August 30 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Why do you behave the way you do? Do you think before you act? The thoughts of our hearts and our behaviour are to be linked together in holy unity. The apostle Paul makes this connection when he writes, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do...” The Philippians had received personal instruction from Paul through preaching, teaching and conversation. He was their personal trainer. What Paul said to the Ephesian elders applies here as well, “I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20) The Philippians sat at the apostle’s feet and they were taught how to apply the doctrines they learned. Is that not the way it should be? The teachings of Scripture are to be the basis for good Christian behaviour.

Furthermore, the congregation is to put into practice the things they have received. Paul uses a term for “received” which refers to the passing on of revelation. The apostle is a link in the chain of maintaining and carefully passing on God’s revelation. It is now our obligation to receive it, believe it, act on it and pass it on carefully to others. This should be done in the home as well as to our neighbours and associates in the community.

The Philippians had learned, received and heard. With the word “heard” the apostle refers to his reputation, what kind of person he was, the things he did and how he handled trials. Lastly, the Philippians are called to practice what they have seen in Paul. The apostle was a living testimony of the gospel. What he taught wasn’t some abstract course in theology. He lived it! And we should be able to say that as well: “Follow my life because I am following the pattern of the Word of God.”

When our thinking and behaviour is in harmony with what we have learned and received from the Scriptures, the God of peace will be with us. May that assurance encourage us to be on our best behaviour!