Philippians 4:5

Philippians 4:5 (KJV) exhorts believers to display a particular quality in their interactions with the world, grounded in the awareness of God's presence and future return. This verse is a concise yet profound instruction on Christian conduct and perspective.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding section of Paul's letter to the Philippians, often called the "epistle of joy," despite Paul writing it from prison. In chapter 4, Paul provides various exhortations for Christian living, including calls for unity, rejoicing, and casting anxieties upon God. Verse 5 serves as a bridge, transitioning from the call to rejoice always (Philippians 4:4) to the instruction against anxiety and for prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). It emphasizes a public demonstration of faith that impacts both believers and unbelievers.

Key Themes

• The Nature of Moderation

  The KJV word "moderation" translates the Greek term epieikeia (ἐπιείκεια). This word carries a rich meaning beyond mere temperance. It signifies gentleness, forbearance, reasonableness, graciousness, and a willingness to yield rather than insist on one's strict rights. It implies an attitude of equity and mildness, especially when dealing with others who might be difficult or who challenge one's views. It's the opposite of harshness, rigidity, or contentiousness. Paul encourages believers to let this spirit of gentleness and reasonableness be evident to all people, making it a visible testimony of Christ's character working through them.

• The Imminence of the Lord

  "The Lord is at hand" carries a dual significance. Firstly, it refers to the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This awareness should motivate believers to live righteously, patiently, and with a sense of urgency and expectation. The hope of Christ's second coming provides a powerful incentive for godly conduct and a perspective that transcends earthly concerns. Secondly, "at hand" can also mean that the Lord is near in His presence and power. He is constantly available to His people, providing comfort, strength, and guidance. This understanding offers reassurance and empowers believers to manifest moderation, knowing that God is intimately involved in their lives and ready to help them through any challenge.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word epieikeia (moderation) is crucial. It describes a spirit of equity, fairness, and graciousness that goes beyond strict justice. It's about being adaptable and considerate, not demanding one's full rights but showing a yielding, patient spirit. This quality is attributed to Christ Himself in 2 Corinthians 10:1, highlighting its divine origin and importance for Christian character.

Practical Application

Philippians 4:5 offers timeless guidance for Christian living:

• Be a Witness: Our conduct, particularly our moderation and gentleness, should be a clear testimony to those around us, both inside and outside the church. It's a powerful form of evangelism.
• Cultivate Patience: In an often impatient and demanding world, living with moderation means exercising patience, understanding, and forbearance in our relationships and daily interactions.
• Live with Eternal Perspective: The reminder that "the Lord is at hand" encourages us to live with an eternal mindset. Our present actions are not isolated but are part of a larger divine plan, leading to Christ's ultimate return. This perspective helps us to not be overly concerned with worldly anxieties, which Paul addresses in the following verses.
• Find Peace in God's Nearness: The assurance of God's constant presence provides peace and strength, enabling us to display moderation even in challenging circumstances. It's a call to trust in His sovereignty and nearness, which directly supports the command to "be careful for nothing" found in Philippians 4:6.