What does "practice and observe" mean for our daily Christian walk? Context of the Command “ ‘So practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.’ ” (Matthew 23:3) • Jesus is addressing the crowds about the teachers of the Law. • He affirms the authority of Scripture they teach, yet exposes their hypocrisy. • The Lord’s focus: do the Word yourself, rather than merely applaud it or imitate empty religiosity. What “Practice” Means • The Greek verb poieō carries the idea of active, continual doing. • Everyday obedience—choices, habits, reactions—are to align with God’s commands. • Scripture cross-lights: – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) What “Observe” Means • The verb tēreō speaks of guarding, keeping watch over, cherishing. • More than external conformity; it involves mindful preservation of God’s truth in heart and mind. • Scripture cross-lights: – “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60) – “Whoever keeps His word, truly in him the love of God is perfected.” (1 John 2:5) Putting It Together: A Unified Lifestyle • Practice = outward action. • Observe = inward devotion. • Together they produce integrity—actions matching convictions. • Jesus condemns splitting the two; we are to unite them under His lordship. Practical Steps for Today • Start each day with the Word—read, then immediately plan a specific action that mirrors what you read. • Guard the truth you receive: memorize a key verse; rehearse it during commutes and downtime. • Examine speech: filter conversations through Colossians 3:17. • Serve in hidden ways—acts no one notices but God, training the heart to value His approval over human applause. • Invite accountability: share commitments with a mature believer who will lovingly check in. • End the day with reflection: where did I do the Word? where did I merely hear? confess, give thanks, reset. Why It Matters: Blessing and Witness • Practicing and observing brings God’s favor: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:9) • It guards against hypocrisy, preserving a credible testimony before a watching world. • It deepens fellowship with Christ; obedience is the arena where love proves itself real. Live so the label “practicing Christian” is not a cliché but a daily reality, merging heartfelt devotion with consistent, Scripture-shaped action. |
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