Part 3

“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you,” Phil. 4:9.

I don’t remember when or where I picked this up (I’ve had so many good teachers). At some point I got onto this: If you read something in a verse of Scripture that is attractive, that you want and need – – look back into that passage to discover how you receive that promise.

For example, the remission of sins in Acts 2:38. You need that? Look back into the passage to see what you need to do. Repent and be baptized.

So, looking at Phil. 4:9, if I want the God of peace to be with me, what is necessary? Practice these things. Do these things. What things? Those things revealed through the apostles of Christ.

And this has occurred to me. We have a history of talking to people about the primitive pattern of the early church. We speak to people about authority and being scriptural.

Sometimes people will respond, “well, where do you get this?” “What leads you to believe we need to do what the apostles revealed?”

Here’s one place: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

You want “the peace of God?” “Do these things.”

Conclusion

There is that familiar yearning for peace. Not just the absence of conflict and hostility – but a way to live with the Creator, in harmony with Him – through the cross of Jesus Christ. That has ultimate eternal peace.