The things which your learned
and received and heard
and saw in me, these do,
and the God of peace will be
with you.
Philippians 4:9
Today's blog will focus on this verse and the Greek word: πράσσετε: second person plural, present imperative active: translated as "do" must be understood and applied to a person who desires to be an Authentic Christian with Authentic Christian Faith. Paul was writing to the Philippians and speaking of that which he had taught them, showed them, and had received from him. It is not to believe every whim of doctrine that comes down the pike (1Thessalonnians 5:21) as there are many doctrines in opposition to the truth of Scripture and are man's theology and not God's. Therefore we must take the initiative to study God's word, what is said by, the preacher, teachers, others who are touting their opinion, to ensure that this is according to Scripture. I am not here speaking about matters of indifference but we make sure that those matters are matters of indifference. Question: Do you go to Church and take notes? Do you discuss the sermon after Church, with you wife, your children, maybe even others? Or do you go to Church to get your Church card stamped that you were there? Do you take time to study God's word on your own? Do you take time to have a Bible study with your wife, children? Or are you too busy taking children to one event or the other? Or, are you finding ways to be away from the home, gymnasium, golfing, fishing, etc., and that is not to say they are bad, it is how they fit into your priority to study, to teach, to take time to become away of how you can be a witness for Jesus Christ? To take time to educate yourself about ministries around the world, that need support, prayer. The word "do" is a command, not a suggestion! It is present active, so, a person is to be continually active in this pursuit. There are no arm-chair Authentic Christians! People need the Gospel and you are an ambassador of Jesus Christ, His arms and legs, His mouth, and you have the responsibility to do what He has commanded.
I am afraid that too many Christians are more cultural than Authentic. There is too much adherence to this world and what this world expects of a person. Parents are too much concerned about ensuring that their children get a "better" life, to be involved in sports, or dancing (not these are wrong, they are not), to be more of a friend than a parent. Parents are shirking their responsibility to raise up their children in the Lord. There is an expectation that the teacher, at secular, even Christian school, Sunday School, or the Sermon to impart and train the child. In some ways this is true, that is if I or you have taken time to inspect what you expect what is being taught: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
You have read, and even, I am positive that Scripture: Are you applying it? I speak to Authentic Christians, do not be misled to be cultural, be what all Authentic Christians are: obedient even if the world, children, others, do not agree: Follow God's word, this life is temporary, and there is a responsibility placed upon all Authentic Christians to live as Jesus Christ, in His image. Our faith is in Jesus Christ, the sure promises of God. Therefore, we are blessed! God saved you from eternal damnation, now live the life that is pleasing to God, leave all the circumstances to Him and "DO"!
Who knows the power or Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
So teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:11-12
God will not leave you so "DO!"
Richard L. Crumb
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