8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU
What do we need to practice? Well, let’s go to the verse.
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me.” What are things they have learned, received, heard, or seen in Paul?
We could look at other letters Paul wrote but he is specifically speaking to the people of Philippi here and so let’s just stick to the book of Philippians and see what we can gather. ❤
- Paul prays and thanks God for the church – other believers
- Paul is persecuted for the Gospel and sees this as a joyful thing
- Paul proclaims the Gospel without fear
- Paul longs, more than anything else, to BE with Christ
- Paul conducts himself in a manner worthy of Jesus NO MATTER WHAT
- Paul recounts and reflects on what Jesus did for His sheep
- Paul doesn’t complain – He knows all that happens to him is for God’s purpose and glory
- Paul disciples others (specifically pointing to Timothy)
- Paul puts no confidence in his flesh – only in CHRIST
These are just SOME things that jump out in Philippians ch.1-3.
It’s important to get into the Word and read about Paul’s life but remembering its not PAUL who we imitate but CHRIST.
Here’s an important passage:
15 All of us, then, 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 together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you 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 set 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.
WE PRACTICE FOCUSING ON CHRIST IN ALL THINGS
When our minds are set upon the eternal, the Kingship of Jesus – we are more likely to OBEY Him. This obedience to His Word is what we continually practice – 24/7. THIS IS OUR SANCTIFICATION.
And we don’t do this alone – we have the SPIRIT.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. – Romans 8:9
In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, – Ephesians 1:13
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. – James 1:22-23
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[c] so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
THE FRUIT WE GROW IN AS WE OBEY THE WORD:
love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
THE LORD GIVES US HIS PEACE. PRACTICE LOOKING TO HIM AND NOT TO SELF, NOT TO WORRIES, DOUBTS, FEARS, OR THE WORLD.
RECEIVE THE PEACE THAT COMES WITH KNOWING THE WORD, STUDYING THE WORD, OBEYING THE WORD, AND TRUSTING IT!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. – Isaiah 26:3
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:15
For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6
WITH LOVE JILLIAN 