LEAVING THE PAST BEHIND
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Philippians 3:13-14
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Hebrews 12:1, Genesis 19:17, Luke 9:62
INTRODUCTION:
Many believers carry the weight of their past into their walk with God. This weight may be in the form of guilt, shame, trauma, lost opportunities, or painful experiences. Though the past cannot be changed, it should not be allowed to control our present or determine our future.
In Philippians 3:13-14, Apostle Paul shares a powerful principle for victorious living— forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. This shows that to move forward with God, we must learn to release the past and embrace the future.
God is calling His people to progress and not to be trapped by regret or bitterness. There is a “high calling” for every believer, and we cannot attain it by looking back. We must press forward with faith, hope, and a renewed focus on the promises of God.
1. THE DANGER OF HOLDING ON TO THE PAST
Holding on to the past can silently poison our future. It cripples our potential, dampens our joy, and creates spiritual stagnation. Until we let go of the things behind us, we cannot fully lay hold of what lies ahead.
a) It hinders spiritual progress (Hebrews 12:1):
When we are weighed down by old wounds, failures, or sins, we cannot run the race God has set before us with endurance.
b) It gives the enemy a foothold (Ephesians 4:27):
Unresolved pain or bitterness opens doors for the devil to operate in our minds and relationships.
c) It blurs our spiritual vision (Luke 9:62):
Anyone who looks back is not fit for the kingdom. Dwelling on the past distracts us from God's direction.
d) It diminishes faith in God's ability to restore (Job 14:7–9):
Looking backward constantly causes us to doubt that God can bring beauty out of ashes.
Biblical Example: Lot's wife looked back and became a pillar of salt, symbolising stagnation and lost destiny (Genesis 19:26).
2. WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT YOUR PAST
No matter what your past looks like, God does not define you by your failures, wounds, or history. He speaks healing, redemption, and restoration over every broken area.
a) He does not remember your sins anymore (Hebrews 8:12):
When you repent, God wipes the slate clean and gives you a fresh start.
b) He makes all things new (2 Corinthians 5:17):
You are not defined by your past. In Christ, your identity is brand new.
c) He restores what was lost (Joel 2:25):
God has the power to compensate for the years of pain, sorrow, and delay.
d) He uses your past for His glory (Romans 8:28):
Even your worst moments can become testimonies of God’s goodness.
Biblical Example: Paul, once a persecutor of the Church, became a mighty apostle through God's transforming grace (Acts 9:1–20).
3. HOW TO LET GO OF THE PAST
Letting go is not just a feeling—it is a decision and a spiritual process. God provides the tools and grace we need to walk out of the shadows of our yesterdays.
a) Surrender your pain to God (1 Peter 5:7):
Cast all your burdens upon Him, for He cares for you and is willing to carry the weight.
b) Forgive others and yourself (Colossians 3:13):
Unforgiveness keeps you chained to yesterday. Forgiveness is the key to your release.
c) Renew your mind daily with God's Word (Romans 12:2):
God’s Word cleanses and reprogrammes our thinking for victory and joy.
d) Focus on God’s promises and not your past failures (Isaiah 43:18–19):
Forget the former things; God is doing something new and glorious in your life.
Biblical Example: Joseph let go of betrayal and pain, and as a result, God lifted him to the throne and used him to preserve nations (Genesis 50:20).
4. THE POWER OF MOVING FORWARD IN GOD
Forward movement is essential for spiritual maturity. When you press on in God, you step into a realm of new possibilities, joy, and divine purpose.
a) Forward movement releases destiny (Philippians 3:14):
You begin to walk in your divine assignment when you stop living in reverse.
b) It produces peace and joy (Isaiah 55:12):
When you move forward with God, peace becomes your companion, and joy fills your soul.
c) It opens doors to new opportunities (Revelation 3:8):
God cannot open new doors if you're still stuck behind old ones.
d) It brings fulfilment and impact (John 15:8):
Those who move forward in God bear much fruit and glorify the Father.
Biblical Example: Ruth chose to move forward with Naomi into a new land, and she stepped into the lineage of Jesus (Ruth 1:16; 4:13–17).
CONCLUSION:
Beloved, the time has come to stop allowing your past to define your worth and limit your walk with God. The Lord is saying, "Behold, I will do a new thing." It is time to embrace healing, receive grace, and take steps toward the glorious destiny prepared for you.
There is more ahead of you than what is behind you. Your future is greater than your failure. Your story does not end in sorrow but in victory. Shake off the dust of the past and move forward by faith.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to forget the former things and focus on the new.
2. I receive emotional healing and release from every painful memory.
3. I cancel every voice of guilt, shame, and regret in my life.
4. Lord, restore the years I lost due to fear and bondage to my past.
5. I choose to forgive all those who hurt me and release them from my heart.
6. Holy Spirit, help me to embrace my new identity in Christ.
7. I declare that my past shall no longer hinder my future.
8. Let every weight of bitterness be lifted off my shoulders today.
9. Lord, show me the great things You have prepared for my tomorrow.
10. I walk in the joy, peace, and purpose of a new life in Christ.
