Text: Philippians 4:5
Introduction
Today we come to a little command wedged between two very familiar portions. In Philippians 4:5 we read, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” This little group of words carries a world of truth which is often overlooked because of its surrounding context.
This morning I would like to take the time to unpack this command and bring home some relevant application to our daily Christian lives.
Join me as I preach a message entitled: What are you known for?x
More to Scripture than Meets the Eye
The Cambridge Bible for Students has the following written in the margin about the word “reasonableness”: The word is full of interest and significance, and is very difficult of translation.
A world of truth is contained in the word “reasonableness” and due diligence must be given to this important command.
The fact that there is more to this verse than can be appreciated from a cursory read is in itself a challenge to dig more deeply into the Scriptures. To gain insight and rich blessing, the Christian cannot afford to simply read the Bible, he must be willing delve deeper through study and research.
There are worlds of truth available to the “Christian Miner” and such is the case with this verse.
New Testament Usage
The English word “reasonableness” is translated from the Greek word epieikēs (Epi-A-Case).
This Greek word appears on five occasions:
- Philippians 4:5 “reasonableness” ESV
- Titus 3:1-2 “to be gentle” ESV
- James 3:17 “gentle” ESV
- 1 Peter 2:18 “gentle” ESV
- 1 Timothy 3:3 “gentle” ESV
By comparing its usage and the words chosen by the translators, we gain some insight into the meaning although in this case we are only given two different terms.
Translation Variances
Another great way of determining the meaning of a Greek word (without language skills) is to compare different translations – E.G. KJV, ESV, NASB, Living Translation, etc.
In comparing 33 different English Bibles, I found that this word his translated 8 different ways:
- Leniency,
- Forbearance,
- Gentle behaviour,
- Modesty,
- Reasonableness,
- Considerate,
- Gracious attitude,
- Humility.
This should give us some indication of the scope of meaning and its significance.
Lexical Meaning (definition)
My next task is to understand its lexical significance. In other words, I find out what this word means in a Greek lexicon (dictionary). This will help me to appreciate the term in its biblical, cultural, historical, and contemporary usage.
Despite there being a consistency in the ESV (four out of the five texts say “gentleness”), a Greek dictionary provides a much wider definition.
The word used for “reasonableness” in our text carries these fuller meanings:
- to be appropriate,
- mild,
- gentle,
- moderate,
- patient,
- fair,
- equitable,
- modest,
- yielding,
- lenient,
- unassertive,
- gracious in attitude,
- humble, considerate,
- without excess in passions,
- restraining of tempers,
- not exacting vengeance,
- unbiased,
- operating with contentment.
Perhaps now you see the enormity of this little word and its far-reaching applications.
To help us understand what is meant here, I have organised the wide scope of meaning into five simple categories which will be the outline of this message.
Just before we enter these five sub-categories, let me make a comment on the second part of this phrase – “be known to everyone”.
The idea here is not that you make an ostentatious display of this spiritual characteristic, but rather that others would see and know the reality of your “reasonableness”, and be inclined to worship God.
Now let’s consider these 5 distinct shades of meaning.
Gentleness under provocation
“Let your gentleness under provocation be known to everyone” (Philippians 4:5)
In this first instance, the meaning refers to our responses when under attack. This has many applications.
Similar to “meekness” which can be defined as “power under control”, here we see a “waving of our rights” whilst maintaining a kindly response.
One commentator wrote, “Yielding with respect to personal feeling and interest, though firm as a rock in respect of moral principle.”
It is to respond kindly when provoked, baited, or when someone tries to “push our buttons”.
It is in its essence the ability to obey the command of Christ in Luke 6:27-30:
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”
Paul wrote in Romans 12:17-21:
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Application:
- Dealing kindly with that sibling or family member who riles you up.
- Gracious behaviour towards those who would mistreat you – “friends”, customers, work colleagues, etc.
- Not exacting your legal claims against one who has caused you pain.
- Responding lovingly to those whose arguments or issues with you are unreasonable.
- Responding gently to those who would manipulate you.
- Surrendering what you have the right to demand for the good of the other party.
Readiness to Forgive
“Let your readiness to forgive be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:5
This simply refers to a predisposition of forgiveness.
Forgiveness is not something you can simply “put on” at the time of conflict, it is practiced long before the friction arrives.
True forgiveness (no strings attached) is possible only through the Holy Spirit and is maintained by walking closely with the Lord.
Ever noticed how easy it is to hold a grudge when we are out of step with the Spirit?
If you would be ready to forgive those who injure you, it is essential that you live in close proximity to the ultimate forgiver.
Perhaps the most helpful verse on forgiving others is Ephesians 4:32 which says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
In this verse we are commanded to forgive, and given the motive for forgiveness.
Application:
- No grudges.
- No withholding good from those who have injured us.
- No rejoicing in the downfall of others.
- No recounting sins of the past.
- No forcing people to “earn our favour” or forgiveness.
Sweetness of disposition
“Let your sweetness of disposition be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:5
This nuance speaks to a gracious attitude, unassertive interactions, a genuine kindness, and a gentleness to all.
This is evidenced in our kindly countenance, cheerful and encouraging speech, welcoming mannerisms and body language, careful and gracious responses.
There are some people in this life who have the incredible ability to disarm explosive situations. Their responses, behaviour, and submissive attitude render their enemies powerless.
This immediately brings 1 Peter 3:1-4 to my mind:
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Now the danger is to make this truth exclusive to the women and wives in the room, but this is not to be the case.
Men, we are to have a sweetness of disposition too. This is not what the world teaches, but it is what the Scripture teaches. We need to be active in affection.
Application:
- Smile and laugh often. Practice this!
- Operate with gentleness, tenderness, graciousness.
- Watch carefully how we interact, what we are saying with out bodies (body language), the tone and manner of our speech.
- You don’t have to be noticed in the room. Anonymity in this regard is good.
- Don’t hide your personality, but guard yourself from anything that would rob you of a sweetness in disposition.
Governance over Passions
“Let your governance over your passions be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:5
The King James translation says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men.”
This particular shade of meaning speaks of a soberness of living, freedom from excesses, self- control, and a general balance throughout life.
The Bible has quite a bit to say about this category:
Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
1 Corinthians 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Titus 2:12 Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
1 Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.
God has created us with emotions, passions, and desires. These attributes are not evil, but they must be carefully watched because our tendency is towards sin and fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and eyes.
Even good practices can become sinful when they are out of balance. Reading your Bible is a wonderful practice, but reading it all day instead of working or helping your family is sin.
Application:
- Over-eating and gluttony.
- All form of addiction – coffees, computer games, fitness program, etc.
- An over-emphasis on what you wear or on how you look.
- Drunkenness.
- Use of money – over-spending, bad stewardship.
Modesty & Appropriateness
“Let your modesty and appropriateness be known to everyone.” Philippians 4:5
Modesty is often defined in terms of clothing or humility. Someone will say “she is dressed modestly” or “He is modest about his skills in tennis”. However, modesty in the biblical sense is much more than this.
I recommend reading an article by Meggie Cotonethal (guest contributor on Desiring God) called “Modesty Misunderstood: What Men and Women Need to Know”.
Let me quote some snippets.
“Modesty must be one of the most abused words in the Christianese Dialect. The idea of modesty has been almost exclusively attached to women’s dress, narrowing in definition to mean “showing less skin and trying to prevent sexual arousal in those looking on.” It has veritably become a subculture in Christendom, spawning a cacophony of bestsellers, brands, seminars, and internet firestorms.”
Modesty is the offspring of humility. Humility is evaluating ourselves properly, with sober judgment (Romans 12:3). Modesty is behavior that flows out of remembering our true place of service, and does not conceitedly boast about the self, but boasts in God (Philippians 2:3–4; 2 Corinthians 10:17). Modesty, or the lack thereof, reveals where we’ve placed our identity. Rich women in the ancient world arrogantly declared their high status, their value, their identity with expensive finery.
We live in an identity-addicted society. We strive to put our tastes and acquisitions on display so that everyone knows who we are. We’re told to accentuate our best features, get what we want out of life, stand up for and express ourselves. Social media is often the megaphone we use to herald our personal identity and covertly brag about our smarts, body, sexuality, culture, politics, sports, relationships, family, insecurities, experiences, and possessions.
Real Christians love to fade into the background, serving the needs of others, asking Jesus to take center stage. We’ve been freed to have a truly modest, nondescript life and countenance, which will make the world wonder why we’re not fighting for our social status and incidental preferences. Perhaps we can be so liberated from human approval and praise that they begin to inquire, “Who are you?”
And we can respond, “I am not my own, for I was bought with a price. I belong to God” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; Romans 14:8).
Modesty is not primarily about clothes, it is in essence, to put on Christ (Romans 13:14).
The question we need to ask ourselves is, am I seeking the attention of others or am I concerned that others would see Christ. Is what I am wearing appropriate to the occasion?
Immodesty is selfishness.
Example:
It would be sin to turn up to a western wedding in a pair of shorts and a tank-top. It is inappropriate and does not honour the occasion, the guests, the invitation. It makes you the focus point.
We are to fade into the background so that Christ might be seen.
Application:
- Does your wardrobe reflect a meek and quiet spirit?
- Does your jewellery box express humility?
- Are you seeking social status and centre stage by what you wear, possess, display?
- Am I more concerned with the accolades of men?
- Did I buy that car/home to be noticed by others?
At the time of writing this, there are 5635 positive cases of Coronavirus in Australia, and tragically, 34 people have died. The world as we know it has changed, and this Easter will be remembered for many years to come.
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TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:10-20 | 
