What does Paul encourage believers to do regarding their past, according to Philippians 3?

In Philippians 3, Paul emphasizes the importance of forgetting past experiences, both successes and failures, in order to focus on the present and the future that God has in store for believers. He encourages individuals to move beyond their past mistakes and to not be hindered by former achievements or failures. This perspective allows believers to pursue their relationship with Christ with renewed vigor and dedication, as they strive toward the “prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” By urging believers to forget what lies behind, Paul highlights the transformative nature of faith and the importance of pressing forward in their spiritual journey. This teaching is grounded in the understanding that dwelling on the past can impede spiritual growth and distract from the pursuit of the Christian calling.