Saturday’s Focus: Solution to letting go

Philippians 3:14-17 I keep running hard toward the finish line to get the prize that is mine because God has called me through Christ Jesus to life up there in heaven. 15 All of us who have grown to be spiritually mature should think this way too. And if there is any of this that you don’t agree with, God will make it clear to you. 16 But we should continue following the truth we already have. 17 Brothers and sisters, join together in following my example. Also, learn by watching those who are living the way we showed you. (ERV)

How do we forget about and let go of our past? Of course there is no one answer for everyone but the basic elements involve three things:

1. Our minds—the way we think: the model in Philippians 3:14 is of an athlete whose aim is to win the prize. Develop a sense of purpose; pursue goals that will please God.
   • A few Scriptures to support this:

     Mark 12:30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. (RKJNT)

     Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good, and acceptable, and perfect. (RKJNT)

     Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are admirable; if there is any virtue, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things. (RKJNT)

      

2. Our associates / friends: the people we do things with often have a strong impact on what we do and say. They may also keep us from growth in all areas of life. Make sure our associates / friends support us to do good and improve to do better (grow).
3. Supporting Scriptures:

   1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast [i.e., of sin, and especially the unrepentant sinner], so that you can be a new batch of dough, without yeast in it [i.e., a godly church without unrepentant sinners in it] as [I know] you really are. For our Passover [Lamb], Christ, has already been sacrificed. (AUV)

   1 Corinthians 5:11 Now, what I meant was that you should not associate with people who call themselves brothers or sisters in the Christian faith but live in sexual sin, are greedy, worship false gods, use abusive language, get drunk, or are dishonest. Don’t eat with such people. (GW)

   1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Do not be fooled: “Bad friends will ruin good habits.” 34 Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. I say this to shame you—some of you do not know God. (ICB) [read 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 {Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 12:12-17; 2 Peter 2:18-22 (Proverbs 26:11)}]

   2 Corinthians 6:14 Stay away from people who are not followers of the Lord! Can someone who is good get along with someone who is evil? Are light and darkness the same? (CEV)

   [Note: many translations use the phrase “unequally yoked” this is not referring only to marriage as is commonly believed. To put it in proper context: read 2 Corinthians 6:11-18; Acts 26:12-18; Ephesians 5:8-14 (key verse: 11)]

4. Our environment: the places we go and where we live.

Philippians 3:20-21 But our citizenship is in heaven; from whence we eagerly look for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like his glorious body, by the power which enables him even to subject all things to himself. (RKJNT)

You are now part of God’s family, your (our) citizenship is in—we are citizens of—heaven our future home. Heaven is where our thoughts and goals should be focused. Keep studying and reading the word of God eventually, if it has not already happened, it will!

How I let go; a short testimony (praise report)

My past: drug addict / dealer ♦ Associates: addicts and dealers ♦ Growth: from casual user to drug-dealer (to support the drug habit).

How did I let go: I repented and God cleaned me up (set me free from the addictions) overnight on March 17, 1977. Helped me change the people I connect with. I moved to a new physical and mental place.

My now (praise and glory to God): Retired computer-engineering executive and full-time minister ♦ Associates: other believers and family ♦ Growth: from computer tech to director of satellite data operations center.

Scriptures to read and study:

1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 6:11-18; Acts 26:12-18; Ephesians 5:8-14 (key verse: 11); 1 Corinthians 15:29-34 {Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 12:12-17; 2 Peter 2:18-22 (Proverbs 26:11)}

Bad versus Good: our old sinful self thought about things that were bad in the sight of God. We did things that did not please God and we went places that God would be ashamed of. Now we should think of things that are good in the sight of God. We should do things that please God and go places that God would love to be. Forget about the old you and all that is associated with it—release yourself from that baggage, set yourself free and let go! Be blessed – ♥ Tim.