Let Your Moderation Be Known

Minister:
Date: PM
Text: Philippians 4:5
Psalters: 76, 20, 251, 35
  1. A gentle character.
    1. There is no single English word which fully expresses the meaning of the word translated “moderation.”
      1. The idea is that of big-heartedness, forbearance, yielding, kind, sweetly reasonable, considerate, charitable, mild.
      2. This is not a moderation in religion or toward false teachers, hoping they mean differently than what they say.
      3. The word refers to a way of treating others, arising out of meekness, usually in response to hurtful treatment.
      4. This attitude is the opposite of one which rigorously insisting on my just due.
    2. Context of “rejoice in the Lord always.”
    3. To whom is this attitude to be exercised? “Unto all men”, not only to fellow-believers.
    4. Note that this gentleness is not just to be shown to all, but is to be “known” by all men.
      1. All with whom we have contact are to realize, feel, and appreciate it in us.
      2. It is practiced publicly – a letting our light shine, so God might be glorified by those called by His name.
  2. Christian gentleness is closely tied with the comfort the Christian derives from knowing the coming of the Lord (3:20,21).
    1. Not primarily the idea that Jesus is nearby or constantly near (though this idea is not completely out of sight).
      1. Conscious of His eye, we should behave with kindness and tenderness toward all.
      2. And know that He is our ever present help to endure knowing He sees the hurts and will avenge us in due time.
    2. But the emphasis is on the Lord’s coming soon; the nearness of His parousia.
      1. Not knowing the day and the hour when Jesus will return (Matt. 24:36), it is “at hand, and we must be ready at all times.
      2. Our Lord comes to judge, to right all wrongs, avenge His elect, and vindicate their cause.
      3. We who live in the constant expectation of Christ’s return and our glorification, are able to show this noble gentleness.