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  CONSIDERATE CHRISTIANS
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of moderation, a spirit of
pliability and agreeableness, which is produced by the indwelling Holy
Spirit and is essential for a life of peace and harmony.

Topics: "Holy Spirit's Work", "Moderation"
Scripture References: Proverbs 15:1, Matthew 5:9, Romans 12:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 4:2, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 4:5-7, Colossians 3:12, James 1:19

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of being considerate Christians,
as highlighted in Philippians 4:1-7. He explains that 'moderation'
refers to a spirit of gentleness, forgiveness, and temperance, which is
essential for maintaining peace in our lives. Epp stresses that true
moderation cannot be self-produced but is a result of the Holy Spirit's
work within us, enabling us to reflect the mind of Christ. He warns
against the dangers of stubbornness and physical excess, which disrupt
our peace and hinder our spiritual growth. Ultimately, Epp encourages
believers to let their moderation be known, as the Lord is near and
empowers us to live in accordance with His will.

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CONTENT
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Philippians 4:1-7

The word "moderation" (Phil. 4:5) emphasizes pliability and
agreeableness. It is a special consideration given to other people, and
it is to be the additive that causes a believer to patiently forbear
under injury without desiring revenge.

It is a spirit that is ready to forgive, and it possesses a gentleness
of temper. It is also temperate in physical desires and demonstrates
equity; that is, justice and impartiality in business.

Having moderation means a person will avoid extremes and will not be
explosive. The peace of God is obviously not in a person's life if he
has an explosive temper.

Nor can there be peace in a stubborn heart that refuses to yield to
reason or to God. Nor is there the peace of God for the one living in
physical excess; this only breeds greed and discontent.

It cannot be overemphasized that the "moderation" of which Paul spoke in
Philippians 4:5 is related to the indwelling Holy Spirit and the fruit
that is produced by Him in our lives.

That is why Paul used the word "let" in saying, "Let your moderation be
known" (v. 5).

We cannot self-produce moderation any more than we can self-produce the
mind of Christ. Since Christ indwells us, we are to "let this mind be in
[us], which was also in Christ Jesus" (2:5).

So also, since the Holy Spirit indwells us, we are to let Him do His
work in our lives to produce His fruit through us. And we are enabled to
do this because "the Lord is at hand" (4:5).

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is
no law" (Gal. 5:22,23).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/considerate-christians/
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