Gospel Bible Baptist Church

Phil. 4:5–7

Introduction

Presence changes everything. A child sleeps peacefully when a parent is nearby. A soldier stands firm when reinforcements are close. In Philippians 4, Paul reminds us that the Lord is near — and that truth transforms how we live, respond, and pray.

I. Moderation (Phil. 4:5)
A. The word translated “moderation” here appears only once in the New Testament. Some interpret it to mean Christians can do anything they want—as long as they do it in moderation (e.g., moderate drinking). But this interpretation is flawed.
B. The Greek word epieik?s is better understood as “gentle,” “patient,” or “gracious,” as seen in other passages like 1 Tim. 3:3, Tit. 3:2, Jas. 3:17, and 1 Pet. 2:18. It describes a spirit of calm, kindness, and self-restraint—not permission to indulge in worldly behaviours moderately.
C. Paul is urging believers to live in a way that visibly contrasts with the world’s values. You can’t meditate on virtue while engaging in worldly pleasures—even in small doses.
D. Gentleness is the visible fruit of inward joy. Joy may be hidden, but gentleness is public.
E. “The Lord is at hand.” The Lord’s return has always been imminent, and He frequently told His followers to watch for Him (Jas. 5:7,9, Rev. 22:7, 20). In a secondary sense, He is also always at hand through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Application/Application: Strength and Gentleness
Psalm 91 beautifully balances God’s might and mercy. One moment, He is a fortress with stone walls and armed sentinels:
“He is my refuge and my fortress… He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler” (Ps. 91:2–3).
The next, He is a tender protector:
“He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust” (v. 4).
So too in our lives — gentleness should always walk hand-in-hand with strength.
Practical Bible Illustrations from Yesterday and Today.

II. Anxiety Replaced by Prayer (Phil. 4: 6)
A. “Be careful for nothing”, Joy and gentleness (vs. 4-5), accompanied with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return, should dispel anxiety. Paul’s appeal to the Philippians is do not be anxious about anything. But this was not a call to a carefree life. To care and be genuinely concerned is one thing. To worry is another.
B. Jesus taught the same in Matthew 6 — worry reveals a lack of trust in the Father’s provision. (Phil. 4:6-7).
C. Paul and Timothy cared for the people they ministered to (2 Cor 11:28; Phil 2:20), yet they retained trust in God. Jesus warned against worry which obviously eliminates trust in God (Matt. 6:25-33).
D. We are to worry about nothing because we can pray about everything.
E. The Fourfold Path of Prayer:

1. Prayer (proseuche): Our reverent approach to God.
2. Supplication (deesei): Specific needs laid before Him.
3. Thanksgiving (eucharistias): Gratitude that anchors trust.
4. Requests (aitemata): Clear, definite asks.

Application/Application: Focus of Anxiety
An average person’s anxiety is focused on:
40% — things that will never happen
30% — things about the past that can’t be changed
12% — things about criticism by others, mostly untrue
10% — about health, which gets worse with stress
8% — about real problems that will be faced
Source unknown

III. Peace That Guards (Phil. 4:7)
A. Peace of God. The inner calm or tranquillity promised to the believer who has a thankful attitude based on unwavering confidence that God is able and willing to do what is best for His children. (Rom. 8:28)
B. Which passeth all understanding. This refers to the divine origin of peace. It transcends human intellect, analysis, and insight. (Isa. 26:3, Jn. 16:33)
C. Shall keep (guard), a military term meaning “to keep watch over”. God’s peace guards’ believers from anxiety, doubt, fear, and distress.
D. Hearts and minds. This refers to the whole inner person. Because of the believer’s union with Christ, He guards the inner being with His peace.

Illustration/Application: Two kinds of Peace

1. Experiential (Phil 4:7)—day by day experience of the believer, can be forfeited.
2. Judicial (Rom 5:1)—The war with God is over.
   A person can experience 2) and not 1). Example of WWII Japanese who hid for years in jungles, long after peace was established between the warring nations. (Source unknown)

IV. Conclusion:
The Lord is near — this is not just doctrine, it’s daily reality.
Let His nearness shapes your gentleness, your prayers, and your peace.