Forget the Past and Reach Forward (Phil 3:13-14)

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by

Robert Piña
in

Philippians 3:13-14 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. 

Introduction: In one focused action Paul forgot the past, reached forward, and pressed toward the prize of the high calling of God. Although it might seem like three different things, they all have to be done together, at once. As we close the year 2025, this is something that we would benefit greatly in doing also. 

Paul said “This one thing I do”: 

  1. Forget the Past– “forgetting those things which are behind”. Paul was full of failures, shortcomings, and struggles. Now, whether this past year was a great one or a complete failure, it’s in the past. It doesn’t do us any good to sit around and think about how good or bad the past has been. (“I should have, I could have”). “We cant cry over spilled milk”. So what should we do- forget the past. 
  1. Reach Forward– “reaching forth unto those things which are before”. The thing to do is to focus on the things at hand and what’s ahead in the future. “The best is yet to come.” I’m looking forward to serving the Lord together along with you in this New Year 2026. So what should we do- reach forth to what’s ahead. 
  1. Press Toward the Prize– “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. Paul’s purpose was to be conformed to the image of Christ- to be Christ like. That is a a good mark to have and to press toward This has to do with an eternal reward. If we stay focused on Jesus Christ and the prize we will receive one day in glory, then we wont stray off the goal. Just like an athlete, it takes a lot of discipline to keep pressing toward the prize. So what should we do- Press toward the Prize (the finish line). 

Conclusion: This is all one action that Paul would take in his daily life and I believe it would be good for us to do this one thing as we close out one year and begin a new one.