Sunday, January 19, 2020 pm
STUDIES IN PHILIPPIANS
(26)
Gentleness Without Anxiety
Philippians 4:5-7
We
are noting some of Paul’s final instructions to these brethren before he
begins to conclude with gratitude.
These are very practical admonitions.
He has addressed the need for unity and peace, and in our last
lesson we talked about rejoicing in the Lord always.
Today we notice 2 more admonitions – a gentleness known to all,
and instructions concerning anxiety.
a.
The word gentleness is a
word that means to be forbearing or gracious.
It is associated with the idea of reasonableness or
understanding. The KJV says,
“moderation”, ASV, “forbearance”.
The NASB says, “gentle spirit”.
The variety of translation shows the challenge of defining it.
But, considering all of these together give us an idea of this
word.
It is the idea of being kind and controlled as you deal with others and
with difficult situations (such as trying to get brethren to get along –
cf. 4:2-3).
it is a quality that can disarm others who are stressed or upset about
something.
it is using smooth and calming speech as you engage in dialogue.
b.
It is a word that is
descriptive of Christ Jesus – 2 Corinthians 10:1, where he speaks of the
meekness and gentleness of Christ.
It is found in 1 Timothy 3:3 as a qualification for elders
Titus 3:2, as part of reminding us of general demeanor – including
speaking evil of no one, being peaceable, gentle and showing all
humility to all men.
James 3:17 as part of the description of the wisdom that is from above –
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, etc.
YOU can see the idea of what this word involves by putting all these
things together.
This is a MUCH needed quality among mankind, and a disposition that can
make an environment better.
One source noted that the concept of gentleness involved at least 3
things:
1) A sweet disposition – someone pleasant to be around
2) A cooperative spirit that does not insist on having its way – a
willingness to yield (See 1 Cor. 13:4-7)
3) An ability to reason – that is to not be unreasonable.
How many, even among brethren, are simply unwilling to consider
the thoughts and motives of others, especially when they disagree with
them?
c.
Concerning this
gentleness–
i.
Let it be known among all men
– let this quality be something that others see in you.
Let it be a part of your character and something that defines
you. It is part of conduct
that is honorable among the Gentiles
(1 Peter 2:12).
1 Thessalonians 2:7, NKJV says, “But we were gentle among you, just as a
nursing mother cherishes her own children.”
Different word, but similar idea.
ii.
Let it be known among all men
- this is not just about brethren (though they are certainly included).
This is about “all men”.
NOTE: When is it easiest to be gentle?
When you are around your loved ones and in pleasant
circumstances. But what when
you are dealing with enemies, those angry or bitter?
We STILL need to take this verse and quality to heart.
iii.
The Lord is at hand – this is an expression that could mean:
1) He is nearby (which He always is – you can’t hide from Him); Cf.
Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 3:12 – the eyes of the LORD are on
the righteous, etc.
2) The time of His return is near.
Some have used this to speak of the coming destruction of Jerusalem –
but not much is said about that in this text except Paul’s warning about
Judaizing teachers who will be judged (Philippians 3:2-4)
BUT, it can also simply mean, we must always be ready because He could
return at any time.
BOTH are plausible and true.
iv.
Let us not forget the
importance of mercy as we deal with others.
Gentleness is merciful.
Consider James 2:13 – judgment is without mercy to the one who
shows no mercy.
a.
The word anxious
is a word that is described as to be pulled in different directions
(Thayer); to have apprehension or concern.
There are certainly things and
times when concern is appropriate.
Anxiety and worry are here associated with someone consumed with these
concerns, possibly to the point of adversely affection one’s life and
interaction with others. It
is one who lets their worries rob them of the joy they ought to have as
Christians (Philippians 4:4)
b.
Anxiety is something
many, if not most of us, struggle with from time to time, at least to
some degree.
c.
We have addressed the
problem of anxiety and worry on numerous occasions.
It was a part the sermon on the mount where Jesus dealt with
worrying and the solution – trust in God (Matthew 6:25-34). This is a
key verse we frequent as we deal with this subject.
We simply need to be reminded that worrying (not temporary concern) -
dwelling on things to the point of worry is NOT good, and can very
easily become sinful if not addressed.
d.
Notice our text in
dealing with this:
i.
Be anxious for NOTHING. Don’t let
anything in this life CONSUME you.
Don’t let anxiety and worries rob you of faith – trusting in God
as you ought to.
Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on
your own understanding;
Recall Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, etc.
Again Jesus elaborated on this in the sermon on the mount.
It is easy to say “I’m not going to worry”, but much more difficult to
FROM WITHIN put your trust in God as you ought to.
ii.
But in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication…
- Here is part of the solution.
Paul mentions at least 4 different words about prayer here.
Prayer – the typical word for praying.
Supplications – these would be more intense prayers, a begging if
you will. This shows the
seriousness of our prayers to God.
We are genuine with our concerns and needs.
Philippians 1:4 – in every prayer of mine making request…
BOTH prayer and request are derivatives of the word for
supplication. NOTHING
superficial here.
Thanksgiving – being thankful.
Our prayers need to ALWAYS be offered with gratitude toward God
and our Lord. If we cannot
express our gratitude for what He has already provided, how can we
properly ask anything else of Him?
Ephesians 5:4, rather than the misuse of our tongues, let us give thanks
to God.
Colossians 4:2 calls for us to continue earnestly in prayer, being
vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
1 Timothy 4:3-4 – everything we receive and eat should be received with
thanksgiving.
Let your requests be made known to God
– a word meaning a formal
request. We can go to God.
QUESTION: For what can we pray?
While there may be things that we are flippant about, this text
tells us in EVERYTHING we pray.
Whatever our concerns, take it to the Lord in prayer.
See also James 5:13 – is anyone suffering?
Let him pray. 1 Peter 5:7
iii.
And the peace of God, which passes understanding
– what is the end result of proper prayers?
The peace of God will give us what we need.
Consider our text – the joy we are to always have, the gentleness
we need to deal with others AND relief from our anxieties.
Do we fully understand this?
Not at all! The ways of God
are past finding out – Romans 11:33, Ephesians 3:19, etc.
But when we trust God as we ought to and are serving Him, we can have a
peace within, that maybe we don’t even understand, but its there!
Consider John 16:33, while speaking to His apostles, it is an
assurance even to us, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of
good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
iv.
Will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The final observation Paul
makes, the peace of God guards us within.
We know that God has
not promised us a life of ease with no material or physical troubles.
We see all kinds of examples of outward tribulations in
scripture, and likely, we deal with some ourselves.
God didn’t promise to take those away!
Again John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulations…”;
Matthew 5:10-11 – blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness sake; 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul even said it WOULD happen
(that’s another lesson).
BUT what we do have is an internal comfort and peace.
Notice Paul mentioned our hearts (that is our emotions and such)
and our minds (our will and thoughts), through Christ Jesus.
1 John 5:4 – our faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Why? 1 John 4:4, You are of God, little children, and have
overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the
world.
And
thus we can see Paul’s encouragement to these brethren who were dealing
with troubles in Philippi.
He encourages them to keep an upbeat attitude and put your trust where
it need to be – in God.
That will give us what we need as we continue on our journey
toward our eternity. What
about you? Is the peace of
God within you? Do you have
a need we can help you with? If so, let it be known right now.
The Lord IS at hand!