Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind… The things behind and the memory of them may be helpful or hurtful. We often find the former, e.g., God's mercies are to be remembered as a theme of gratitude; past sins to produce penitence; former history as ground of warning and hope (Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 8:2; Deuteronomy 9:7; Psalm 77:5; Psalm 103:2; Ezekiel 16:63). Paul speaks of the past as hurtful, a hindrance. He speaks as a runner; perfect as regards equipment, consecration, aim; but not perfected as having attained the goal; he looks not behind him but hurries on. The memory of things behind — I. MAY CAUSE DECLENSION. Israel remembered the fleshpots of Egypt and turned back and tempted God. Lot's wife looked back and perished. Many in answer to Christ's call say, "Suffer me first to — ." Rich young ruler. 1. Former character and prospects have to be forgotten. 2. Former sins. 3. Former companionships, or they may draw the soul back to perdition. II. MAY FOSTER SELF-SATISFACTION AND PRIDE. 1. Victories achieved; temptations resisted elated Samson to his hurt. Even when the glory is given to God there is apt to be a ring of self-satisfaction, "I am not as other men." If we have taken a gun from the enemy, let us go and take another, and not sit idly down. 2. Sacrifices may become a cause of pride — "Lord, we have left all and followed Thee." Yet what does the "all" amount to. 3. So of trials. 4. Of attainments. We may say of ourselves, "Well done, good and faithful servant." But whatever they are, they are as nothing compared with what is before; and inasmuch as they are all of grace, we have nothing to glory of. 5. Past enjoyments. 6. The people we have left. "If any man love father or mother more than Me," etc. III. MAY LEAD TO DISCOURAGEMENT. 1. Falls and failures: no use trying any more. 2. Difficulties and dangers: David thought he would one day fall by the hand of Saul. 3. Guilt contracted; time lost; work undone; salvation neglected; resolutions broken; convictions stifled — all this and much more may be behind. But brooding is no more to be encouraged than boasting. Start afresh. (J. Smith, M. A.) 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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