Word@Work Phil47 - Philippians 4:9
Published: Fri, 11/27/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
LEARNING THAT WORKS
Phil. 4:9 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.(NIV)
Following Jesus is an active business. He is not interested in us collecting spiritual ideas or even Bible verses, if we have no intention of doing anything about them. Truth in the Bible is not an ornament to decorate our minds, or a plaything for intellectual debate; it is God's communication about how we should think and act. Of course, we will need to think about it, and it is good to study it with others, but if there is no practical lifestyle change its purpose has been thwarted.
The connection between truth and action is not automatic. The process of translating 'fact to act' begins when we hear the truth. Then we must choose to receive the teaching as being for us (as opposed to being a good idea for somebody else!); and then learn how to do it. Paul's personal behaviour provided an important example for the church in Philippi: in the same way that every godly believer should be a role model to less mature Christians. In fact, most of us need to see the truth done, to help us understand how to do it, and as an encouragement that it really is possible. Bridging the gap between theory and practice is essential if we are to become the people God wants us to be - and practised godliness brings God's peaceful presence to the centre of our hearts.
Many people want peace as a calm feeling, but do not understand that true peace cannot be detached from God. To reject Him is to abandon all hope of peace, but obeying Him opens the door to peace - because God is the God of peace. Those who display His presence become role models to the church. So look for such people; see how they live, and learn how to be like them. At the same time, others will be looking to you for an example of how to live. The home and workplace is where we show what is in our heart, and even non-believers are looking to see if we can do what we say. Above all, Jesus ultimately showed that what He said, He did. Living in His way, we can have the same confidence which comes from the close presence of the God of peace.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You for giving us examples of godliness: Jesus, the Apostles and friends who show that they love Jesus. Help me to learn to do the truth, and to benefit by the role models around me. And please help me to live out the truth I know so that children and seekers after truth will also see how to live a life which pleases You, and to enjoy the blessing of Your peace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Following Jesus is an active business. He is not interested in us collecting spiritual ideas or even Bible verses, if we have no intention of doing anything about them. Truth in the Bible is not an ornament to decorate our minds, or a plaything for intellectual debate; it is God's communication about how we should think and act. Of course, we will need to think about it, and it is good to study it with others, but if there is no practical lifestyle change its purpose has been thwarted.
The connection between truth and action is not automatic. The process of translating 'fact to act' begins when we hear the truth. Then we must choose to receive the teaching as being for us (as opposed to being a good idea for somebody else!); and then learn how to do it. Paul's personal behaviour provided an important example for the church in Philippi: in the same way that every godly believer should be a role model to less mature Christians. In fact, most of us need to see the truth done, to help us understand how to do it, and as an encouragement that it really is possible. Bridging the gap between theory and practice is essential if we are to become the people God wants us to be - and practised godliness brings God's peaceful presence to the centre of our hearts.
Many people want peace as a calm feeling, but do not understand that true peace cannot be detached from God. To reject Him is to abandon all hope of peace, but obeying Him opens the door to peace - because God is the God of peace. Those who display His presence become role models to the church. So look for such people; see how they live, and learn how to be like them. At the same time, others will be looking to you for an example of how to live. The home and workplace is where we show what is in our heart, and even non-believers are looking to see if we can do what we say. Above all, Jesus ultimately showed that what He said, He did. Living in His way, we can have the same confidence which comes from the close presence of the God of peace.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You for giving us examples of godliness: Jesus, the Apostles and friends who show that they love Jesus. Help me to learn to do the truth, and to benefit by the role models around me. And please help me to live out the truth I know so that children and seekers after truth will also see how to live a life which pleases You, and to enjoy the blessing of Your peace. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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