Let Your Moderation Be Known
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
6/9/2013 PM
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Text:
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Philippians 4:5
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Psalters: |
76, 20, 251, 35 |
- A gentle character.
- There is no single English word which fully expresses the meaning of the word translated “moderation.”
- The idea is that of big-heartedness, forbearance, yielding, kind, sweetly reasonable, considerate, charitable, mild.
- This is not a moderation in religion or toward false teachers, hoping they mean differently than what they say.
- The word refers to a way of treating others, arising out of meekness, usually in response to hurtful treatment.
- This attitude is the opposite of one which rigorously insisting on my just due.
- Context of “rejoice in the Lord always.”
- To whom is this attitude to be exercised? “Unto all men”, not only to fellow-believers.
- Note that this gentleness is not just to be shown to all, but is to be “known” by all men.
- All with whom we have contact are to realize, feel, and appreciate it in us.
- It is practiced publicly – a letting our light shine, so God might be glorified by those called by His name.
- Christian gentleness is closely tied with the comfort the Christian derives from knowing the coming of the Lord (3:20,21).
- Not primarily the idea that Jesus is nearby or constantly near (though this idea is not completely out of sight).
- Conscious of His eye, we should behave with kindness and tenderness toward all.
- And know that He is our ever present help to endure knowing He sees the hurts and will avenge us in due time.
- But the emphasis is on the Lord’s coming soon; the nearness of His parousia.
- 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.
- Our Lord comes to judge, to right all wrongs, avenge His elect, and vindicate their cause.
- We who live in the constant expectation of Christ’s return and our glorification, are able to show this noble gentleness.