Turn the Page

Philippians 3:12–21 NIV84

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to explore a powerful theme that resonates with each of our lives: "Turn the Page." As we journey through life, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing the need to leave behind our past and step boldly into a new chapter. Let us dive into God's Word and discover how we can embrace this transformative process with faith, hope, and courage.

1. Time to put a period on this chapter

Before we can turn the page, we must first acknowledge that a new chapter is necessary. Let's explore three key aspects of this recognition:

a) Recognize the Need for Closure

Philippians 3:13–14 “13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

b) Release Regrets and "What Ifs"

Luke 9:62 “62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.””

c) Start writing a new chapter

Matthew 5:23–24 “23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

2. The Power of Forgiveness in Closure

a) Forgive Others

Colossians 3:13 “13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

b) Forgive Yourself

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

c) Accept God's Forgiveness

Ephesians 1:7 “7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace”

3. Let Go and Surrender to God

a) Release Control of your life

Proverbs 3:5–6 “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

b) Embrace God's Plan

Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

c) Find Peace in your Surrender

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

4. Turn the page and start a new chapter

Finally, turning the page requires action. We must step out in faith and embrace the new chapter God has for us:

a) Let go of your past identity

2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

b) Set New Goals and Priorities

Colossians 3:2 “2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

c) Walk by Faith in your new chapter

Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”