Philippians - Joy In All Seasons
Week 34: The Joy Of Reasonableness

Ending the book of Philippians, we should reflect on what we have learned over the last 34 weeks. For instance, we are to stand fast in one spirit, to strive together for the faith of the Gospel, to be of one mind, to shine as lights in the world, and to know we are a part of God’s grand symphony of grace. We’ve been encouraged to rejoice in the Lord, and to not place confidence in the flesh. Paul has urged us to follow his example of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. He has also reminded us that our true citizenship lies in heaven, and of the hope that results from that understanding. Paul exhorted us to stand fast in the Lord, to let Jesus guard our hearts, and to meditate on things that are worthy of praise. He taught us that Jesus, who began the work of salvation in us, would carry that work on to completion. We also learned of Christ’s great example of humility, where he humbled himself, took on flesh, and became a servant. Finally, we learned what true contentedness looks like and that true joy comes not from our circumstances, but from our relationship with Jesus and in the sustaining power of the Gospel.

Today we will look at Philippians 4:5 and the idea of us being a reasonable people in response to what God has done for us and in us. The word “reasonableness” is translated differently throughout the Bible, not because “reasonableness” is a bad translation, but because the word has so many nuances it is almost impossible to convey the meaning in a single word. The NIV and the NKJV both use the word “gentleness”, the NASB uses the phrase “gentle spirit”, and the KJV uses the word “moderation.” Other translations include “considerate,” “gentle attitude,” “graciousness,” and “forbearance.”

Paul is speaking to believers throughout the generations, encouraging us to be known for gentleness, patience, kindness, and moderation:

• First, within the context of the church, with the family of God.

Our reliance on the power of Christ not only allows us to be content; it produces peace in our relationships with each other.

• Second, it then goes out into the world, to all people.

Christians are called to be reasonable, wise people who can handle difficulties and disagreements with maturity. How do we live in light of the Gospel? By letting our reasonableness be known to everyone.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone in a day and age where it doesn’t exist anywhere. People will hopefully ask you, “What is the hope within you?” and “How can I have that hope, that peace?” Our goal is to speak of Jesus. Paul didn’t try to rally the church to fight against Rome; he rallied the church to focus on Jesus, so that the lost and broken could come to eternal life. Paul says in Philippians 1:20, “…as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.” His passion is that Jesus Christ is put on display, and that we would preach the Gospel to ourselves and to each other constantly, and that the Gospel would be preached to the ends of the earth.

What motive does Paul give the Philippians for letting their reasonableness and gentleness be shown and known to everyone? He reminds them that “the Lord is at hand.” The Lord is at hand also means that the Lord is nearby. In theology, we say that the Lord is both transcendent and immanent. He is transcendent in that he is beyond our understanding, but he is also immanent. He is actively involved in the world; He is close to us, intimate with us. Paul points to Jesus’ transcendence and immanence, but in the context of Philippians, we see that this gentleness—this reasonableness—is what God first did for us! Our reasonableness starts in Christ’s substitution for us at the cross and His example.

It all starts with Jesus and His work, which moves in each of us individually, and then spreads to out to the world through our community.

Opening Questions:
• What areas in your life do you find it hard to be “reasonable?”

• How has culture influenced the way you respond to disagreements, and what would it look like to practice “reasonableness” in your interactions?

Discussion Questions:
• What is the difference between being reasonable/gentle and being a pushover who avoids necessary confrontation?

• How might the church’s witness to the world change if Christians were genuinely known for their reasonableness rather than their political positions or cultural battles?

• Quick offense and “cancel culture” mentality has seeped into the church - where do you see this happening, and how can it be addressed?

Personal Application:
• What role does the awareness of Christ’s return (“the Lord is at hand”) play in how you handle daily frustrations and interpersonal conflicts?

• How do you react when someone offends you? Do you avoid, do you lash out, or do you walk through it with a gentleness and reasonable-ness?

• In what specific relationships or situations are you most tempted to abandon reasonableness in favor of demanding your rights or “winning” an argument?

• How does understanding that reasonableness flows from the Gospel (Christ’s work for us) change your motivation for showing grace to difficult people?

Group Focus:
• How can you, as a community, help one another not to avoid or lash out, but to walk through issues with gentleness and reasonable-ness?

• Thank God that He has been gentle and reasonable with us. Pray for a deeper wisdom in the Gospel to understand the true depths of God’s grace and how to display that to others.