The apostle Paul wrote these powerful words to the church in Philippi: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NASB). Here, Paul offers a simple yet profound promise—if we follow his example and put into practice the things we learn from God’s Word, we will experience God’s peace.
But what exactly are these “things” that Paul calls us to do? How can we apply them today? Let’s break this teaching down, looking at Paul’s actions in real-life situations and discovering how we can imitate his faith.
Preach the Gospel to All People
The first thing Paul did, as recorded in Acts 16, was preach the gospel to a religious woman named Lydia and her household. Paul and his companions went to the riverside, where they found Lydia, a worshiper of God, praying. The Bible says, “And the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 16:14, NASB). Lydia not only believed, but she and her household were baptized. She then extended hospitality to Paul and his companions, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay” (Acts 16:15, NASB).
Here we see an important lesson: the gospel must be preached to all people—religious or not. Lydia was already a devout worshiper, yet she still needed to hear the gospel of Christ. Paul’s example shows us that we should never assume someone’s salvation. It’s our responsibility to share the good news with everyone, for “the gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16, NASB).
Do What is Right, Even in Difficult Circumstances
Paul’s unwavering faith shines brightly in the face of adversity. After preaching the gospel, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison because they disrupted a local fortune-teller’s business (Acts 16:16-24). Yet, instead of despairing, they did what was right—they prayed and sang praises to God.
“About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25, NASB). Their faith and example led to a miraculous event: an earthquake shook the prison, the doors flew open, and their chains fell off.
In this situation, Paul and Silas could have been bitter or angry, but they trusted God and continued to honor Him. Their actions remind us to remain faithful and steadfast, even when life gets difficult. God is always at work, even in trials, and His peace comes when we respond with obedience and trust.
Preach to the Non-Religious and the Skeptical
Not everyone who needs the gospel is already seeking God. Paul’s encounter with the Philippian jailer illustrates this point beautifully. After the earthquake, the jailer, terrified that the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life. But Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” (Acts 16:28, NASB).
This event shook the jailer to his core, and he asked one of the most profound questions ever recorded: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, NASB). Paul answered clearly, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31, NASB). The jailer believed, and he and his family were baptized that very night.
Paul’s example reminds us that the gospel isn’t just for those already seeking—it’s for everyone, including the skeptical, the broken, and the lost. Sometimes, the most unlikely people are ready to receive God’s truth. Like Paul, we must share the message boldly, knowing that salvation is for all who believe.
Live What You Teach
Paul didn’t just preach the gospel—he lived it. His words in Philippians 4:9 emphasize this truth: “The things you have… seen in me, practice these things.” Paul was a living example of what he taught. He didn’t ask others to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself.
His life was marked by obedience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. Whether preaching to Lydia, praying in a prison cell, or comforting the jailer, Paul consistently practiced what he preached. As he wrote to the Corinthians, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB).
This calls us to examine our own lives. Are we living what we teach? Do our actions reflect the gospel we proclaim? Paul’s example challenges us to align our words with our actions so others can see Christ in us.
God’s Promise of Peace
Paul’s words in Philippians 4:9 conclude with a powerful promise: “The God of peace will be with you.” When we learn from God’s Word, receive it into our hearts, and practice it in our daily lives, we can experience true peace.
This promise is not dependent on our circumstances. Paul wrote these words while he was imprisoned, yet he still experienced God’s peace. Why? Because he trusted in God’s sovereignty and lived out his faith with boldness. As Jesus promised, “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful” (John 14:27, NASB).
Conclusion: Practice These Things
The same gospel Paul preached to Lydia, the Philippian jailer, and countless others is the same gospel that saves us today. As Paul said, “There is no other gospel” (Galatians 1:7, NASB), and its effect remains unchanged: it is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16).
Paul’s life gives us a clear example to follow. We must share the gospel with everyone, remain faithful in trials, live what we teach, and trust in God’s promises. If we do these things, we can rest assured that “the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9, NASB).
Let us follow Paul’s example and walk faithfully with God. By doing so, we can experience His peace, and we can help others do the same. Will we commit to practicing “those things”? Let’s start today.
The Simple Gospel 