Forgetting What Is Behind, Pressing On Toward What Is Ahead
Pastor Tan Thai · Dec 30, 2017
This sermon, based on Philippians 3:13-15, guides believers on how to face the past, present, and future. The apostle Paul teaches that those who have been seized by Jesus Christ must focus like a laser, let go of what is behind, and press on with perseverance toward the goal God has set.
The sermon opens with a practical question: what do we do with the past, present, and future? Through an illustrative story of two friends meeting, the pastor points out that many people are caught in a vicious cycle — grieving the past, anxious about the future, and unsure what to do in the present. Philippians 3:12-15 is laid as the foundation, with three main points: focus when you have been seized by Christ, forget what is behind, and press on toward what is ahead.
The first section emphasizes the power of focus through the image of a laser. The pastor explains that the Greek word for 'press on' is also used for persecution, implying a pursuit with single-minded purpose and without distraction. Paul, before his conversion, was a destructive laser; after being seized by Jesus Christ, he became a laser spreading the Gospel. Matthew 16:26 and Luke 9:62 are cited to remind believers that those who follow Christ must focus on the most important thing — the soul and God's calling.
The second section unpacks the meaning of 'forgetting what is behind.' The pastor clarifies that 'forgetting' does not mean erasing memories, but rather not allowing the past to control or hinder the future — similar to how God 'remembers our sins no more' in Hebrews 10:17. Three types of past chains that must be released are identified: (1) suffering, loss, and failure; (2) praise or criticism; (3) the faults and sins of others. A literary story about Jacob and Lila illustrates the danger of spending a lifetime escaping pain while forgetting the present. The story of Joseph and his example of forgiveness serves as a biblical model.
The third section presents the meaning of 'pressing on toward what is ahead.' The pastor highlights two elements from Philippians 3:14: focusing on 'one thing' and running with a fixed goal. Believers are encouraged to fix their eyes on Jesus Christ as the founder and perfecter of faith rather than on circumstances or surrounding people. The parable of the prodigal son is contrasted with the older brother to show that even those who stay home can be imprisoned by the past. The promise in Isaiah 40:29-31 is cited to encourage trust in God throughout the long race of faith.
The sermon concludes with a practical 'equation' for the new year: things to 'add' (knowledge of God's Word, love, forgiveness), 'subtract' (quarreling, discord, jealousy, bitterness), 'multiply' (faith, faithful workers, godly influence), and 'divide or share' (burdens, sorrows, finances, labor). The pastor expresses confidence that even those who have not yet believed in Christ would want to belong to a church living by this equation, because it is the source of unity and joy.