Richvale Community Church
Sunday, November 9 2025
- Good morning! Pam and I are learning that being grandparents is not a bad deal! Some of you gave us a heads-up… even warned us…That we would be smitten and you were right.. …And I just want to share a few moments ~ that have warmed our hearts recently..There’s just something about the joy that these little one bring—it’s so amazing , and it’s impossible to keep quiet the truth here is.. When something touches our hearts profoundly, it doesn’t stay inside—it spills out.Thats what we are talking about on this series.in the book of Philippians. Last week we talked about Overflowing in Grace—today we’re looking at Overflowing with Joy.Philippians is often called Paul’s“Joy Letter.”The word joy appears about 16 times in just four chapters—clearly, it’s central part to Paul’s message.What is joy?Joy has been described as a delight of the mind.It’s often associated with feelings of gladness or happiness.But joy is more than that… it is more than happiness.. becauseHappiness depends on circumstances—on what happens around us.Joy, however, is deeper and has more substance…Biblical Joy is not a fleeting emotion or a momentary mood—it’s a lasting reality rooted in God’s truth.Theologically, joy forms the bookends of the whole of Scripture:it begins with God’s delight in creationand ends with Gods people redeemed rejoicing in His presence. .Paul in his letter to the Philippians, traces his own joy back to Christ.We saw last week in chapter 1 that..Even while chains under house arrest, he rejoices that the message of Jesus was spreading through the imperial guard.He also rejoiced in the faithfulness of believers—those who supported him, prayed for him, and even sent Epaphroditus to take care for his needs.Through their love, unity, and generosity, Paul remained encouraged—and full of joy..T/S: So how do we overflow with joy? First, we have to find ..1. The Source of Joy –For centuries, explorers searched for the source of the Nile River. It stretched thousands of miles across Africa, giving life wherever it flowed,but its beginning remained a mystery.In the 19th century, explorer John Hanning Speke discovered its source—Lake Victoria—hidden deep in Africa. Once they found the source, everything downstream made sense.In the same way.. the Lord is the fountain of life..Psalm 36:9 (ESV) “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.”When we discover the fountain of life, the light comes on—we see God clearly, and everything downstream of our lives makes more sense…This was Paul’s secret to joy.Even chained in Rome, his joy was unshakable because he traced it back to Christ.This is the Joy that Paul wants to pass on to us and those in Philippi....lets read..
Philippians 2:1–4 ESV 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.Paul begins with: “If there is any encouragement in Christ…”In the Greek, the word “if” is actually a conditional particle referring to a fulfilled of a condition—something is already true.It’s like when a child asks a parent ask for a toy or candy and the parent says “maybe,” but everyone knows the answer is really no.Paul uses a rhetorical technique.. that sounds like a question—but it’s really a STATEMENT— HE IS SAYING.Is there any encouragement in Christ? Yes!Is there any comfort of love? Yes!Is there any fellowship of the Spirit? Yes!Is there any affection and compassion? Yes!These truths are absolute.Paul is saying “in view of the facts that God had given us all these blessings..” .Walked in oneness and unity..There is..A – Encouragement that Comes from ChristJESUS MINISTRY WAS ONE OF ENCOURAGEMENT…Everywhere he went he demonstrated the love of the father. He did this through his ministry of teaching and healing.Sometimes it was one on one and other times it was a large groupsThe word “encouragement” literally means to come alongside someone—offering comfort, counsel, or guidance.Before Jesus ascended, He promised the Spirit, another Helper, to guide us into truth..John 14:16–17 ESV 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.He tells his disciples that the ministry of Encouragement would continue in his absences..The H.S would be poured out up on the church and the Spirit would continue his ministry..Since we are in Christ, we also Have the H.S…We are still living in the The church age..the dispensation of grace where the Holy Spirit is still in operation. And still being poured out.the H.S…Still leads guides and comforts at every stage of life.So WE have Encouragement from Christ..through the H.S..Paul says we have..B – Comfort from Love Our comfort comes from the knowledge that we are fully loved by Christ.Now,There is a kinda of love that we find in our families. There’s a love - of acceptance ..That gives freedom to be our selves..but it’s not perfect love…. .. what Paul is talking about ..is prefect love.What does perfect love look like?John describes it like this..1 John 4:18 ESV 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.Perfect love .. is Agapeo..unconditional lovelove that..dismantles our fears of rejection, inadequacy, and loss,replacing them with a supernatural sense of security and unity..Paul says we haveC – Fellowship (Koinonia) in the SpiritThe word “fellowship” literally means participation together .It is through the ministry of Holy Spirit, we share communion with God and with one another…. it is the H.S. that promotes unity that sustains the church as it grows and moves forward..Paul says then adds .D – Affection and SympathyAffection is an inner, heartfelt connection (knowing that we are loved)sympathy is the outward expression of mercy and care.The book of Hebrews tells us we have received that kind of grace and mercy.. we have a High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses—one who was tempted, who suffered, and who faced trials just like us, yet without sin.Paul say in LIGHT OF the Source..Christ.. bringsEncouragmentComfort of loveFellowship in the H.SAffection and SympathyHe says in vrs 2 make Complete my joy by having the same love… and be in ONE ACCORd AND ONE MIND...Paul is not calling for uniformity or conformity.Paul tells is that There is a Christ-centered unity— that transcends our differences,we have already seen that they’ve been struggles in this church and disagreements and has Paul had instructed them to work things outPaul taught that joy naturally overflows when the body of Christ functions as God designed…AsEach believer takes responsible for their own attitude and actions.When the church loves well,When we serve one another, God’s kingdom advanced, and joy flowed naturally.T/S: So how do we overflow with joy? First, we have to find ..1. The Source of Joy –2. The Stream of Joy –We live in a world seems to promote the “survival of the fittest.”We naturally organize our lives around our own comfort, our own desires, and our own plans.But when we open the book of Philippians, Paul flips that model completely upside down. He reminds us that joy in the Bible is counterintuitive.It doesn’t come from getting ahead or being recognized. It doesn’t comes from putting ourselves first...But Paul calls us to radical discipleship.He tells us to.. “ to have the same mind that is in Christlets read our text..Philippians 2:5–11 ESV 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.This section of Philippians 2 is often called “The Hymn of Christ.”song of praise .. hymns were sung in the early church to teach theology and to be remembered.Paul says LOOK AT THE EXAMPLE OF JESUSWHO..Shared equality with God in every sense of the word. He was in the very form of God—fully divine, part of the eternal Godhead.He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,YetJesus, . emptied Himself, taking on the very form of a servant.Now, this doesn’t mean Jesus ceased to be divine.He never stopped from being God during His earthly life and ministry.He was fully God and fully man the emptying out of Christ..is known as the doctrine of kenosis, from the Greek word meaning “to empty.”It means that Jesus—willingly laid aside His heavenly privileges, veiled His glory, for a moment in time..Jesus surrendered the His divine attributes— to identify with every human emotion and weakness. He experienced every human feeling.He knew what it feels like to be tired.He knew what it’s like to be misunderstood.He knew the weight of sorrow and the cost of obedience.Jesus in his incarnation gave us a model for humility—A few years ago, a small group of believers in Dallas–Fort Worth wanted to reach their city for Christ .and theydecided to tell real stories—stories of through Media…They began to record people testimonies..Those who had tried to live life for themselves—chasing success, pleasure, control—but found themselves addicted, alone, purposeless, and lost.Then came the turning point. When they put their faith is Christ, everything changed. They discovered peace and freedom they had never known before.That was the beginning of the I Am Second - movement….The message resonated. Thousands rallied around the Phrase I am second...., millions have now heard the gospel —through this ministry..This is what Paul is saying —when he saysHave the same mind as Christ Jesus — Put Christ First…He says live in the second chair…Paul step out the drivers seat..Paul tells us that this is the pattern for joyful living.It begins with humility—laying down our own rights, our pride, our need to be first.Being willing to follow Christ—even when the path is hard, even when it’s unpopular.Being willing to suffer injustice and to forgive—choosing love over bitterness, grace over resentment.When we live like this, joy doesn’t just stay inside us—it flows through us and spills over into the lives of othersBut the story doesn’t end with Christ’s humility… it ends in Exaltation.Vrs 9 Paul says, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name that is above every name.”Because Jesus humbled Himself, God lifted Him up.The One who stooped the lowest is now seated the highest.The Servant became the Sovereign.The One who was obedient unto death has been crowned with glory and honor.And one day, every knee will bow—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth—and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.This is the beautiful rhythm of the gospel:Downward humility leads to upward glory.The way up is down.It’s the opposite of how our world operates. In a culture that says, “Promote yourself,”T/s How do we Over flow with JoyFirst we find the source of joy.Second.The Stream of Joy who is Christ..3. The Spread of Joy –Scientists who study communication tell us that the human face is incredibly expressive—it can display more than 150 different emotions. From childhood, we learn to read these expressions, and the longer we live with others, the better we become at recognizing messages—the subtle cues, the raised eyebrow, the slight smile or frown.Neuroscientists also tell us that we don’t just see others’ emotions—we actually feel them. God designed us with what are called mirror neurons, allowing us to sense and even reflect the emotions of those around us.That’s how empathy happens.We emanate what is in side us..Our inner life leaks out.Our joy—or our lack of it—shows. It can be seen in our eyes, heard in our tone, and felt in our presence—before we ever say a word.Paul understood this.He taught the church.. to live out faith is the power of the Holy Spirit.Philippians 2:12–17 ESV 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,Paul gives us some very practical advice for Christian living.The first word is therefore… 2The therefore speaks of (what comes before) —the incredible truth of the incarnation…Paul says in light of Christ’ example..that Jesus, was with God from the beginning and was fully God, became a man and took on the role of a servant.Continue to walk in in obedience.Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.keep on following Jesus.Notice Paul doesn’t say“work for your salvation,”or “work toward your salvation,”or “work at your salvation.”He says “work out your salvation”.Salvation is a gift from God; it is already ours through Christ. But “working it out” means living it out daily, letting the H.S flow into our actions, attitudes, and relationships.He say continue in obedience..Spurgeon said that ourConversion is a turning into the right road; the next thing is to walk in it.Charles Spurgeon— It is walk of obedience..there is a perseverance in the gospelYears ago, I went to visit my parents in Wales. I flew into Heathrow, took a bus to Birmingham, and then had to catch a train.I had a lot of luggage and had to walk several blocks just to reach the station. \There was a deadline— there was I had to catch the last train out of Birmingham.…Bit of pressure..Fortunately, I made it.But I had to keep moving, step by step, staying focused on the goal.That’s exactly what Paul is saying. The gospel is not a single moment or a one-time decision.It’s a journey of continual obedience.The goal is not perfection, but persistence....We need to keep on walking in the path of righteousness -keep on pursuing God -Keep on fostering the heart of love and compassion towards others …We keep on persevering in the faith ..There is our part and there is a God part……Our part is to imitate Christ..“as we work out out our salvation”—he works in us his will…his character and his nature.. We become Christlike…Obedience is abiding in Christ… inn John 15And as John says when we abide in him and him in us .. “fruit that remains”Paul is saying to the Church.. — Live this Out in a practical ways….He says..Do all things without grumbling… be blameless and innocentThis is sometimes harder than it seems… it is easy to develop a critical spirit..Studies have shown that when we complain, even for just thirty minutes, something happens inside our brains. Researchers at Stanford discovered that repeated complaining actually changes the structure of the brain—it can shrink the hippocampus, the area responsible for memory and emotional regulation., the more we complain, the easier it becomes to keep complaining.Our brains start to rewire themselves for negativity.It’s like walking through a field of tall grass. The first time you walk across it, you have to push through.But walk that same path every day, and before long you’ve created a dirt trail.That’s what happens in our minds when we grumble—it becomes the path of least resistance.Every time we choose to thank God instead of gripe, or praise instead of complaining , we’re cutting a new trail—one that leads toward peace and joy.That’s why Paul says, “Do all things without grumbling.” He knew that complaining it shapes our minds, steals our joy, and dims our witness.Instead, Paul calls us to something better. He says we are to “walk in innocence,” not getting caught up in every negative emotion that swirls around us. keep Christ at the center. Paul says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” That’s where joy lives—in a heart and mind surrendered to Christ.When we do that, something powerful happens:We become lights in the world. Lights that shine where there’s darkness. .conclusionPaul is under house arrest he doesn’t know what is going to happen from one day to the next..—but his heart is full of hope.He’s not worried about his own future; he’s thinking about others—Paul wanted us to know that his and our labor labor is not in vain—that those he led to Christ would keep shining as lights in a dark world.Paul’s message to the Philippians is simpleReal joy comes from putting Christ first..The joy that the Bible promises..has substance..You can’t manufacture it. You can’t fake it.When we live this way, we don’t just have joy— our joy overflows. Philippians 1:1–13ESV
Philippians 2:1–4ESV
John 14:16–17ESV
1 John 4:18ESV
Philippians 2:2ESV
Philippians 2:5–11ESV
Philippians 2:12–17ESV
Richvale Community Church
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