Paul commands us, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone!” What is the reason we should do this? Because “the Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5).
First, he could be saying, “You need to display gracious humility to everyone because the Lord could come at any time. And even if He doesn’t come soon, then you will see Him when you die! He just said at the end of the last chapter, “”But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 3:20).
“But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know” (Matthew 24:48-50).
“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-4).
“not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25).
“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:8).
“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7).
“I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” (Revelation 3:11).
““And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”” (Revelation 22:7).
Paul could also mean “Let your gracious humility be on display for everyone because Christ is near you in that He indwells you.” The Psalms remind of us the nearness of our Lord:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18).
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” (Psalm 73:28).
“But you are near, O Lord, and all your commandments are true.” (Psalm 119:151).
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18).
Knowing Christ is near in this way as well as knowing that He is coming again is motivation enough, reason enough, for us to display gracious humility in all of our relationships with one another in the church, at home, and in this world.
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