Remember the days when everything seemed good? Maybe for you that was the 1970’s or the 1980’s. You recall those days with nostalgia and wish to relive them. It’s human nature to view the past through rose-colored glasses. But if we examined those days more in-depth, we’d still find evil. Crime and wars were prevalent around the world and sin still flourished.

It is critically important for us to live in the present so we don’t miss the opportunities that God has placed before us. There are a few things that will help us as we strive toward that end. They are found in Philippians 3:12-21.

Remember you have not yet arrived  

Philippians 3:12 says, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect”. Paul is talking about Christian maturity. The Greek word “perfect” implies maturity and completeness. We desire to become more like our Savior. We want to abandon sin and embrace righteousness. This side of heaven, we will never reach perfection. Nevertheless, we press on.

In our Christian walk, we will have setbacks but we must persevere and keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s the One who purchased us with His blood. The Bible says that you are not your own, you were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20). When the believer reaches this realization, it’s truly revolutionary. You are not a slave to self but live for Christ.

Forget the past, press on to the goal

Philippians 3:13 says “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” The orientation of the Christian is simple – we look forward! Praise God for His faithfulness in the past, but look straight ahead. We strive to enter through the narrow gate, and long for our heavenly home. We cannot brood on past failures or successes; look forward to the prize – the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  

Hebrews 11:16 says of God’s people of old, “But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” God prepared something better for us. Instead of regressing we advance towards “the prize.” The reward awaiting the faithful is heaven, the presence of Jesus, and the absence of sin.

Christian, do you realize what awaits you? It is truly beyond belief!

Don’t give up ground

“Let those of us who are mature think this way…hold true to what we have attained” (Philippians 3:15-16). The believer has a particular mindset – a forward-looking mentality. Don’t lose the reward that you worked diligently to attain. Persevere to the very end. In war you never want to give up ground to the enemy. You dig down and build deep trenches. You do anything to maintain your position. You want to advance, but never retreat.

Paul says, “Let us hold true (fast) to what we have attained.” God has done a remarkable work in your life and you must never retreat. You are in the light, don’t go back to darkness.

Let’s say, for example, that years ago you struggled with lying and deception. After you became a Christian, slowly God gave you victory over this sin and you have lived victorious ever since. Would it make sense to retreat to your old lying ways? Yet that happens sometimes. You are deceptive here and there, and soon you are stuck in the rut of sin again.

Christian, don’t give up ground or give the enemy a foothold. Don’t take sin lightly! Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.

Find good models

Philippians 3:17: “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” The Philippian believers were blessed. They had good models like the apostle Paul. They watched his life and ministry and knew he was the real deal. But now Paul exhorts them to imitate him.  Paul also told them to imitate all the brethren – their leaders and those who walked with Christ. He writes: “keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” That would include Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus (ch 2) – and perhaps others like Silas, Barnabas, Apollos.

Who influences you? Be careful because you will become like them. Look for good role models. Find someone who loves Jesus and attach yourself to them. Look for people who are forward looking, heaven oriented, and gospel saturated.

Reject bad models

“For many, of whom I have often told you…walk as enemies of the cross of Christ (verse 18).” Though the Philippians had good models, there were also bad ones. Paul described them as, “enemies of the cross.” They were wolves in sheep’s clothing. Verse 19 says “their end is destruction.” They will find themselves in hell and under the judgment of God. Furthermore, “Their god is their belly. They glory in their shame”. This is similar to Romans 1:32: “Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them, but give approval to those who practice them.”

Enemies of the cross surround us. Don’t imitate their example. Find good models, men and women who love the Lord, and cling to them.  

Remember your true identity

Philippians 3:20 says “But our citizenship is in heaven.” In other words, this world isn’t our true home. The apostle Peter calls us “elect exiles” – 1 Peter 1:1. We are sojourners passing through to a better country. If you look at your passport, it says something about your identity. But this citizenship is temporary. If you are in Christ, your eternal citizenship is found in heaven.

This prayer from a book called the Valley of Vision puts it well. “May thy dear Son preserve me from this present evil world, so that its smiles never allure, nor its frown terrify, nor its vices defile, nor its errors delude me. May I feel that I am a stranger and a pilgrim on earth, declaring plainly that I seek a country, my title to it daily becoming more clear, my meetness for it more perfect, my foretastes of it more abundant; and whatsoever I do may it be done in the Savior’s name.” Amen!

Never forget your true identity. You are a child of God. Your citizenship is in heaven! And we eagerly await the return of Christ. He “will transform your lowly body to be like his glorious body”. When he appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is! And yes, it’s great that we’ll get new bodies. We’ll receive serious upgrades from these feeble “tents” (2 Corinthians 5:1) that we currently occupy, but that’s just part of it. The remarkable thing is that we’ll see Jesus, and we will be like Jesus! With such glorious news, and such a hope, how could we retreat?

Our orientation is always heavenward. No matter how much we suffer, no matter what setbacks we endure, we press on towards the goal. God has prepared for us an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and it’s kept in heaven for you.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, keep your eyes on the prize. Look to Jesus! Press on!

This teaching is based upon a sermon I preached a few months ago. You can access it here.