“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:9

This verse is about the need for passing on the kingdom life and truths of Jesus’ words to others, specifically, to the next generation of believers. Paul has stated here that watching and listening to his words and life are the ways for fellow Christ-followers and disciples to learn the way they should go and how they should live. What makes Paul so bold to say this? He knows that is the way that Jesus taught His followers. Paul knew that this was Jesus’ plan for spreading His kingdom and bringing maturity and discipleship to Christ-followers.

This verse, Philippians 4:9, doesn’t stand in isolation. Importantly, the earlier part of chapter four—indeed, the whole book of Philippians and as well, all of Paul’s writings—flesh out how the disciple of Jesus, the Christ-follower, is to live. Take for example, going backward in the earlier part of Philippians 4.

Verse 8: “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.”

Verses 4-7: ” 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Here, the peace of God, which is referenced in verse 9, is described in more detail.

Philippians 4: 4-8 ESV

Paul is stating some critical points for us to ponder about what messages we are sending to those who come after us. We need to study and apply this more thoroughly as Christ-followers.