SUMMARY: Practice
OVERVIEW: In Paul’s concluding words to the Philippians, he thanks them and reminds them not only to trust God but to practice healthy habits that will grow and form their faith.
BIG IDEA: Practice your faith; don’t just learn about it.
KEY VERSE: Philippians 4:9 (Paul’s final charge to the Philippians)
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I have peace for you—not just the kind you received when you surrendered your life to me and had your sins washed away. I know that was a huge relief, but I want you to experience peace on a daily basis, trusting me to provide regardless of your circumstances. That would change things, wouldn’t it? Imagine being confronted with a challenge and immediately thinking, “God’s got this.” I want this for you.
It’s all about choosing to trust me in the moment. The best way to do that is to sing songs of praise—rejoice! Sing because you believe me. Sing because you are reminding yourself I can provide what you need when you need it. And be careful about how you think and what you think about. Don’t allow your mind to dwell on the negative. Instead, focus on things that are true, right, and pure. If you are ever at a loss, focus on Jesus—he is all those things. Practice those kinds of habits, again and again, and you will swim in a sea of peace.
NEXT STEP
What is one habit you’ve been trying to develop? Put together a plan of what you will do and when you will do it, and ask 1-2 trustworthy friends for support.
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