Paul’s statement about “forgetting those things which are behind” comes from Philippians 3:13, which says in full: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.”
To understand what Paul means here, we need to look at the context of his statement in the broader passage of Philippians 3. In this chapter, Paul is warning the Philippian Christians about the dangers of legalism and false teaching. He contrasts genuine faith in Christ with seeking to establish one’s own righteousness through works and religious ritual (Phil. 3:2-9).
Paul uses himself as an example. At one time, he had put his confidence in his impeccable record as a Pharisee, counting his Jewish credentials and zeal for the law as gain (Phil. 3:4-6). But after coming to faith in Christ, Paul realized that this reliance on law and works was futile. He came to see it all as a loss compared to the infinite worth of knowing Jesus Christ (Phil. 3:7-8).
With this background in mind, we can better grasp what Paul means when he speaks of “forgetting what lies behind.” He is not suggesting that we block out or pretend to forget the memories and experiences that have shaped us. Rather, Paul is saying that our status before God does not depend on our own righteous deeds or religious accomplishments. What matters now that we are in Christ is pursuing maturity in Him through faith and the power of the Spirit (Phil. 3:9-14).
Paul is determined to leave behind a fixation on his religious achievements and not let past accomplishments hinder his growth going forward. His focus is on living in and for Christ each new day. Earlier failures and sins are in the past, forgiven and forgotten by God because of the cross. With his eyes fixed on Jesus, Paul can move ahead unencumbered by the weights of the past.
So in essence, “forgetting what lies behind” means:
– Not basing our standing with God on our own works, credentials, or righteousness (Phil. 3:2-9)
– Leaving behind guilt, regrets, and failures and accepting God’s full forgiveness in Christ (Isa. 43:25; 2 Cor. 5:17)
– Not allowing past accomplishments or religious rituals to substitute for genuine growth in Christ through faith (Phil. 3:7-9)
– Keeping our focus on maturing in and living for Jesus daily by His grace and power (Phil. 3:12-14)
– Letting go of what is behind so we can press on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14)
Paul is not suggesting that we forget the past completely or that it is irrelevant. But he is saying that our spiritual life and growth are not chained to the past. By God’s grace, we can move into each new day in the freedom and hope of the gospel. The past has been covered by Christ’s blood, and the future is bright in Him. Like Paul, we strive to forget “those things which are behind” so that we can keep progressing toward the glorious finish line where Jesus awaits.
In the following section, we will explore this concept of forgetting the past in more depth by looking at related Scriptures and seeing how this truth applies to believers today:
# The Need to Forget the Past
Forgetting the past is an important spiritual discipline, as Paul emphasizes. Our natural tendency is to remain fixated on and defined by what lies behind us, whether good or bad. But God calls us to a life focused on Christ and becoming more like Him. Clinging to the past can hinder that growth. Here are some biblical reasons why we must forget what lies behind:
## Our Identity Is in Christ, Not Our Background
When Paul came to faith in Christ, he realized all his impressive credentials were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus (Phil. 3:8). Believers need to find their identity in Christ alone, not past achievements, sins, or any other aspect of their background (Gal. 2:20).
## God’s Mercy Requires Leaving Our Failures Behind
Paul reminds us that we are new creations in Christ, no longer condemned for our sins (2 Cor. 5:17). God in His mercy chooses not to remember our faults when we turn to Christ (Heb. 8:12). Staying fixated on past sins that God has forgiven keeps us shackled.
## Growth Means Focusing Upward, Not Behind
Paul’s singular ambition was knowing and maturing in Christ (Phil. 3:10, 12-14). Our energy must be invested in pursuing Christ, not wallowing in or pining for the past. Living in the past poisons growth.
##pressing toward the Goal Requires Forgetting Past Accomplishments
Even good things in our past like spiritual success or religious credentials can become sources of pride and hinder pressing on toward Christ (Phil. 3:4-7). Forgetting past accomplishments fosters humility and fresh dependency on Christ.
God’s will is that we find freedom in forgetting what lies behind so we can be fully engaged in the present pursuit of Christ. What defines us now is our new identity and position in Him.
# How to Forget What Lies Behind
Forgetting the past is essential, but it does not happen automatically. By God’s grace, believers can intentionally forget what lies behind and live fully focused on following Jesus today. Here are some practical tips:
## Fully Receive Christ’s Forgiveness
Coming to terms with the absoluteness of God’s pardon in Christ for all our failures is freeing (Col. 2:13-14). Believe that His death paid it all and He remembers our sins no more.
## Take Thoughts of Past Captive
Don’t dwell on or ruminate over the past. When thoughts of failures, hurts or trauma come, take them captive and redirect focus to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).
## Refuse to Let Past Experiences Define You
Your identity and purpose are in Christ, not past experiences, sins or accomplishments (Gal. 2:20, Phil. 3:13-14). God says you are a new creation in Him (2 Cor. 5:17).
## Invest Energy into Pursuing Maturity
Pouring time and effort into knowing Christ and making progress in godliness keeps focus forward (Phil. 3:12-14). The past fades when we engage in pursuing the upward call of God.
## Walk in Forgiveness Toward Others
Unforgiveness keeps past wounds fresh. Forgiving others positions our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness and forget what lies behind (Matt. 6:14-15).
## Accept Where You Are on the Journey
Don’t pick at the past because you haven’t advanced as far as you wanted spiritually. Humility accepts where we are, while still pressing on (Phil. 3:12).
As we implement such practices by the Spirit’s power, we gain freedom from the pull of the past. Our mindset becomes like Paul’s – singularly focused on knowing and living for Jesus each day.
# Examples of Forgetting What Lies Behind
Scripture contains many examples of those who epitomized leaving the past behind to walk in newness of life and hope in Christ. Their examples inspire us to forget what lies behind us:
## Paul’s Conversion
Paul’s zealous persecution of Christians belonged to his unregenerate past. His identity became solely being in Christ (Phil 3:4-14).
## Peter’s Restoration
Despite denying Christ, Peter was powerfully restored and used by God (John 21:15-19). God’s grace helped him forget his failures.
## Woman Caught in Adultery
Jesus forgave her completely and sent her ahead without condemnation over her sinful past (John 8:11).
## Israelites Entering Promised Land
Israel left 40 years of wilderness wanderings behind to claim the Promised Land God had for them (Joshua 1-5).
We see in all these examples an intentional shift in focus to all that God had ahead for them, rather than languishing over the past. They provide inspiration for us to do the same by God’s grace.
# Benefits of Forgetting the Past
Forgetting what lies behind brings incredible benefits to the believer’s life and walk with God. When we stop clinging to the past, we experience:
## Freedom from Condemnation
Letting go of past sins, failures and hurts positions us to fully receive Christ’s forgiveness (Rom. 8:1). The accusations of the past lose their sting.
## Unhindered Growth in Christ
We can progress unimpeded in our relationship with Jesus when not chained to past experiences (Phil. 3:13-14). Energy is invested fully into pursuing maturity.
## A Life Lived in the Present
Rather than remaining stuck in the past, we gain the capacity to be fully present and engaged in what God has for us right now.
## A Future-Looking Mindset
Our perspective shifts from backward-looking to forward-looking, filled with hope. We become like Paul, straining ahead toward what is to come (Phil. 3:13-14).
## Greater Intimacy with God
Less distracted by the past, we become increasingly attentive to knowing Christ more deeply in the present.
God invites us to experience all these benefits and more when we, by His grace, forget what lies behind. The more we let go of the past’s grip on us, the greater freedom we gain to live fully in the present hope of the gospel.
# Keeping a Proper Perspective
In calling us to forget what lies behind, Paul is not saying we should become indifferent toward the past or that it has no relevance. We must keep a proper, balanced perspective, recognizing the following:
## The Past Shapes Us
Our experiences, failures and successes all work to shape us into who we are today. The past is part of our story in God’s sovereignty.
## Learn From the Past
Though not living in the past, we can reflect on it and learn lessons that lead to growth and wisdom.
## The Past Glorifies God
Even our stumbles and trials bring glory to God when recalled to proclaim His grace, redemption and restoration.
## Wait on God’s Perfect Timing
Some matters take time for God to heal or resolve. Waiting on His perfect timing is better than trying to rush the process.
So while not chained to the past, we acknowledge God’s purpose in it. Our goal is to honor Christ and keep progressing in Him, not pretend the past didn’t happen. From a healthy perspective, we can forget “those things which are behind” while still recognizing God’s work through all experiences that have shaped us.
# Moving Forward in God’s Grace and Power
Forgetting what lies behind is a vital pursuit, but we are utterly dependent on God to enable us. In ourselves, we do not have the power to fully let go of the past’s hold on us. But through relying on the Holy Spirit at work within us, we can see past experiences lose their grip as we reach forward to what is ahead.
Here are some keys to moving forward in God’s power:
– Ask God daily to help you focus on pursuing Christ unhindered by the past.
– Trust in the Spirit’s work in you to transform your mindset over time.
– Celebrate evidences of His grace releasing you progressively from the past’s hold.
– Refuse condemnation when failures surface, instead thank God for gracious reminders to keep reaching forward.
– Praise God for His patience, knowing that with time and experience come increased spiritual maturity.
Our part is to continually yield our lives to Christ in faith and obedience. As we cooperate with His work, we gain increasing freedom from the pull of the past. By God’s strength, we become like Paul, singularly devoted to living for Christ each day.
The more we practice intentional spiritual disciplines of forgetting the past, the more ingrained this mindset becomes through the Spirit’s sanctifying work. With our eyes fixed on the Savior, we can forget “those things which are behind” and experience the joy and reward of walking in newness of life each day until we meet Him face to face.