Thinking and Living Right

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
—Philippians 4:9
 

In Philippians 4:9, used himself as a role model. Paul informed the Philippians that if they followed the actions, words, teachings, and knowledge he had imparted to them, God would be with them. This was wisdom. If what we teach to others doesn’t resonate with our own lives, we should refrain from teaching it. On the other hand, if our teachings are effective in our lives, we should encourage others to emulate us.

Paul had just told the believers in Philippians 4:8 to think on “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report.” In verse 9, he instructed them to follow him because he was living out exactly what he had instructed them to do. He personified the principles he preached. Therefore, they should do the same.

In Philippians 4:9, there are four things listed in reverse order that encouraged the Philippians to follow Paul’s example.

The first thing Paul listed was the one absolutely necessary to draw them toward the Lord. The Philippians observed Paul’s life. When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi, the Philippians witnessed God’s power working through Paul and Silas. An earthquake miraculously released them from prison (Acts 16:22-31). Next, the Philippians heard Paul’s message. He used the miraculous events to preach the Gospel and give glory to Jesus. They received what Paul said and were born again. Then, and only then, they learned Paul’s secret of having a relationship with God through faith in God’s grace.

When a person receives Christ, this progression of events is the norm. If we fail to walk in the power of God so that unbelievers can see that power in our lives, then few of them will ever stop to hear what we have to say. If they do hear but don’t receive, the process stops there. If they receive, then they will learn, experiencing Christ personally in their lives.

Not only were the Philippian believers to think upon what was true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, but they were also to do the things they had learned.

In the Living Bible, this verse reads, “Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.” The Greek word “prasso” was translated “do,” and means “to practice’” (Strong’s Concordance). This verb is present progressive. It’s used to describe an ongoing activity in the present. Paul’s instruction to the Philippians is “a command to keep on doing an action as one’s general habit or lifestyle” (The Discovery Bible, Moody Press).

It’s not the hearers of God’s Word but the doers of God’s Word who are blessed. Paul instructed the Philippians to put into practice—to make it their lifestyle—what they had seen him do. That was not an easy assignment. However, if the Philippians would think right (Philippians 4:8), they would be able to put into practice what is right; their lifestyle would emulate God’s character. The Holy Spirit living through them would produce the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in their lives.

What we think, will ultimately be produced in our lives. We cannot produce Jesus in our lives. Our actions without faith in Jesus Christ are dead. They have no power. However, our actions produced through the Holy Spirit living in us are life. Paul had died to himself so Christ could live through Him. Paul didn’t focus on crucifying himself. He focused on Christ living and manifesting Himself through him. We are to do the same.

As we think in our hearts, so are we (Proverbs 23:7). We choose what we think about. When we think right, the Holy Spirit empowers whatever is lovely and of good report in our lives. The God of peace is with us.

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).