Celebrating Others: Joy in God's Transformative Work
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It is a joy to gather and worship our unstoppable and amazing Lord Almighty. Today, we are reminded of the privilege of being on mission for God, whether locally or globally. We had the honor of welcoming our missionary partners, Mark and Kathy Eichis, who are serving in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We prayed for their continued strength and encouragement during their home assignment.
Our focus today is on the joy of celebrating others, as we continue our series on joy from the book of Philippians. We explored Philippians 2:19-21 and 29-30, where Paul speaks about sending Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians. This passage teaches us three key aspects of celebrating others: expecting and desiring God's work in others, putting Christ's interests above our own, and honoring those who have made sacrifices for God's kingdom.
Firstly, we should expect and desire God's work in others. Paul was cheered by the news of God's work in the Philippians' lives, and we too should find joy in seeing God transform others. This joy comes from recognizing that the same God who works in us is also at work in others.
Secondly, we must put Christ's interests above our own. Christ's primary interest is in others, as seen in John 3:16-17. By focusing on the well-being of others and serving them, we align ourselves with Christ's mission. This is exemplified in our upcoming job fair, where we have the opportunity to serve and build relationships with those in need.
Lastly, we should honor those who have made sacrifices for God's kingdom. Honoring does not mean putting them on a pedestal but holding them dear and recognizing their precious contributions. Mark and Kathy Eichis are a prime example of this, having served in Bosnia for 26 years. Their dedication and sacrifice are a testament to God's work through them.
In conclusion, celebrating others brings joy because it reflects God's transformative work, aligns us with Christ's mission, and honors those who have sacrificed for the kingdom. Let us strive to put Christ first in our lives, so we can genuinely celebrate and uplift others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Expect and Desire God's Work in Others: Seeing God transform lives should bring us immense joy. Just as Paul was cheered by the news of God's work in the Philippians, we too should expect and desire to see God's hand in the lives of those around us. This expectation fosters a community of encouragement and spiritual growth. [39:27]
2. Put Christ's Interests Above Our Own: Christ's primary interest is in the well-being of others. By focusing on serving and helping others, we align ourselves with Christ's mission. This selflessness not only benefits those we serve but also brings us closer to the heart of God. [47:26]
3. Honor Those Who Sacrifice for God's Kingdom: Honoring those who have made sacrifices for the kingdom means holding them dear and recognizing their precious contributions. This form of honor is intimate and heartfelt, acknowledging the significant impact of their dedication. [53:57]
4. Celebrate Transformative Work: Celebrating others involves recognizing and rejoicing in the transformative work God is doing in their lives. This celebration is not just about the end result but also about the journey and the growth that occurs along the way. [43:00]
5. Serve with Joy: Serving others should be a source of joy, as it reflects Christ's love and mission. Whether through local initiatives like job fairs or global missions, serving others allows us to participate in God's redemptive work and experience the joy that comes from making a difference. [50:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:01] - Church Announcements
[12:42] - Introduction of Missionary Partners
[14:03] - Prayer for Missionaries
[16:01] - Local Mission Opportunities
[18:03] - Prayer and Worship Transition
[30:10] - Introduction to Sermon Series on Joy
[31:31] - Celebrating Others: Introduction
[33:19] - The Joy of Celebrating Others
[35:06] - Examples of Celebrations
[39:27] - Expecting and Desiring God's Work in Others
[47:26] - Putting Christ's Interests Above Our Own
[53:26] - Honoring Those Who Sacrifice for God's Kingdom
[59:09] - The Ultimate Sacrifice of Jesus
[01:02:09] - Practical Applications for the Week
[01:05:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 2:19-21: "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."
2. Philippians 2:29-30: "So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me."
3. John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express about his feelings towards Timothy in Philippians 2:19-21?
2. According to Philippians 2:29-30, what reasons does Paul give for honoring Epaphroditus?
3. How does John 3:16-17 describe Jesus' mission and interests?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of sending Timothy to the Philippians? What does this reveal about Paul's priorities and concerns?
2. How does honoring those who have made sacrifices for God's kingdom, as mentioned in Philippians 2:29-30, reflect the values of the early Christian community?
3. In what ways does John 3:16-17 illustrate the concept of putting Christ's interests above our own? How can this perspective influence our daily lives?
#### Application Questions
1. Expecting and Desiring God's Work in Others: Think of someone in your life who is going through a spiritual transformation. How can you actively encourage and support them this week?
2. Putting Christ's Interests Above Our Own: Reflect on a recent situation where you prioritized your own interests over helping someone else. How could you have approached it differently to align with Christ's mission?
3. Honoring Those Who Sacrifice for God's Kingdom: Identify a person in your church or community who has made significant sacrifices for God's work. What specific action can you take this week to show them honor and appreciation?
4. Celebrate Transformative Work: Share a story of a time when you witnessed God's transformative work in someone's life. How did it impact your faith and joy?
5. Serve with Joy: Consider a local initiative or mission opportunity, like the upcoming job fair mentioned in the sermon. How can you get involved and serve with joy, reflecting Christ's love and mission?
6. Personal Sacrifice: Reflect on a personal sacrifice you have made for God's kingdom. How did it bring you closer to God, and how can you share this experience to encourage others?
7. Prayer and Expectation: Commit to praying for someone specific this week, expecting and desiring to see God's work in their life. How will you follow up and celebrate with them when you see God's hand at work?
This guide aims to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection, encouraging participants to apply the sermon’s teachings in tangible ways.
Devotional
Day 1: Expect and Desire God's Work in Others
We should find immense joy in seeing God transform the lives of those around us. Just as Paul was cheered by the news of God's work in the Philippians, we too should expect and desire to see God's hand in the lives of others. This expectation fosters a community of encouragement and spiritual growth. When we celebrate the work God is doing in others, we are reminded that the same God who works in us is also at work in them. This shared joy strengthens our faith and builds a supportive community.
Philippians 2:19-21 shows Paul’s eagerness to hear about the Philippians' progress in faith, which brought him great joy. Similarly, we should be attentive and eager to see how God is moving in the lives of those around us. This not only encourages them but also deepens our own faith as we witness God's transformative power.
Philippians 2:19-21 (ESV): "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is experiencing spiritual growth. How can you encourage and celebrate the work God is doing in their life today? [39:27]
Day 2: Put Christ's Interests Above Our Own
Christ's primary interest is in the well-being of others. By focusing on serving and helping others, we align ourselves with Christ's mission. This selflessness not only benefits those we serve but also brings us closer to the heart of God. When we prioritize Christ's interests, we reflect His love and compassion to the world. This can be seen in our upcoming job fair, where we have the opportunity to serve and build relationships with those in need.
Putting Christ's interests above our own means looking beyond our personal desires and focusing on the needs of others. It involves a shift in perspective, where we see serving others as a way to honor Christ. This selfless attitude not only blesses those we serve but also transforms our own hearts, making us more like Christ.
John 3:16-17 (ESV): "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in need this week. How can you put their interests above your own and reflect Christ's love to them? [47:26]
Day 3: Honor Those Who Sacrifice for God's Kingdom
Honoring those who have made sacrifices for the kingdom means holding them dear and recognizing their precious contributions. This form of honor is intimate and heartfelt, acknowledging the significant impact of their dedication. Mark and Kathy Eichis, who have served in Bosnia for 26 years, are a prime example of this. Their dedication and sacrifice are a testament to God's work through them.
Honoring others does not mean putting them on a pedestal but rather appreciating their efforts and sacrifices. It involves recognizing the value of their contributions and expressing gratitude for their commitment to God's kingdom. This acknowledgment not only encourages them but also inspires others to serve with the same dedication.
Philippians 2:29-30 (ESV): "So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me."
Reflection: Think of someone who has made significant sacrifices for God's kingdom. How can you honor and encourage them today? [53:57]
Day 4: Celebrate Transformative Work
Celebrating others involves recognizing and rejoicing in the transformative work God is doing in their lives. This celebration is not just about the end result but also about the journey and the growth that occurs along the way. By celebrating the progress and changes in others, we acknowledge God's ongoing work and encourage them to continue growing in their faith.
Transformation is a process, and celebrating each step of the journey helps to build a supportive and uplifting community. It reminds us that God is continually at work, shaping and molding us into His image. This celebration of growth fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent change or growth you have seen in someone’s life. How can you celebrate and encourage them in their journey today? [43:00]
Day 5: Serve with Joy
Serving others should be a source of joy, as it reflects Christ's love and mission. Whether through local initiatives like job fairs or global missions, serving others allows us to participate in God's redemptive work and experience the joy that comes from making a difference. When we serve with joy, we not only bless those we serve but also experience a deeper connection with God.
Joyful service is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. It shows that serving others is not a burden but a privilege. By serving with a joyful heart, we reflect the character of Christ and inspire others to join in the mission of serving and loving others.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of a way you can serve someone joyfully this week. How can you reflect Christ's love and mission through your service? [50:22]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What's really, really awesome is that we have a God who is a God on mission. And so, because of that, sometimes God calls. He calls us whether to be on mission here or on mission to somewhere else in the world." [11:01] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's really cool because when you're on mission, you are pursuing to advance the kingdom of Christ. You get to see amazing things. You get to be like, God, only you could do something like that." [16:50] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seeing God work in someone's life should be something that brings us joy. How can we call ourselves believers and not get excited when the same thing happens to us? How can we call ourselves believers and not get excited when the same thing that happened to us, God is then doing with other people?" [39:27] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Caring for others' needs that is rooted in Christ's love for them is a joyous thing. That's what Christ did with us. He saw our greatest needs spiritually, and for our well-being, yes, it was ultimately to glorify God and to do the will of the one who sent him absolutely 100%. We also see that Christ did that for our well-being and made a way for us through his life, death, and resurrection on the cross." [52:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus sacrificed beyond words can comprehend so much for you. And he invites you and he desires for you to have a relationship with him. Because that relationship with him, there's nothing greater and there's nothing better than giving your life to the one who paid it all for us." [59:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When it comes to celebrating others, we should be expecting and desiring God's work in others. Timothy says, I also may be cheered when I receive news, or sorry, Paul writes, I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. Paul is expecting that God is doing work in the church of Philippians." [39:27] (93 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When it comes to this joy of celebrating others, a question we need to ask ourselves then, based on this verse, is do you care for other people's well-being? This kind of echoes the same thing. Do you expect and desire God to work in people's lives? But then you take that a step further. It's like, okay, you do that, but then do you actually then, not to simply say it with your mind or believe it in your heart, do you actually take a step of faith and do you actually care for other people's well-being?" [50:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We should be honoring those who have made sacrifices for God's kingdom. We should be honoring them. Now, hold on a second, because sometimes that word honor can mean something that we don't want it to mean. And so when it comes to this word honor that is being used in this passage, it does not mean putting them on a pedestal. This word honor does not mean putting them above everyone else and being like, oh yeah, you're so cool. Oh yeah, you sacrificed for Jesus. Yeah, like stuff like that. We're not talking about that. We're talking about something a lot more intimate." [53:57] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In order to properly celebrate and honor others, we can't do that if we're not putting Christ first with our lives. When it comes to the word joy, like, yeah, joy is talking about a state of being, but when we did the acronym J-O-Y, the first word J, right here, is Jesus. We have to put Jesus first in order to truly celebrate and lift up others in our lives." [01:00:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Is there someone you need to do that with this week? I can't answer any of these things for you. This is between you and your relationship with God. But I just encourage you this morning, this idea of celebrating others. It is a joyous thing. It is a joyous thing to see God work in their life. It is a joyous thing to be able to serve others and point them to Jesus. And it is a joy to hold preciousness to those who have sacrificed for the kingdom because God has used them in mighty ways. It is a joyous thing." [01:04:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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