1. overivew
1.1. great translation - Eugene Peterson (The Message) translates this verse: “Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them.”
2. exposotion
2.1. Let your
2.2. reasonableness
2.2.1. meaning
2.2.1.1. exact opposite of "spirit of contention and self-seeking"
2.2.1.2. i.e. "gentleness" (NIV), means forbearance
2.2.1.3. The term “gentleness” (epieikes) was often used of an attitude of kindness where the normal or expected response was retaliation. Thielman, Frank S. (2009-05-26). Philippians (The NIV Application Commentary) (p. 218). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
2.2.1.4. This word means radical evenness of temper. - Keller
2.2.1.5. 2 Co 10:1 I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—
2.2.1.6. used in hellenistic and LXX to refer to the forbearance of God or the gods
2.2.1.6.1. This word group 2533 had a long history (from Homer onwards) and described ‘a balanced , intelligent , decent outlook in contrast to licentiousness’. 2534 ἐπιει ής and ἐπιεí εια were applied to authorities to denote equity and leniency. When strict adherence to the letter of the law would lead to injustice, ἐπιεí εια knew how to act with fairness. In the LXX the word group described the gracious gentleness of God’s rule (1 Sa. 12: 22; Ps. 86: 5; Wis. 12: 18), as well as the actions of a king (2 Mace. 9: 27), O'Brien, Peter T. (2010-04-12). The Epistle to the Philippians (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) (Kindle Locations 12020-12025). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
2.2.1.6.2. ‘a humble, patient steadfastness, which is able to submit to injustice, disgrace and maltreatment without hatred or malice, trusting God in spite of it all’. O'Brien, Peter T. (2010-04-12). The Epistle to the Philippians (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) (Kindle Locations 12030-12031). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
2.2.1.7. overseers urged to be gentle (and peaceable (1 tim3:3; ti 3;2)
2.2.1.7.1. So this is a quality of leadership and it's a relational quality. It doens' tmean the elder doen's know how to battle, but that this dispoisiion is to not battle unless he has to, rather than i'll battle whenever I can. Tha tperson is not leadership material.
2.2.2. so here's the tie to v 2-4. unity in the body is not just about Kumbayah, ignoring difference, but it's about reasonableness, gentleness .. .living across the differences and syaing there's more
2.2.3. Tied to joy - as we pursue reconciliation and root our hearts in joy in Christ, we find our being there, our hope there, our stability there, our worth and value there - the result is the abilty (and hence the command) to live gently
2.2.3.1. There's just something that happens when you are full of joy. You don't need to fight, you are ready to argue, defend,
2.2.3.2. ILL: DOUG at interstate and smile and Mary
2.2.4. Calvin - This latter meaning I rather prefer; for is a term that is made use of by the Greeks themselves to denote moderation of spirit — when we are not easily moved by injuries, when we are not easily annoyed by adversity, but retain equanimity of temper. In accordance with this, Cicero makes use of the following expression, — “My mind is tranquil, which takes everything in good part.”
2.2.5. CF
2.2.5.1. CF: As much as possible live at peace with all men
2.2.5.2. 1 Peter 2:22–23 (ESV) — 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
2.3. be known to all
2.3.1. So this command is to be known by all meaning inside and outside. The point is our witness of Christ is manifested in relationship. How do we handle relationship and strife. It will happen, but what's our response?
2.3.1.1. APP: BTW - please know this, when you struggle with cnflict and you go on twitter and air your grievance "People are so stupid. Get a life. You don't understand #iamwrightyouarewrong - you say something about you, them, God and the nature of the gospel.
2.3.1.2. social media is the enemy of reconciliation cause as soon as you air it with some vague details - then who hears it? All 1000 of your friends. wshat's the point? the heart behind it? To gather support.
2.3.1.3. Relational restoration is never flippant in anything that is commanded. IT's always personal, it's always calculated - it's never thrown out there to relieve some stress (that happens in the following verses by prayer)
2.4. The lord is at hand
2.4.1. it's hard to tell if this comes with let your gentleness be known to all or pray (next verses)
2.4.2. may mean spatially
2.4.2.1. Ps 145: 18, "the Lord is near all who call upon him." Fee, Gordon D. (1995-07-14). Paul's Letter to the Philippians (Kindle Location 11641). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
2.4.2.2. He is near the brokenhearted PS 34:18
2.4.3. may also mean temperally
2.4.3.1. Phil 3:20-21
2.4.4. why say this?
2.4.4.1. The Philippians are to adopt an unabrasive spirit under provocation because their Lord is coming to vindicate their cause; their gentle response is due neither to weakness nor to an unwillingness to stand their ground. And, it is claimed, the basis for the apostle’s exhortation is similar to that for James’s call to his readers: ‘be patient and stand firm, because (ὅτ ) the Lord’s coming is near’ (5: 7-8). O'Brien, Peter T. (2010-04-12). The Epistle to the Philippians (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) (Kindle Locations 12077-12081). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
2.4.4.2. In line with this, J. Ernst has argued that awaiting the parousia was for the apostle a central paraenetic or exhortatory motif. The ordinary things of life, which are referred to in these verses, are important in the light of that return, so that the Christian who has this hope does not live thoughtlessly day by day. O'Brien, Peter T. (2010-04-12). The Epistle to the Philippians (The New International Greek Testament Commentary) (Kindle Locations 12086-12089). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
3. Reasonableness
3.1. Meaning
3.1.1. Other references
3.1.1.1. “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” (1 Timothy 3:2–3, ESV)
3.1.1.1.1. not violent but gentle --- so you don't fight, kind of a pacifist.
3.1.1.1.2. But more than just that, noteit is sandwhiched between not violent and not quarrelsom. So don't fight physically nor quick to argue!
3.1.1.1.3. NOT A BRAWLER!!!
3.1.1.2. “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1–2, ESV)
3.1.1.2.1. avoid quarreling - leaders, elders, pastors have this amazing quality - they are level headed, level emotion, they know how to take circumstances and work through them without argumentation.
3.1.1.3. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)
3.1.1.3.1. wisdom from above - tie together ... peaceable, open to reason, full of mercy .... that's the ideas all somewhat tied with gentle.
3.1.1.3.2. Not that they have no thoughts, that they are pushovers ... wisdom has thoughts .. but first pure then it works with people!
3.1.1.4. “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.” (1 Peter 2:18, ESV)
3.1.1.4.1. masters that are gentle -here are opposite of masters that are unjust. Unjust meaning the jump the gun, make rash choices (i.e. see it in the verses to follow 1 Peter 2:19-20)
3.1.2. In plato, polybius, plutarch, and philo came to mean forbearance, putting up with. Enduring. Able perhaps to engage, but you don't, don't really want to
3.1.3. Does not insist on what is it's due, does not stand on etiquette or right, opposes the attitude that I never bend.
3.1.3.1. *** BTW - that is the idea there in james 3 that wisdom is pure and then peaceable and gentle. Wisdom is more than theology. Wisodm really is the pastoral application of theology.
3.1.3.2. So you want to pastor - you have to consider people. You want to just consider the truth without context of people- be a theologian ...
4. Let it be known
4.1. Eadie puts it - "this grace was to be notoirous maong them"
4.2. When they were described, they should be described as gentle, gracious, reasonable, not quick to fight, long enduring.
4.3. You want to dela with people like this, you want to talk with people like this. YOu want to serve peopel in the restaurant, you want them as your boss, you want them as a teacher, yo uwant them on you law enforcement, you want them everywhere in your culture.
4.4. "ginosoko" - to know experientially
4.4.1. #1 - It means that we have relatiosnhips
4.4.1.1. some of yo not in that context
4.4.1.2. build a rythm.
4.4.1.2.1. Pick a market and always go there. Say hi, ask them how they are doing. Make it more than just about the food!
4.4.1.2.2. ILL: China
4.4.1.2.3. what about at work - what if you truly made that more than about money? When was the last time you took a coworker out to lunch, or invited them to a coffee break, or took time to talk to them?
4.4.1.3. Here is then the destruction of an isolation mindset. Part of the point of your sanctification is so the world can see what it's like for a person to live under the kngdom of God - it testifies to them that's what humanity shoudl be like
4.4.2. #2 - it means we are who we are with whoever we are with