Dr Tom Hover
January 1, 2023
Philippians 3:13-14
RENEWED FOR A NEW YEAR
RENEWED FOR A NEW YEAR
Reading: Philippians 3:7-16
Text: Philippians 3:13-14
Introduction: A Fresh New Start in Our Commitment to Our Lord. It is wonderful to know that we can make a fresh beginning! No matter how far we have traveled, there is further to go; no matter how far we have fallen short, it is always possible to make a new start. Oh, what God can do through us this coming year if we (Eastside Baptist Church) will follow the Biblical principles outlined here in our text in:
I. WE SHOULD FORGET THE THINGS WHICH ARE BEHIND US Philippians 3:13
Failures, as well as successes, constantly harass us until we are afraid to attempt anything new. We must forget the things that are behind us.
1.) Past Sins Must Be Forgiven
Philippians 3:13, Ecclesiastes 3:15, I John 1:9
Forget the things that are behind: forget injuries, slight, unkind words; be too big to be hurt; be too great to be unkind; be too busy to quarrel; too wise to engage in unseemly gossip; too strong to permit little annoyances to turn you from life’s big road; and too clean to stain your character with any kind of impurity.
2.) Past Successes Must Be Forsaken Philippians 3:13
II. WE SHOULD FORESEE THE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE US Philippians 3:14
1.) The Eventualities of Life
Philippians 3:13, “...reaching unto those things which are before...”
2.) The Responsibilities of Life
Philippians 3:14 “...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”, II Timothy 4:7-8
III. WE SHOULD FULFILL THE THINGS WHICH ARE BEYOND US Philippians 3:12
Dissatisfaction with past accomplishments is the mother of invention. Because man was dissatisfied with carrying and lifting loads upon his shoulders, he invented vehicles to ride in. Pity the man who is content with his own progress and feels he has (Arrived). This is all the truer in the Christian life. Nothing here is as deadly as self-satisfaction. In the life of faith, we move from strength to strength; we abound more and more; we proceed from glory to glory. Perfection, for the apostle Paul, was nothing less than being conformed to the image of the likeness of Christ. This is why he declared his greatest ambition in those unforgettable words, Philippians 3:10
1.) Jesus Christ’s Resurrection Power
Philippians 3:13 “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection,”, (Phil. 4:13).
2.) Jesus Christ’s Redemptive Passion
Philippians 3:13
“....and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death;”
CONCLUSION: Before we can put into practice these simple truths, we must also put into practice Matthew 6:33
