15-Sep-2024 – Follow the example of good men of God
Those things which ye have both learned, received, heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. – Philippians 4:9
Everyone desires peace in their situations. Yesterday, we saw that by allowing God to take control of our circumstances through prayer and supplication, we can experience peace.
Today, we see another way that God has provided for us to pursue peace. These words were spoken by Paul to the church at Philippi. God gave Paul this revelation, and Paul taught it, shared it, spoke it, and lived it as an example for them.
Let’s understand this with a simple example. Consider our parents. They teach us many things about proper behavior, respecting elders, manners, and more. Similarly, the men of God, appointed by Him for us, prayerfully receive revelation from God and work hard to teach us the same.
Not only do they teach, but responsible men of God, like Paul, live as examples for believers. As believers, it is good for us to observe them and imitate them as led by the Spirit of God.
For another example, remember Elijah and Elisha. When Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha needed to cross the Jordan. He didn’t try a different way but followed what he had seen from his master. He imitated him.
However, it is true that in our generation there are many false teachings and false teachers. That is why God has provided a way for us to carefully discern the truth.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. – Philippians 4:8
Instead of blindly following men of God, we must ensure that we are receiving the truth. How can we know the truth? The Bible mentions two absolute truths:
The Word of God is truth – John 17:17
The Spirit of God is truth – 1 John 5:6
These two absolute truths are with every believer. The Word of God represents His truth in written form, and the Spirit of God reveals the truth in our specific situations through the Word. If we are faithful to Jesus Christ, the Word and the Spirit will guide us in validating everything that happens around us.
You might ask, “Why imitate others then? Can’t we rely solely on the Word and the Spirit of God?” Yes, absolutely. But it is God’s will that we love, support, and edify one another. In this process, He established the order called the church. As we love God, we obey His commands and follow His guidance. Then, the peace of God will always be with us.
Prayer:
Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us another practical way to pursue peace. We may not have faced every possible situation in life, and that’s why You have placed many men of God as witnesses, so we can learn from them. Help us to use Your Word and Spirit to validate that we are following the right people. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!
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