“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me” 

The Philippians learned much from the apostle Paul. They authenticated the Christian life from both his lips and his life.

The words “learned” and “heard” form a pair. Both terms relate to what Paul taught the Philippians. The words “received” and “saw” form a pair. Both of these terms link to the application of truth.

There are two principles plus application statements in this verse. First, we learn (principle), then we receive (application). Next, we hear (principle), then we see (application).

Principle:

Both principle and application form proper balance in the execution of the Christian life.

Application:

Are you one of those people who say, “I don’t need all that doctrine. All I need is the practical. Just show me how and I will get on with my Christian life.” The problem with that is we cannot “get on” with our Christian life if we do not learn God’s way of thinking. The Christian life is a system of values that emerge from God’s Word. Is there no place for truth in your life? Are you willing to dedicate yourself to discover God’s mind? This comes only by a serious study of Scripture.

Other people have the impression that if they mount up enough information, they will please God. Information minus application distorts the Christian life. This kind of Christian living ends in sterility. People who ever learn but never practice eventually instill disillusionment into their souls. They eventually come to believe that the Bible does not work. If you are in this category, are you willing to learn a principle every day and apply it every day? Are you ready to translate truth into experience?