Philippians 4:9

“The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you”

“The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me”: “All that you learnt and received and heard and saw in me put into practice” (TCNT). Again, Paul sets up himself as an example to be followed (1 Corinthians 11:1). “These things do”: Right thoughts must result in right actions if they are to be worth anything. The present tense here is used, that is, keep on doing. “Practice as. habit” (Robertson p. 460). “Right thinking is invaluable, but it must also be accompanied by resolution; it must be followed by determined action” (Erdman p. 143). Paul himself practiced these very truths. “The truths of the Christian gospel must never be abstracted from action and put into high-toned words and phrases, but always expressed in the life of the teacher” (Hawthorne p. 190) (1 Timothy 4:12).

“And the God of peace shall be with you”: “To think of God as ‘the God of peace' was. most refreshing and encouraging exercise for Paul who lived constantly in the center of turmoil and trouble (2 Corinthians 11:23)” (Hawthorne p. 190). Fellowship with God is conditional. We must "do" these things (Matthew 7:21).

There is one final thing. wish to point out in this section of Scripture. Paul gave the Philippians the right concepts or truths. The instruction was very practical and possible for all, but there was. time to stop discussing these things and to start doing them. All Bible study is vain, if it doesn't result in changed conduct. Most Christians do not need another class on how to go about teaching others, or treating their mates or brethren with honor and so on. They simply need to finally accept what they already know is true and then do it.