4. Practice the Word
“What 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
In this verse, Paul shows that he had been a good example to the Philippians. He told them that if they wanted to experience the peace he had been describing, they needed to put into practice what they had learned from him, received from him, heard him say, and seen him do.
We know that Paul both taught and lived out the Word of God (Acts 17:2–3; Romans 1:15–16; 1 Corinthians 9:16). Therefore, when Paul tells the Philippians to do what they had learned from him, he is ultimately instructing them to practice God’s Word.
How Can People Have God’s Word Living in Them?
a) By Learning It
This involves personal study to increase one’s knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. We cannot truly know God’s Word without studying it diligently. We must learn it precept upon precept, developing sound study habits rather than merely reading for reading’s sake. Scripture instructs us to study the Word diligently and rightly divide it (2 Timothy 2:15). We are also to meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).
b) By Receiving It
To receive God’s Word means to accept it as truth. Take God’s Word at face value and believe what it says. Do not reject or argue against the truth of Scripture. In Acts 17:11, we read about the Bereans, who received the Word with eagerness. We should do the same. Our attitude should be, “If God’s Word says it, then I believe it.” Oh, what peace you would experience by accepting this fact alone! John 17:17 tells us that God’s Word is truth, and Psalm 119:160 declares that the entirety of His Word is truth.
c) By Hearing It
This involves more than merely hearing words. It means listening attentively, paying careful attention, and considering what God is saying.
Proverbs 4:20–22 says: “My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings… For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.”
Why Must We Pay Attention to God’s Word in Order to Deal with Anxiety?
- It builds faith (Romans 10:17).
- It gives life (Proverbs 4:22; Psalm 119:93).
- It gives hope (Psalm 119:43, 81).
- It gladdens the heart (Psalm 119:24).
- It brings comfort (Psalm 119:50).
- It brings peace (Psalm 119:165).
d) Through Mentorship and Christian Role Models
Paul instructed the Philippian believers not only to do what they had learned, received, and heard, but also what they had seen in him. There is an important place for mentors, disciplers, and godly role models in the Christian life. In my own journey of overcoming anxiety, I have learned much from Kenneth Hagin. He often shared testimonies of sleeping peacefully through difficult circumstances because of his trust in God. Likewise, Bible teacher Peggy Joyce Ruth frequently teaches that nothing is worth sacrificing one’s peace over and gives practical examples of living out that conviction. Because I have learned from these individuals and observed how they applied God’s Word in real-life situations, I know it is possible to experience God’s peace regardless of circumstances. Their examples encourage me to put these truths into practice in my own life.
Similarly, the disciples’ behaviour and speech revealed that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Prayerfully learning from the mentors, leaders, and mature believers God places in your life can help you overcome fear and anxiety. Through them, you see practical examples of people who have faced challenges similar to yours and have overcome through faith in God.
e) Do!
Paul concludes this section with a simple but powerful instruction: “Do.” Everything he has taught up to this point must be practiced. James 1:22 tells us that if we hear the Word but do not obey it, we deceive ourselves. Merely reading the Bible will not free us from anxiety. Reading God’s Word may bring temporary encouragement and comfort, but lasting peace comes when we put God’s Word into practice. Joshua 1:8 instructs us not only to meditate on God’s Word but also to “observe to do” according to all that is written in it. Likewise, Jesus said in Luke 11:28: “Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it.”
What Have We Learned to Do? To combat fear and anxiety:
- Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4–5).
- Make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:6–7).
- Think on the right things (Philippians 4:8).
- Practice the Word (Philippians 4:9).
If we consistently follow these biblical instructions, fear, anxiety, and even depression will find no place to take root in our lives.
Amen!
