YOUR PAST IS A REFERENCE, NOT A RESIDENCE

YOUR PAST IS A REFERENCE, NOT A RESIDENCE

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, Luke 9:62, Romans 8:1-2, Genesis 41:50-52

INTRODUCTION:
Life is a journey filled with seasons, and every season leaves behind memories, lessons, and experiences. Some of these memories bring joy, while others carry pain. However, one of the greatest mistakes a believer can make is to camp permanently in the past. The past is a teacher, not a destination. It contains reference points to remind us of where God brought us from, but it must never become a prison that holds us back from the future God has prepared.

Many people allow past mistakes, failures, or even successes to define their identity and limit their potential. Living in the past robs us of present opportunities and blinds us to the new things God wants to do. The Apostle Paul teaches us to forget what lies behind and press forward — not because the past has no value, but because our destiny is ahead, not behind.

In this message, we will examine why the past should be treated as a reference point rather than a place of residence. We will learn how to draw wisdom from it without being trapped by it, and how to move forward into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives.

1. THE PAST IS A TEACHER, NOT A MASTER

Learning from past experiences (Romans 15:4)
The events of the past are written for our learning so that we can gain wisdom and avoid repeating old mistakes.

Refusing to be defined by past failures (Micah 7:8)
A spiritual man rises from failure with new determination because God’s mercy is greater than any mistake.

Recognising that your past is not your identity (2 Corinthians 5:17)
In Christ, you are a new creation; old things have passed away.

Drawing strength from past victories (1 Samuel 17:37)
David remembered God’s past faithfulness as a reference for future battles.

Biblical Example: Joseph — He remembered his past trials but did not live in bitterness; instead, he rose to fulfil his divine destiny.

2. THE DANGERS OF RESIDING IN THE PAST

Paralysis of progress (Luke 9:62)
Looking back prevents you from moving forward in God’s calling.

Bitterness and unforgiveness (Hebrews 12:15)
Living in past hurts breeds resentment that can defile the soul.

Overconfidence from past successes (Proverbs 16:18)
Resting on yesterday’s achievements can hinder today’s growth.

Loss of vision for the future (Proverbs 29:18)
A backward focus blinds you to the new things God is doing.

Biblical Example: Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) — Her backward glance cost her everything.

3. HOW TO USE THE PAST AS A REFERENCE POINT

Remember God’s faithfulness (Psalm 77:11)
Recalling past victories can strengthen faith for present challenges.

Extract lessons from past mistakes (Proverbs 24:16)
Falling is not failure unless you refuse to rise.

Celebrate growth and transformation (Philippians 1:6)
God’s work in your life is ongoing — rejoice in the progress.

Share testimonies to inspire others (Revelation 12:11)
Your past becomes a weapon when used to encourage and strengthen others.

Biblical Example: Paul’s testimony (1 Timothy 1:12-16) — He used his past as a tool for ministry, not as a burden.

4. FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE GOD HAS PREPARED

Pursuing God’s high calling (Philippians 3:14)
The race is forward; the prize is ahead.

Embracing new beginnings (Isaiah 43:18-19)
God is always ready to do something fresh in your life.

Trusting God’s timing and process (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
He makes all things beautiful in His time.

Walking daily in faith and hope (Hebrews 11:1)
A forward-looking heart lives in expectation of God’s promises.

Biblical Example: Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4) — He left his past behind to pursue God’s promise.

CONCLUSION:
Your past is meant to serve as a reference for wisdom, gratitude, and testimony — not as a residence that traps you. God’s plan for your life is ahead, not behind, and His mercies are new every morning. Every experience, good or bad, can be redeemed and used for your good if you place it in His hands.

Therefore, take the lessons, cherish the memories, and leave the pain behind. Lift your eyes to the future God has for you and run toward it with faith, hope, and expectation.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to release the hold of my past.
2. Father, turn my past pain into testimonies.
3. Lord, deliver me from every form of bitterness and regret.
4. Father, help me to learn from the past without being trapped by it.
5. Lord, open my eyes to the new things You are doing in my life.
6. Father, restore every lost opportunity according to Your will.
7. Lord, give me courage to press forward into my destiny.
8. Holy Spirit, fill me with fresh vision and hope.
9. Father, make my life a living testimony of Your transforming power.
10. Lord, help me to always live with my eyes on the prize.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. Your past will no longer hold you in bondage!
2. The shame of your past is erased by the blood of Jesus!
3. Every regret is turning into a testimony!
4. You are stepping into new seasons of divine favour!
5. The lessons from your past will make you wiser and stronger!
6. You will not be a prisoner of your history!
7. God’s mercy will rewrite your story!
8. The glory ahead will far outweigh the pain behind!
9. You will press forward with renewed strength and focus!
10. Your future will be brighter than your past!