SUNDRY ADMONITIONS
September 24, 2000 PM
Sermon Outline
Phil 4:4,5
INTRO: In almost every letter written by the apostle Paul there will be a section of short, plain, practical admonitions for his readers. As we near the end of this letter to the saints and friends in Philippi, the tempo begins to move more quickly. Words are at a premium, and he uses them sparingly and carefully now. Each admonition is a self-contained lesson ... and gives rise to a variety of directions of thought. In a way, though, each of these admonitions could look back to the trouble between Euodias and Syntyche and could be saying something to them about the resolution of their trouble and to the church about its prevailing spirit in the face of this problem.
I. BE JOYFUL (4:4)
A. Joy has been the theme of Philippians
1. word is sprinkled as seasoning throughout this letter
2. so pronounced is this theme that commentaries on the book of Philippians have used you, joyful, rejoice in titles
B. Christians have much about which to rejoice
1. their forgiveness of sins Acts 8:39
2. their heavenly hope which keeps them looking beyond this life and world - Rom 12:12
3. it is rejoicing in the Lord
C. A secular life is subject to wide swings of emotion
1. in the Christian life there should be an evenness of emotion an even keel despite secular difficulties
2. but because secular life puts all its trust in temporal things, experiences, relationships, the loss of these creates a disposition of hopelessness and despair
3. Ps 146:5
D. Why the recurring theme? Why say it over and over?
1. obviously, Christians should rejoice
2. but these Christians have a dear friend in prison; they have gotten word that Epaphroditus is gravely ill; they have a quarrel in the church which could erupt into serious problems ... rejoice?
3. but Paul is joyful ... somehow that joy overrides everything - if I can find joy, so must you
II. BE GENTLE (4:5)
A. Here is the manner of treatment toward all - gentle
1. this word must have been difficult to translate
2. in original word are ideas of graciousness, kindness, courtesy, forbearance, selflessness
3. it does not insist on its own way and can yield quietly to others it can overlook so much
4. however, matters of faith are certainly not in view in yielding and overlooking
B. What can we say about a gentle person?
1. the macho image versus gentleness? our image of he man or of feminine beauty need to change as we see that gentleness is the real beauty
2. gentleness is strength under control it is so sensitive to others that it considers them, their needs and desires
3. a gentle person knows who he is ... and because he does, he does not need to prove anything to self or others he does not need to be raucous, argumentative, brassy, flashy!
4. gentleness is a must to ministering (1 Thes 2:7)
C. Jesus: meek and gentle - 2 Cor 10:1
1. could have called fire from heaven to devour a crude, rejecting village gently touched the lame, poor, ill, grieving wept with those weeping ... yet, He made the worlds!
2. Mt 5:2 is expression for opening his heart and this Jesus did ... He opened His heart to people and was so gentle
3. I wonder if 1 Pet 2:23 is describing the gentle spirit of Jesus?
4. my dad was a gentle man he knew his business with the best, was highly respected by all ... but he was gentle with everyone with his parents, his wife, his children, his customers, his friends ... he was so conscious of their feelings I thought at times that people took advantage of dad .. but I realize now that he was supremely gentle ( how gentle was his touch as he removed those thorns, etc.)
CLOSE: In all of this study of Philippians I think the thing which has most arrested my attention is this word gentle. How I pray for that gentle spirit ... which, by the way, is the fruit of the Spirit.
Cecil A. Hutson
24 September 2000