LEAVING THE OLD BEHIND AND PRESSING FORWARD (NEW YEAR SERMON)
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Philippians 3:13-14
Key Verse: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:18-19; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Lamentations 3:22-23; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 4:25-27
Description: Encouragement to release past failures, regrets, and setbacks to fully embrace God’s plan for the new year.
INTRODUCTION
The start of a new year is a divine opportunity to leave behind what no longer serves your purpose and to press toward what God has prepared. Many believers carry the weight of past failures, disappointments, and regrets, which limit the manifestation of God’s promises. God, however, calls His children to release the old and embrace the new with faith and courage.
Paul’s instruction to “forget those things which are behind” reminds us that the past should not dictate our future. Holding onto yesterday’s losses or mistakes can hinder God’s best, but letting go opens the door for breakthroughs, favour, and divine alignment.
This message will guide you on how to release what is behind, focus on the promises ahead, and step into the new year with boldness, expectation, and purpose.
1. LETTING GO OF PAST FAILURES
Releasing past failures is the first step toward divine progress and freedom.
a) RECOGNIZE THE BURDEN OF FAILURE – Dwelling on mistakes creates heaviness and hinders faith (Psalm 34:18). Awareness prompts release.
b) RELEASE GUILT AND REGRET – Confession and repentance free the heart (1 John 1:9). Forgiveness restores peace.
c) STOP REPEATING OLD PATTERNS – Learn lessons, do not relive failures (Proverbs 26:11). Change ensures growth
d) FOCUS ON GOD’S PROMISES – Anticipate what is ahead instead of what is behind (Isaiah 43:18). Expectation fosters progress.
Biblical Example: Peter, despite denying Jesus, was restored and became a mighty apostle because he left the past behind (John 21:15-19).
2. FORGETTING THE THINGS BEHIND
To fully embrace God’s new season, you must intentionally forget what could weigh you down.
a) DISCARD BITTERNESS AND RESENTMENT – Unforgiveness blocks blessings (Ephesians 4:31-32). Release bitterness for freedom.
b) LEAVE BEHIND UNFULFILLED EXPECTATIONS – Disappointment can hinder faith (Psalm 37:23-24). Trust God’s timing.
c) LET GO OF FEAR AND DOUBT – Fear prevents stepping into God’s plans (Isaiah 41:10). Confidence enables action.
d) PRIORITIZE GOD’S PURPOSE OVER PAST HURT – Focus on divine direction (Jeremiah 29:11). Vision ensures fulfilment.
Biblical Example: Paul chose to forget past achievements and losses to gain Christ and the prize of his high calling (Philippians 3:7-14).
3. PRESSING TOWARD WHAT IS AHEAD
Forward motion requires faith, courage, and perseverance in God’s plan.
a) SET CLEAR SPIRITUAL GOALS – Define what God wants you to achieve this season (Habakkuk 2:2). Goals guide focus.
b) STEP OUT IN OBEDIENCE – Faith without action yields no results (James 2:17). Obedience demonstrates trust.
c) TRUST GOD’S TIMING AND DIRECTION – God’s plan unfolds at the right moment (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Patience ensures success.
d) MAINTAIN PERSEVERANCE – Pressing forward despite obstacles demonstrates faith (Galatians 6:9). Endurance secures victory.
Biblical Example: Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, pressing forward despite opposition and uncertainties (Joshua 3:5-17).
4. EMBRACING DIVINE BREAKTHROUGHS
Letting go of the old positions you for God’s supernatural favor and new beginnings.
a) EXPECT NEW DOORS TO OPEN – God always creates opportunities when you release the past (Isaiah 43:19). Be ready to walk in.
b) RECEIVE GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS WITH FAITH – Divine guidance ensures success (Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith activates direction.
c) STAY ROOTED IN PRAYER AND WORSHIP – Prayer connects you to God’s power (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Worship sustains focus.
d) DECLARE GOD’S PROMISES DAILY – Confession reinforces expectation (Joshua 1:8). Words activate spiritual reality.
Biblical Example: David left past losses and grief behind to become king over Israel, experiencing God’s favor and fulfillment (2 Samuel 5:1-5).
CONCLUSION
Leaving the old behind is essential to pressing toward God’s purpose and experiencing His promises in the new year. Your faith, obedience, and focus on God will determine the level of breakthrough and favor you experience.
As you intentionally release regrets, failures, and setbacks, expect new opportunities, divine guidance, and supernatural favor. Press forward, and let this new season be marked by victory, joy, and testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, help me release all past failures and regrets.
2. Lord, remove every burden that hinders my progress.
3. I declare freedom from guilt, shame, and disappointment.
4. Father, give me courage to step boldly into the new season.
5. Lord, guide my steps to fulfill Your divine plan.
6. I receive strength to press toward my God-given purpose.
7. Father, renew my mind to focus on the future.
8. Lord, empower me to walk in faith and expectation.
9. I declare breakthroughs and divine favor in every area of my life.
10. Father, let this new year bring testimonies, joy, and abundance.
