Considerate Christians
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.
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.
Text
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).
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Moderation
- The Source of Moderation
- Letting Moderation Be Known
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- The Importance of Surrender
- Consequences of a Lack of Moderation
Key Quotes
“It is a spirit that is ready to forgive, and it possesses a gentleness of temper.” — Theodore Epp
“We cannot self-produce moderation any more than we can self-produce the mind of Christ.” — Theodore Epp
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We should strive to cultivate a spirit of moderation in our lives, characterized by forgiveness, gentleness, and self-control.
- We cannot produce moderation on our own; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is produced in our lives.
- We should let the Holy Spirit do His work in our lives to produce His fruit, including moderation, through us.