What four things from Paul should the Philippians practice?

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul offers encouragement, guidance, and practical wisdom to a beloved church community. Among his memorable exhortations is a call to put into practice specific principles that he both taught and modeled.

In Philippians 4:9, Paul writes: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” This verse distills Paul’s pastoral guidance into four key practices. Understanding these four elements—and their significance for Christian life—helps believers today follow Paul’s example of faithful living.

1. What You Have Learned from Me

Paul’s reference to “what you have learned” points to his role as a teacher of the faith. During his time in Philippi and through his letters, Paul taught the church foundational truths about Jesus, salvation, and Christian living. This includes the gospel message, the reality of grace, and the ethical instructions rooted in Christ’s love. For the Philippians, to practice what they had learned from Paul meant to hold fast to sound doctrine, internalize biblical teaching, and let these truths shape their worldview and behavior. For believers today, it means continually learning from Scripture and applying its wisdom to everyday life.

2. What You Have Received from Me

To “receive” in Paul’s context goes beyond intellectual learning. It involves accepting the Christian faith as a living tradition handed down from apostles and trusted leaders. The Philippians had received the message of Christ’s death and resurrection, the call to unity, humility, and sacrificial love. Practicing what they received meant embracing the faith as a gift and responsibility—living it out in community, worship, and service. For modern readers, this emphasizes the importance of not only knowing the faith but receiving it personally and sharing it with others.

3. What You Have Heard from Me

Paul’s words “what you have heard” highlight the importance of proclamation and testimony. The Philippians had listened to Paul’s public preaching and personal testimonies of God’s work in his life. These stories and teachings were not just information but living witness to the power of the gospel. By practicing what they heard, the Philippians were encouraged to remember and retell the stories of faith, to speak truth in love, and to encourage one another through words and deeds. Today, this means being attentive to faithful preaching, valuing the stories of God’s work, and letting these shape our own words and witness.

4. What You Have Seen in Me

Finally, Paul urges the Philippians to practice what they had seen in his life. Paul’s example—his perseverance in hardship, his joy in suffering, his humility, and his devotion to Christ—served as a living model for the church. He did not simply instruct from a distance; he lived among the Philippians, showing them how to follow Jesus in real-life situations. Practicing what they saw meant imitating Paul’s Christlike character, adopting his attitude of selfless service, and persevering in faith. For believers now, it’s a call to learn from godly examples and to be such examples for others.

Conclusion

Paul’s challenge to the Philippians is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. He calls believers to practice what they have learned, received, heard, and seen—not as an empty ritual, but as a dynamic way of living out the gospel. By embodying these four things, Christians experience the promised presence and peace of God, and become living witnesses to the transformative power of Christ.