The meeting of Grace Christian Church. We meet in person and stream services every Sunday at 10:30 AM EST in Manalapan, New Jersey.
"Reciprocal Joy in the Faith" Overall Theme
- This is the 4th message in a series on the Book of Philippians, where "joy" appears 7 times.
- Joy is defined as a deep, enduring state of gladness and peace from the Spirit of Christ.
- Focuses on Philippians 2:12-18, emphasizing reciprocal joy through spiritual growth and sharing in faith.
Paul's Motto and Christian Living
- Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
- Believers cannot live the Christian life on their own; only Christ can live it through them by allowing Him to do so.
- Adopt Christ's attitude (Philippians 2:5): Emptied, humble, surrendered to God's will, seeking conformity to Christ's image.
Purpose in Ministry
- Mirror Christ's earthly ministry (Luke 4:18-19): Preach the Gospel, proclaim release to captives, heal, and proclaim grace.
- For post-cross believers, the Spirit of Christ is within as the source; purpose remains the same but empowered internally.
- Apart from Christ, nothing spiritually fruitful is possible (John 15:5); growth comes from God.
Pathway to Spiritual Joy
- Working Out (Philippians 2:12-15):
- Work out salvation with fear and trembling—not through legalistic efforts, but by allowing God to work within for His good pleasure.
- Fear refers to resisting God and living from self, not punishment; yield to God's will to conform to Christ's image.
- Do all things without grumbling; result: Appear as blameless lights in a crooked world.
- Not "Christian law" (e.g., mandatory church attendance), but resting in God's love under the New Covenant of Grace.
- Holding Fast (Philippians 2:16):
- Grip tightly to the "word of life" (Christ as source of spiritual life and the Gospel that gives life to others).
- Referenced in other Pauline writings (e.g., 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Colossians 2:19: Hold fast to Christ as Head of the Church).
- Leads to growth from God; avoids loss of sanctification (not salvation).
- Warning: Law-keeping doesn't produce growth; depend on Christ internally for fruits of the Spirit, including joy.
- Sharing Joy (Philippians 2:17-18):
- Paul, facing potential death (poured out as a drink offering), rejoices and shares joy with the Philippians.
- Urges reciprocal sharing: "I'll share my joy with you, and you'll share yours with me."
- Joy is the 2nd fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); arises from maturing in faith through God's work and holding fast.
Prayer and Application
- Prayer: Renounce self-dependence, embrace crucifixion of self-life, offer oneself for God's purposes, seek full formation of Christ's life within, and experience/share Spirit's fruits like joy.
- Discussion prompt: Break out for sharing revelations on adopting Christ's attitude.
Final Summary Statements
- Working out is allowing God to work within.
- Hold fast to Christ as life and the Gospel for others' life.
- Share joy reciprocally in faith.
- Pathway: Working Out → Holding Fast → Sharing Joy.
