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### THIS SUNDAY, December 28, 2025, 10:30 A.M. We will host a Fellowship & Time of Sharing in Person Service combined with an INTERACTIVE. WILL HOST INPERSON CHURCH SERVICES AT THE MANALAPAN SENIOR CENTER, 211 County Rd 522, Manalapan Township, New Jersey (next to the Manalapan Recycle Center)

### THE FORMAT OF THIS SERVICE WILL BE A COMBINATION OF A SERMON WITH INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION AND FELLOWSHIP. YOU ARE ALSO WELCOMED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SERVICE REMOTELY OVER ZOOM.

#### Zoom Meeting Podcast!

## TOPIC:

## Reciprocal Joy in the Faith (Part 4).

## You can also join us on Zoom Meeting click below!

#### CLICK HERE

#### Meeting ID: 856 8178 1850Passcode: 041731

Preview video: https://youtu.be/vz-NIYqHpwU

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
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