Redeemer Church Mauritius
God has designed the world with continuous opportunities to start again. At the end of every day, we get a sunset to mark the passing of that day. Every morning we get a sunrise to mark the start of a new day with all the potential it holds. Every week has a weekend - and of course, a dreaded Monday morning. Every season passes as the next season arrives to take its place. And every year closes on the 31 December so that a new year can begin the next day.
Every New Year is a gift. It is a blank slate. It is an opportunity. It is a fresh start. We can learn to take advantage of the New Year as we look to move forward – away from the past and towards the future. That does not mean making New Year’s resolutions that won’t last to the end of the month, but rather letting go of things that can hold us back and pressing forward to the things God has in store for us!
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV
1. We are all a work in progress
We are still learning, growing, and being equipped and this process will continue as long as we live.
2. We all have things we need to forget
- We need to forget our failures
- We need to forget our bad experiences
- We need to forget our destructive habits
- We need to forget our doubts and insecurities
1 Timothy 1:15–16 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
3. We all need to press on towards the goal
- We need to strain towards spiritual growth
- We need to strain forwards to advance God’s kingdom
- We need to strain forward in godly relationships
2 Timothy 4:6–8 (NIV)
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Matthew 6:31–33 (NIV)
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Let's Apply It:
Forget the past and press on towards the goal.