying on God's strength.