Richvale Community Church
Sunday, November 23 2025
- Good morning!Do you ever make the same mistake over and over again?I have confession - I do..Our fridge at home has a little quirk: the sensor doesn’t really work. I’ll set my glass down, walk away for a second… and before I know it—look back and water spilling out.And I was only gone two seconds!And the funny—or sad—thing is, I never learn.At this point, I’m honestly starting to wonder:If it’s me or the sensor, that is the problem?When something overflows, It gets our attention. you notice it..This is what we find in the book of Philippians..Paul is writing from prison in Rome, living under house arrest. His circumstances are anything but easy—he’s chained, confined, and recovering from an illness.The church in Philippi even sent Epaphroditus to care for him, and while serving Paul, he became sick and nearly died.This is all happening behind the scenes..Yet when you read the text , you don’t hear despair… and despondency.. you hear joy. You hear a mans heart is overflowing with confidence in Christ.Philippians is soaked in joy—Paul mentions joy or rejoicing over 15 times, and at least twice in every single chapter.His life overflows with grace,an with peace.This morning, going to see that his life also Overflows with abundance..In Philippians chapter 4, Paul wants the church to understand that the life we have in Christ is abundant life..Paul experienced this for himself…he had been living out what Jesus promised during his ministry…The same abundance Jesus offered to the Samaritan woman in John 4.Paul himself had drunk from living water that fully satisfy the deepest part of his own heart..Paul had experienced..the promise that Jesus gave John 10:10, when he said .. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”Paul, in his Epistles, picks up that same theme of abundance— he uses the word 26 times — It is one of his favorite words..in-fact he liked it so much that modifies the word —When he speaks about abundance… he added the prefix word “Hyper” or super and .. creates a compound word to express the full meaning of abundance.. He talks God grace being super abundant towards himHe used it again in Ephesians 3:20–21
Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV 20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,…Paul didn’t have to say “ to him who is able to do far more abundantly” He could’ve just used the word , “abundant.”But instead he piles up three words: Hyper (beyond) Ek (out of) Perissos (overflowing)Paul stretches word abundance — to its limit — God abundance is limitless.. … he is Super abundant..The Lord is limitless in His power, His mercy, His grace, His compassion, and in the way he answers Prayers.When the Bible speaks of abundance, it is never about greed. It’s never about hoarding.It’s never about personal accumulation.It is always about God’s blessings flowing flowing towards us, and then flowing through us into the lives of others.Paul then says that God operates according to His power that is an work in us… In other words…His blessings are always for our personal growth and transformation…Blessings work form the inside out.. When we are blessed , He does incredible and marvelous things in and then through us….In our text in Philippians 4, Paul is going to show us that abundance begins in the thoughts, moves into the heart, and expresses itself through our actions.T/s How do we tap into the Overflow of God’s abundance?We do it by…1. Growing In the quality of Our Thoughts.The mind is an incredible thing!Scientists have been working on the Human “Connectome Project” , where they are mapping every neural connection in the brain.They deeper they dig, the more astonishing things become..They have discovered the average human brain has 86 billion neurons, all communicating through over 100 trillion connections.If you tried counting them one per second, it would take millions of years to finish.In other words, there is whole universe that exist just in our brains! Thats is Amazing ..And that’s just the hardware. Neuroscience shows we process 50,000–70,000 thoughts every single day—2,000–3,000 per hour, or roughly 33–50 per minute..Throughout history, people have recognized the incredible power of the mind—and they’ve linked our thoughts to the outcomes of our lives.it goes All the way back toPlato and Aristotle (around 400–322 BC), the great philosophers taught that character is shaped by the mind.Centuries later, during the Roman Empire, Marcus Aurelius (121–180 AD)—both emperor and philosopher—reflected on the same truth. In his work … Meditations.. he wrote:“The most important things in life are the thoughts you choose to think.” — Marcus AureliusFor thousands of years, wise thinkers have understood that our thoughts shape our character, our decisions, and ultimately the lives we live.But this is not a new insight.Long before any of them, Solomon declared the same truth in Scripture:Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”And again:Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.”The world has been saying this for centuries—God said it from the beginning.In our text in Philippians 4, PAUL is going to deal with importance of what we think…This teaching actually grows out of conflict in the church.At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul addresses a situation between two prominent women—Euodia and Syntyche.We aren’t given many details, but we do know this: they had labored side by side with Paul in the work of the gospel. These were faithful, godly women—but even faithful people can collide.And it’s into that moment of tension that Paul gives the instructions we’re about to read.Let’s read our text.Philippians 4:2–3 ESV 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.Apparently, this disagreement had been going on for some time—and it was beginning to affect the wider church. so Paul steps in—not to shame anyone, but to guide the church back toward unity and peace.He gives instructions to Epaphroditus to help these Woman when he returns to Philippi with this letter..Paul highlights two essential truths:1. Deal with conflict quickly. The longer a disagreement sits, the more it grows. Time rarely heals conflict; it usually deepens it. The quicker we address it, the easier it is to reconcile.2. Seek peace. Paul calls these women—and the whole church—to pursue peace intentionally. Peace doesn’t happen automatically; it must be chosen, nurtured, and protected.He expound on this in the next verse....Philippians 4:6–7 ESV 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Paul used a negative command—“Do not be anxious about anything.”The Bible often uses negative statements to show us what to avoid… so we develop the righteous practices..The word for “anxious” literally means to be in two minds…Paul is saying: don’t be double-minded. Don’t let worry pull your thoughts drive you in every directionHave you noticed…Even the smallest concern can produce panic if we let it take control.Jesus points out in theSermon on the Mount“Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or drink… Which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25–27)Instead,“ seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)Paul says instead of worrying worship..he points us to prayer…He says that we are bring our concerns to God in prayer, with supplication and thanksgiving,And thr peace of God will guard your heartsIn stead of being a prisoner of fear you will ..surrounded by peace!The Bible describes three aspects of God’s peace:Peace from God – His gift and grace…Peace with God – restored relationship through salvation…when we are reconciled to God by his grace through Faith..The peace of God – a supernatural peace that surpasses understanding,Peace comes from prayer..it through prayer that God changes our thinkingPaul continues in Philippians 4:8–9Philippians 4:8–9 ESV 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.Paul calls the church brothersThese are friends and partners —he includes himself, recognizing that life includes struggles, failures, and sorrow. Paul says..Instead of following every negative headline,ever negative report… Look for what is positive, uplifting, and commendable.. , whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, excellence,worthy of praise,in other words.See Gods super aboundance…see his limitless..He can do more than we ask or think…our imagineWhen we deliberately focus on things that build us up—kindness, generosity, beauty, virtue—our minds set the tone for an abundant life.Paul not only teacher it he models it:Philippians 4:8–9 ESV 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.When Paul’s says follow me..He is not boasting.He is showing us how to live.. Paul doesn’t claim perfection; he demonstrates a life of wrestling with truth, living out faith, facing highs and lows, yet consistently following Christ.T/s How do we tap into the Overflow of God’s abundance? How do we live from a place of abundance instead of scarcity?We do it by…1. Growing In the quality of Our Thoughts.2. Growing in Our Sense of Contentment.There’s an iconic Charlie Brown cartoon that perfectly captures the struggle we all face with life.Lucy has set up her familiar little counseling booth, charging 5¢ for advice. She tells Charlie Brown, “Life is like a deck chair.” Curious, Charlie asks, “How so?”Lucy explains that some people place their chairs on the deck of a boat, looking back at all that has already happened,while others sit facing forward, focused on what lies ahead. Charlie sighs and admits, “Well, I can’t even get mine open.”Have you noticed is that discontentment happens when you focus on the wrong things?Sometimes it is on the things that you don’t have.. What we lack…We lack friendshipsWe lack financesWe lack sense of worthThe list goes on… Abundance says you have everything you need in Christ… Everything else is the icying on Cake…Paul says.. look for things to be grateful for…Philippians 4:10–13 ESV 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.Paul chooses to look for God’s abundance and blessing..Paul’s says..I rejoice greatly… in how the church had supported and prayed for him.. when they could.Paul understood that there were times when this was difficult.Paul clarifies and says - He is not complaining — He is not trying to get more sympathy… Just being thankful..Paul says he had learned contentmentIt is not automatic; it must be learned. God teaches contentment through life’s changing seasons so we depend on His divine enablement.Paul says heHe learned the lesson of Contentment..Paul is not promoting stoicism, which was prevalent in his day. Stoicism taught people to control their emotions, detach from circumstances, and eliminate feelings.Paul isn’t saying, “Act like everything is fine,” or, “Shut down your emotions.” He’s saying something very different.Stoics tried to find contentment through willpower;Paul found it through Christ.Contentment is more than happiness. It’s a deep, steady peace that rises above circumstances. The word “content” means “contained”—having inner resources so full that outside pressures can’t shake you.True contentment means fullness, abundance, and sufficiency—not the quantity of what you have, but the fulfillment of your desires in God.And this strength doesn’t come from us; it comes from Christ in us.Because we are in Christ, He fills us with His strength in every situation—whether we have much or little.Biblical contentment involves our whole person:• Mind — trusting God’s promises and His control. • Emotions — experiencing joy and peace regardless of circumstances. • Will — choosing to rely on God instead of ourselves.That is the contentment Paul learned—and the contentment Christ gives.Here is the key difference between Paul and Stoics.. The Stoics said: ‘I will learn to be content by a deliberate act of my own will.Paul said vers13 I can do all things through Christ, who infuses his strength into me.The amplified bible.Philippians 4:13 AMP 13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].Paul had experienced both prosperity and hardship.He knew that God works in both.Economic systems rise and fall, governments change, societies face crises—but God sustains His people.Contentment is trusting God’s providence whether you have abundance or are walking through need.Transition: So how do we tap into the overflow of God’s abundance? How do we live from abundance instead of scarcity?We do it by…1. Growing In the quality of Our Thoughts.2. Growing in Our Sense of Contentment.3.Growing in the Practice of Generosity.Over the past 30-plus years of ministry, Pam and I have seen God’s generosity and blessings in countless ways. There were times when we stepped out in faith and simply trusted God — the big moments… but also in the small moments too.the past 14 years I have seen God sustain us and our church over and over again..H is grace continues…being poured out..This is been part of our DNA …we planted 3 churches from our church..Orland ..Chico and paradise…church..And continues today through supporting missionaries.. and the word here in Richvale..The church at Philippi wasn’t perfect — but they were generous. They were a conduit of blessing.This is what Paul says..Philippians 4:14–18 ESV 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.Paul points back to the beginning —when the church supported him from the early days, after he fled the area ten years earlier.The church at Philippi had shared in his troubles, sending gifts even when they themselves had little.Their generosity was sacrificial..Paul say that their giving was a spiritual act of worship.Jesus taught the same thing..about giving out of our need..In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus was sitting across from the temple treasury, quietly observing as people came to make their offerings.Day after day, many wealthy men and women approached, dropping in large sums of money. Their gifts were impressive, and they drew attention as they gave.Then a poor widow came forward. She didn’t have a purse full of coins or a gold bag to impress anyone. She had just two small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.With a humble heart, she dropped them into the treasury. It was all she had.Jesus called His disciples over and said,this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”The rich had given from their surplus, their abundance. But she had given everything she had to live on.This the heart of generosityGiving is not merely a financial exercise—it is an act of spiritual worship, a tangible acknowledgment that all we have comes from God.Paul writes in Philippians 4:17“Philippians 4:17 ESV 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.Paul was not seeking gifts—he was seeing the fruit that generosity was producing in the church.Generosity is about fruitfulness..Jack McDowell and Phil Needham, in their book There Is More to Life Than Making a Living, write:“Generosity emerges from recognizing the undeserved good we’ve received and involves stepping outside our private universes into a larger world of service.This includes not just sharing resources, but also practicing forgiveness—a generosity that heals.”Jack McDowell and Phil NeedhamGenerosity is closely tied to forgiveness.Generosity not only provides…in brings healing.. is interesting that a verse that is often used for giving is actual ly in the context ofIn Luke 6:38 Jesus says:“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”speaks of the generosity of forgiveness.And if you look at the context, Jesus is talking about judging others and forgiving. When we are generous with forgiveness, we make room for God’s blessing to flow back into our lives.ConclusionGod abundance is available for us… we don’t be satisfied with the little of the least..I was reading a story about a family who visited the Grand Coulee Dam. When they arrived, they were surprised to find the visitor center completely dark. No lights. No displays. Nothing was working. There was no power.Here’s the striking part: the Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydroelectric producer in the United States,generating more than 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity every year—enough to power two million homes.Yet the visitor center, sitting just a few hundred feet from all that power, was completely unpowered. How can something be so close to such an enormous source—and not be plugged in?Here is the thing.. God offers an overflow of blessing, provision, and presence,yet so often we live disconnected from the very power He wants to pour into our lives.So how do we live from abundance instead of scarcity? We stay plugged into God, and we practice these three things:1. Growing in the quality of our thoughts. The more our thoughts align with Him, the more we recognize the abundance He’s already given.2. Growing in our sense of contentment. Contentment isn’t having everything—it’s trusting that God is enough.3. Growing in the practice of generosity.God’s abundance, His joy, and His glory are all around us.Let’s stay connected. Let’s live fully plugged in. And let His overflow transform us—and the people arround us... Ephesians 3:20–21CSB
Philippians 4:2–3CSB
Philippians 4:6–7CSB
Philippians 4:8–9CSB
Philippians 4:10–13CSB
Philippians 4:13CSB
Philippians 4:14–18CSB
Philippians 4:17CSB
Richvale Community Church
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