SCRIPTURE: Philippians 3:12-14

INTRODUCTION:

One of our remarkable endowments from God is the ability to conceptualize time -- past, present, future.

The apostle Paul had a remarkably practical attitude about time - Philippians 3:12-14. His attitude was balanced.

1. Paul did not naively sweep his past mistakes under the rug.

2. Nor did he sacrifice his service to Christ to unproductive remorse and guilt.

Consider four ways our thinking about the past can hurt us if we are not careful.

I. NOSTALGIA ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE!

A. First: It is foolish to mourn for the "good old days." Ecclesiastes 7:10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

B. Second: Our remembrance of the "glory days" is rarely the whole truth about what events of the past were really like.

C. Third: It would be a shame to long for the past in such a morbid way that we miss the good of the present.

D. Forth: For the Christian, today is a day to be grateful for -- and the best is always yet to be!

II. THE MISTAKES OF THE PAST CANNOT BE UNDONE

A. First: The past is one thing we must accept "as is." Ecclesiastes 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.

B. God forgives -- and we ought to believe it! Psalms 32:1-11 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

1. Perhaps we should be reminded that to be forgiven our repentance must be genuine.

2. It must also be thorough. Repenting of part of our sin while denying the rest is not sufficient.

C. Third: A healthy sense of shame for past errors will not paralyze us with regret, but rather will spur us to greater service in the present - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

III. YESTERDAY'S WORK WILL NOT SUFFICE FOR TOMORROW

A. Congregationally and individually, there is a tendency for us to peak out and then slacken our efforts.

B. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels, or try to be saved by yesterday's obedience - Hebrews 6:10-12 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

C. We need to "redeem the time."

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

IV. THE CHRISTIAN CANNOT GROW WITHOUT CHANGING

A. First: We can be too comfortable with the status quo, too "conservative" for our own good.

B. Second: "The best way out is always through." Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

C. Third: To live is to change, and to reach heaven we will have to be changed often.

CONCLUSION:

A. First: Life presents a constant need to "press on" Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

B. Second: As long as life lasts, it is always possible for us to make choices that result in the end being better than the beginning. Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Ruth 3:10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.

C. Third: May we have the courage to change for the better, whenever necessary, and to make each day a day of growth.

Let’s pray.