Forgetting the Pastand Going Forward

Lesson from Baseball

Are you the batter or pitcher?

We have all struck out at times in life It is always good to have a fresh start BUT - - - We must learn to let go of the errors,

sins, mistakes, and goofs of the past. Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count

myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

1 – Forgetting the Past

We have a special ability to remember But memory can be a friend or an enemy Paul had a horrible past

Persecuted the church Involved in the death of Stephen He was the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15)

He could have lived with crippling guilt

1 – Forgetting the Past

Our greatest glory is not in living without failing,But in rising every time we fail.

How to Ice Skate – Get up one more time that you fall down.

1 – Forgetting the Past

Nike ad – voice says - “I've missed more than 9,000 shots. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times I was trusted to make the game-winning shot and missed.”

Those words were spoken by Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players.

1 – Forgetting the Past

R. H. Macy failed 7 times before his department store finally caught on.

We can't allow ourselves to become obsessed with our failures.

1 – Forgetting the Past

Jeremiah 31:34 No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."

God forgets! We must learn to let go.

2 – Focus on Priorities

Philippians 3:14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This ONE thing I do Forget the past Press toward the mark Preach the gospel Make tents Planted churches

The ONE thing = His priority – the prize

2 – Focus on Priorities

Teacher took a large pot. Filled it with rocks.

“Is the pot full?” Students said, “Yes.”

2 – Focus on Priorities

Teacher took small pebbles.

Shook the pot and they filled the spaces.

Then poured in sand. Then poured in water.

What are the rocks in your life?

In each life there are: Rocks Pebbles Sand Water

Often we spend our time and energy on the water and the sand.

We fail to deal with the large rocks in our life.

3 – Function in the Present

Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Not WILL DO, Not GOING TO DO, Not MIGHT DO ONE DAY WHEN I GET AROUND TO IT

ONE THING I DO

3 – Function in the Present

It is too easy to procrastinate Acts 24:25 Now as he reasoned about

righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you."

COMPARE TO Psalm 119:60 I made haste, and did not delay To keep Your commandments.