Philippians 3:13-15

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.

Christmas season has passed and now our focus turns to the new year and the promise of a new start.

Forgive my failing to bring my readers a Christmas message. That is not my calling and it is not my goal. There are many reminders for this advent and I am sure every believer has heard at least one. The spirit did not disallow me the opportunity but rather searched my heart to see if I was listening for a Word in due season.

It is not that easy to put the past behind us because it has so much influence over us. Some of it is good and some of it is bad. Some of it is dangerous.

These past four years have been different, difficult and had its challenges. We meet each day with the same determination to do what is right and just. Can we see what that might be in respect to our personal experiences and callings?

Was I right and just yesterday?

If correction was not received press on and continue to follow our last command.

If correction is received, press on and follow after that which has been identified that needs correction

Either way, put the past where it belongs, in the realm of beyond our control.

The past can do nothing except hinder our progress.

Press on.

Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

What do we think about when we see the word iniquity? Sin, right?

Jesus was about to go to the cross and remove sin as an obstacle to having a personal relationship with God. His insight into a future encounter with those who call Him savior takes that into account. Why does He say “I never knew you”?

Since we are all sinners saved by grace and sin would no longer be an issue in a relationship, then there is a type of believer that does not have a personal relationship with Jesus.

There is a study that expands on the work done by the believers in Matthew 7:22 which I considered insight. That insight was “of unauthorized works.”

I personally find comfort in looking at iniquity as being unauthorized works. That places the focus on the relationship above scriptural understanding. He is Lord and as Lord He has the right to ask us to do the Father’s will. We still have to choose to obey but if we have not been given a command by our Lord then we are doing what we want without regard for what He wants. That is unauthorized work.

I cannot expect everyone to have this same insight just because it works for me. Someone else came up with that insight and I adopted it because I could see it working for me.

There are many bible scholars that have spent decades of studies on what their predecessors had written and influenced their understanding. Today we have a new list of writers to choose from including topical books and study bibles. Getting a list of writers who have a body of work that is out of publication is difficult to recover for our own consumption.

What sources we use is a matter of both personal comfort and accessibility. Those sources should be dedicated to truth and service to our Lord.

The internet has a library of information larger than any building could ever hold.

The internet is also full of dangerous minefields for our souls. 

If I can offer insight, praise God. If not, praise God. This is your relationship with our Lord.