Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind… I. THE THINGS BEHIND WHICH ARE TO BE FORGOTTEN. 1. Past sinful pleasures. 2. Past evil acquaintances. 3. Past good works. II. THE THINGS BEFORE. 1. Increased holiness. 2. The prize of eternal glory. (W. P. Insley, M. A.)Religion is a progressive principle, and that not merely by Divine appointment, but from its very nature. This is the only satisfactory evidence that religion exists at all. It is also the chief source of happiness here, and a large ingredient in it hereafter. It is not, however, always equally marked and measurable. The incoming tide has receding waves; so let no man judge his neighbour a hypocrite because he thinks he sees a retrograde movement. This progressive character may be argued — I. FROM THE NATURE OF THE SUBJECT IN WHICH THE CHANGE IS WROUGHT. Man, an essentially active being. As previous to conversion the soul was in progress, going from one degree of evil to another, so it may be expected to make progress in the new direction given it. II. FROM THE NATURE OF THE POWER WHICH EFFECTS THE CHANGE. If the effect could be ascribed to chance, or to momentary impulse, it might be expected to be stationary, or even to cease or disappear, but when the power of God, almighty and unceasing, is the sole efficient cause of conversion, it is unreasonable to suppose that the life created can be at a standstill. III. FROM THE MEANS EMPLOYED TO EFFECT THE CHANGE. Had these been of a natural or ordinary character, such as human wisdom might devise and human power set in motion, then we might infer that God intended us to rest contented with actual attainments. But could it be to keep piety alive without improvement or increase that God gave His Son, that that Son came to die, that the Spirit was given? From the prodigality and divinity of the agents and instrumentalities religion cannot he a stationary thing. The purpose must be adequate to the means. IV. FROM THE END FOR WHICH THE CHANGE IS PRODUCED. That end is — 1. Not deliverance from present pain. 2. Not mere deliverance from future misery. 3. Nor, indeed, man's restoration by itself. If the end were in man he would usurp God's place. 4. The end is for God's glory. This cannot be adequately promoted by stationary religion. V. FROM THE NATURE OF THE CHANGE ITSELF. As far as Scripture and experience reveal it, it is but an incipient change, and must be carried on forever. This change does not consist in anything corporeal, but in the mind, and not in the structure of the mind, in the creation of new faculties or the destruction of old ones, but in new desires, dispositions, and affections. These must have their objects, and their actings on those objects must increase their strength, enlarge their scope, and stimulate their energies. VI. FROM THE MANNER IN WHICH GOD HAS BEEN PLEASED TO ENFORCE THE OBLIGATION TO PROGRESS. 1. The emptiness of past achievements. 2. The weight of future glory. (J. A. Alexander, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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, |
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