July 28, 2018 PRACTICE
Philippians 4:9 “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.”
God is supernatural and the Christen life is a supernatural life. However, we also find that the scriptures give us practical instructions in living out the gospel. It’s somewhat a mystery, but we have both the supernatural and the practical as a part of our life. It takes the supernatural work of the Spirit in us to be able to express the practical aspect of the gospel. What Paul is saying in this verse addresses a rather common view of some believers that is not in keeping with the scriptures. Some take the attitude of waiting on God to ‘zap’ them, or in some way overtly speak to them, before they take action. And they may consider the idea of ‘practicing’ what the scriptures teach as a work of the flesh, because it does not appear to be ‘spiritual.’ With that being said, let us be reminded and let us understand that God has called us to work with Him as He works in us. God is in the process of transforming us into His image-and what a transformation! In this process of being transformed, we are learning how to put aside those things that are unlike Him and put on the things that are like Him. We have not spiritually arrived yet, so the work of transformation must continue. This is where the practicing comes in. God’s word was given that we might know Him and that we might know how to live according to His ways. As we read the scriptures, let us see that what they say are not just words, but are indeed a description of what our life is to resemble-the goal we are moving toward. Some things that the scriptures tell us to do may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but we must choose to ‘practice’ what it says anyway. Just as an example, in the fourth chapter of Philippians we find some of the following things that we are to practice: helping others, rejoicing in the Lord, being forbearing in spirit, being anxious for nothing, praying and giving thanks to God, making request to God, and letting our mind dwell on the things of the Lord. We find instructions throughout scripture on how to live as a member of God’s family. Let us not hesitate to begin to practice the things that are in keeping with who we are in Him. You may feel anxious about something specific, or about life in general, but make the decision to practice the laying aside the anxiety in Jesus name and receiving His peace-the more you do it, the easier it becomes! Practice the things that please the Lord-if you do, the peace of God shall be with you.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Philippians 4:9 “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace shall be with you.”
God is supernatural and the Christen life is a supernatural life. However, we also find that the scriptures give us practical instructions in living out the gospel. It’s somewhat a mystery, but we have both the supernatural and the practical as a part of our life. It takes the supernatural work of the Spirit in us to be able to express the practical aspect of the gospel. What Paul is saying in this verse addresses a rather common view of some believers that is not in keeping with the scriptures. Some take the attitude of waiting on God to ‘zap’ them, or in some way overtly speak to them, before they take action. And they may consider the idea of ‘practicing’ what the scriptures teach as a work of the flesh, because it does not appear to be ‘spiritual.’ With that being said, let us be reminded and let us understand that God has called us to work with Him as He works in us. God is in the process of transforming us into His image-and what a transformation! In this process of being transformed, we are learning how to put aside those things that are unlike Him and put on the things that are like Him. We have not spiritually arrived yet, so the work of transformation must continue. This is where the practicing comes in. God’s word was given that we might know Him and that we might know how to live according to His ways. As we read the scriptures, let us see that what they say are not just words, but are indeed a description of what our life is to resemble-the goal we are moving toward. Some things that the scriptures tell us to do may feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but we must choose to ‘practice’ what it says anyway. Just as an example, in the fourth chapter of Philippians we find some of the following things that we are to practice: helping others, rejoicing in the Lord, being forbearing in spirit, being anxious for nothing, praying and giving thanks to God, making request to God, and letting our mind dwell on the things of the Lord. We find instructions throughout scripture on how to live as a member of God’s family. Let us not hesitate to begin to practice the things that are in keeping with who we are in Him. You may feel anxious about something specific, or about life in general, but make the decision to practice the laying aside the anxiety in Jesus name and receiving His peace-the more you do it, the easier it becomes! Practice the things that please the Lord-if you do, the peace of God shall be with you.
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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