Forget to Go Forward

Scott Beyer
11/20/23 - Bulletin

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13)

            Reaching forward and forgetting what is behind are one thing.  They are the same.  Looking ahead involves not staring into the rearview mirror.  It’s hard to forget past sins.  It is hard to forget the bad decisions and not wallow in guilt and shame.  It can also be hard to forget about a past life of temptation and addiction.  Past habits, past guilts, and past lifestyles have a way of haunting us.

            But you can’t move forward with your eyes on the old road.  New habits require new direction.  If you want to reach forward, you are going to have to do some forgetting.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 3:12-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?

This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul.  If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision

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