Title: Facing A New Year
Text: Philippians 3:13-14
Date: January 5, 2025

Introduction: The month of January is named in honor of the Roman god, Janus, who is symbolic of beginnings and endings, as well as, gates and doorways. In many artistic depictions of Janus, he is portrayed as having two faces, one that looks to the past and one to the future. Due to the fact that January eventually becomes associated with the New Year and the beginning of the solar year, early scholars and rulers decided to base the name January upon the Roman god, Janus. This is an appropriate derivation as the month of January separates the end and beginning of the year. (study.com)

As Christians, on this first Sunday in January, we would benefit greatly if we would listen and live verses 13 and 14 in Philippians 3. Let’s keep in mind that Paul was employing an illustration from the realm of athletics. He pictured a Greek runner. As he runs along the prescribed course, he banishes all thoughts of past failures and he strains every nerve in an effort of tremendous concentration on reaching his goal; his one and only concern is to win the race. Likewise, if we are to succeed in the race of life as believers in the New Year, three actions should take place. What are they?

I. We should

the past. “Forgetting what is behind.” (Philippians 3:13b)

II. We should

the future. “Straining toward what is ahead.” (Philippians 3:13c)

III. We should

on the Lord. “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church-Oneonta