A Narrative on Philippians 3:13-14 According to the Amplified Bible (AMP)

Introduction

Philippians 3:13-14 is a powerful and helpful scripture where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of focusing on the future rather than being trapped by the past. These verses encourage believers to press forward in their spiritual journey, striving to fulfill God's will and purpose in their lives. The Amplified Bible (AMP) provides a detailed and enriched interpretation, highlighting the challenges and the importance of living in the present to receive God's grace. This narrative will explore the context, meaning, and implications of Philippians 3:13-14, focusing on overcoming the adversary's trap of dwelling on the past and embracing the present where God grants His grace.

Philippians 3:13-14 (AMP): "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Context of Philippians 3:13-14

The book of Philippians is a letter from Paul to the church in Philippi, filled with encouragement and guidance for living a Christ-centered life. In chapter 3, Paul discusses the futility of relying on personal achievements and the importance of knowing Christ. Verses 13-14 are part of Paul's reflections on his spiritual journey, emphasizing the need to forget the past and strive toward future goals in Christ.

Philippians 3:10-12 (AMP): "And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own."

Detailed Exploration of Philippians 3:13-14

Forgetting What Lies Behind

Key Phrase: "forgetting what lies behind..."

Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting the past, which includes past failures, sins, and even achievements. Dwelling on the past can trap believers in regret or pride, hindering their spiritual growth and effectiveness in the present. Sometimes family and people in our circle can keep you dwelling in the past. Statements like, I remember when, man how different he/she could have been if, do you know what he/she did? These can often hold one back. Keep this following fact in mind, God Himself chooses to give you a clean slate, so press into, trust, and rely on Him.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (AMP): "Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert."

Reaching Forward to What Lies Ahead

Key Phrase: "...and reaching forward to what lies ahead..."

Paul encourages believers to focus on the future and the new opportunities that God provides. This forward-looking mindset is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling God’s purposes.

Hebrews 12:1 (AMP): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us."

Pressing On Toward the Goal

Key Phrase: "I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Paul describes his spiritual journey as pressing on toward a goal. This imagery of a race highlights the perseverance, discipline, and focus required to achieve the heavenly prize that God has called him to in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (AMP): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run [their very best to win], but only one receives the prize? Run [your race] in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! Now every athlete who goes into training and competes in the games is disciplined and exercises self-control in all things. They do it to win a crown that withers, but we [do it to receive] an imperishable crown [that cannot wither]."

The Broader Message of Philippians 3

The Pursuit of Christlikeness

Philippians 3:10-11 (AMP): "And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers], and [that I may share] the fellowship of His sufferings, by being continually conformed [inwardly into His likeness even] to His death [dying as He did]; so that I may attain to the resurrection [that will raise me] from the dead."

Paul’s ultimate goal is to know Christ more deeply and to be conformed to His likeness. This pursuit involves experiencing both the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

The Imperative of Humility

Philippians 3:12 (AMP): "Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own."

Paul acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection, demonstrating humility and the continuous nature of the Christian journey.

The Call to Unity and Perseverance

Philippians 3:15-16 (AMP): "So let those of us who are mature and spiritually perfect have this attitude; and if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us stay true to what we have already attained."

Paul calls for unity among believers, encouraging them to persevere in their faith and to stay true to their progress in Christ.

Summary

Philippians 3:13-14, as we get it from the Amplified Bible, highlights the importance of forgetting the past and focusing on the future. Paul emphasizes that no one has the power to change the past, and dwelling on it can hinder spiritual growth. Instead, believers are encouraged to reach forward and press on toward the goal of fulfilling God’s will. The broader context of Philippians 3 underscores the pursuit of Christlikeness, the necessity of humility, and the call to unity and perseverance. Understanding and applying these principles helps believers overcome the adversary's trap of being stuck in the past and embrace the present, where God grants His grace and opportunities to fulfill His purposes.Of all the demons, the one that most holds men back and prevents them from being happy is “what could have been and was not.” The past is left to the mercy of God and the future to His providence. Only the present is in our hands. Live today loving God with all your heart.

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