October Passage: Philippians 4:2-9
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the Gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Rejoice in the Lord Always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be know to everyone.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV)
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Throughout each month, we will post short articles to give some depth of understanding regarding our text. Today we will discuss...
Walk What You Talk
The old adage for parenting is that “What’s CAUGHT is as important as what’s TAUGHT.” If you wisely teach your children the dangers of drunkenness, gluttony, gossip or sexual sin, but then they see you getting drunk, or overdoing your visits to the buffet, or talking about people behind their backs or living a sexually promiscuous life with a person other than your spouse, then your teaching will be worthless.
Paul continues on a theme in this passage that he has hit on before. Earlier Paul said,
“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (3:17)
And, in today’s passage, he writes:
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (4:9)
Paul is reminding us not to just follow anyone who can speak well. He doesn’t only say, “What you have learned and received and heard from me - practice these things”
No, He importantly adds, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things” He wants to make sure that we follow those who walk the talk.
This idea is at the root of discipleship. It is what Jesus confronted when He saw the abuses and the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders of His day. They knew the right things to say, but they didn’t live it out. Jesus warned people:
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:2-3)
And, Jesus’ brother James followed along with the warning to
“Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only…” (James 1:22)
But, Paul’s instruction should not only be heeded by those in the congregation. Leaders must be the first to heed the instruction.
Pastors, elders and deacons must be the first to ask themselves and one another, “Are we living what we teach?”
Why?
Because holy living is caught more than it is taught.
Just as a parent needs to set an example by their life, so too, do leaders in every other realm - especially in the Church.
How many times have we seen corrupt, hypocritical living drive a wedge in between parents and their children?
How many times have nations fallen because of this problem within the leadership of the empire?
How many churches have split or closed the doors completely because of a moral failing in the office of an elder or deacon.
This passage is a reminder to everyone of us, no matter where you are as part of the Church Body. Let’s lovingly hold one another accountable and give correction when it is needed.
And as you, even a new Christian, begin walking out your purpose as a disciple maker, make sure YOUR walk matches your talk.
Do you talk JOY while living sullenly?
Do you preach REST, while toiling by your own strength?
Do you teach FEARLESSNESS while wringing your hands in worry?
Do you say you trust the Bible, yet always go to the culture for direction in your life or for guidance on how to think on social issues?
Do you say you trust the Bible, yet always go to the culture for direction in your life or for guidance on how to think on social issues?
We’ve all fallen short, but we can redeem our failures. Even as parents. Don’t gloss over the hypocrisy. See it, confess it, repent and believe.
Repent with us and believe with us. Do it for the church, for your children and for the community - walk the talk.
