FORGETTING THE PAST LILACLADY JUNEBUG2

IT IS NOT WHERE I HAVE BEEN,
BUT WHERE I AM GOING THAT MATTERS MOST

by HENRY'S JUNE THE TUNE
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BIBLEBUFFJOURNAL

By William Henry Cash Jr   Feb. 11,1968

SERMON:   FORGETTING THE PAST

TEXT :    Philippians 3.8 14

INTRODUCTION:   In this text Paul gives the secret for becoming a dedicated, victorious Christian.    We are to forget the things that are behind; make an earnest effort and endeavor  to reach for the things that are before;  and a strenuous concentration;  set our eyes on the perfect goal – Jesus Christ.       Philippians 3.13 – 14 .    Let us think about one of the most difficult things that is hindering the spiritual growth of many Christians – the matter of forgetting the past.

There are some things that God wants us to remember: 

Deuteronomy 8.2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldst keep his commandments, or no.

Psalm 103.2   Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Ecclesiastes 12.1  Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”

   People forget things that they should remember, such as borrowed books, money, debts, kindness, gracious deeds.    There are other things that people remember that they should forget:  we should forget those things that may hinder our progress by their constant remembrance.  

PROPOSITION:  WE SHALL CONSIDER SEVEN THINGS THAT WE SHOULD LEAVE BEHIND.

I.              PAST BLESSING. 

We should bid farewell to past blessing when we make them the ground of present confidence and self-satisfaction.   Past blessings should be remembered only as an inspiration to strive for better blessings.    We must constantly be bearing fruit in the Spirit instead of resting “on the good old days”.

II.                  PAST ADVANTAGES

Many people hide behind their godly home or parentage of Christians who truly loved the Lord.    However, having Christian parents’ is no guarantee that the children will become Christlike and live a dedicated life.

III.            PAST ACCOMPLISHMENTS

We often sing with praise of our Christian heritage and the brave martyrs.    What the heroes of the faith suffered will be of no avail or use to us unless we are willing to enter into their labors. 

IV.          PAST EXPERIENCES  

Paul could have gloried in what he accomplished and suffered for his Christian faith.    But Paul’s only glory was in the ever-present power of the crucified  and resurrected Christ.     God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh so that he would ever be in his conscience to glory in Christ instead  of what his own accomplishment was.    

Peter wanted to stay on the Mount of Transfiguration.     God told him “This is my beloved Son. Hear ye him.”   We are to put our eyes upon Jesus, and on what Christ is able to accomplish through us today.

V.              SORROWS.

There are some agonies that we cannot forget.  

-       The nail is removed – but the scar is still there.      Time is able to heal many heartaches.   We must let Christ fill the empty place in our grief, disappointment, or heartaches.    Many people are unwilling to bury the hatchet, or take the chip off his shoulder.      Past tears are sanctified when they become a telescope , bringing us a clearer vision of Christ who wept for us.  

    VI       PAST DISAGREEMENTS.

                Spiritual progress is being hindered by past ill will, divisions among friends, misunderstanding, jealousy, prejudice, etc.      We must remove these roots of bitterness if we are to live a happy Christian life.  

VI.           PAST SINS               

Many people dwell on the past pages of their life that is stained by sins.   If we have received divine forgiveness, we should rest assured that our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ.    Satan will seek always to hinder our progress by reminding us of our former sins.    Past sins should keep us humble. 

CONCLUSION

WE MUST CLOSE THE GATE

There are gates to homes, farms, pastures, cemetery  gate in Arkansas, a gate to keep a big dog in a certain part of the house or yard.This was the gate to our home for many years. 

We must close the past gates, and look ahead.

LET US CLOSE THE GATES OF THE PAST

   Paul persecuted Christians.

   He depended at that time on the righteousness of the Law.  He realized that he had not yet arrived nor become perfect, but he left his past behind.      Let us do the same, forgetting the past mistakes and failures, and go forth.

LET US OPEN THE GATES OF THE FUTURE

     As Paul desired to know Christ, and looked forward to the wonderful Day of Resurrection, he looked for the things ahead, and pressed on knowing the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  

As I walked along Peace Portal Drive, I took this photo of 
Drayton Harbor.     Many people running take in the view 
as they prepare physically for marathons.    I would like to think that we are looking forward to that Day when we see the Lord God.   He wants us to open the gates of the future.