Joy In Spite of ‘Crazy People’

Written By Pablo O'Connor

Shepherd Church Simi Valley

Pastor Caleb Walden

September 1, 2024

Powered by Ministry-notes.com

Main Sermon Topics

Joy in Spite of Circumstances

  • Foundational Idea: How we think determines what we become.

  • Key Concepts: Mindset and joy are interconnected; both are mentioned 16 times in Philippians.

  • Homework Assignments:

    • Practice gratitude daily.

    • Read the Book of Philippians once a week.

Joy in Spite of Crazy People

  • Mind Shift 1: Elevate others above yourself.

    • Scriptural Basis: Philippians 2:1-4.

    • Key Points:

      • Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.

      • True joy is found in serving others, not in self-promotion.

      • Jesus as the ultimate example: He stepped down from divine privileges to serve humanity.

  • Mind Shift 2: Stop being a grump.

    • Scriptural Basis: Philippians 2:12-15.

    • Key Points:

      • Grumbling and arguing are counterproductive.

      • Believers should shine like stars by living joyfully and without complaint.

      • God is in control, and His purposes will prevail.

Action Items

  • For Congregation:

    • Engage in daily gratitude practices.

    • Read Philippians weekly.

    • Serve others and elevate them in daily interactions.

    • Avoid grumbling and arguing to maintain a positive witness.

Follow-Up

  • Invitation for New Believers: Encouraged those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus to do so.

  • Prayer and Support: Offered prayer for those struggling with grumpiness or other issues.

  • Baptism: Opportunity to arrange for baptism.

Closing Prayer

  • Focus: Asking God to guide the congregation to be people of joy and to shine like stars in their community.

  • Gratitude: Thankfulness for the access to joy and God through Jesus' sacrifice.

Conclusion

  • Dismissal: Encouraged attendees to live out the teachings and return next week.

Biblical References

  • Philippians 2:1-4 – The passage emphasizes the importance of humility, unity, and valuing others above oneself. Paul urges believers to be like-minded, sharing in love, spirit, and compassion.

  • Philippians 2:5-8 – This section highlights the example of Jesus, who, despite being equal with God, humbled Himself by becoming human and dying on the cross. This serves as a model for Christians to live selflessly.

  • Philippians 2:12-13 – Paul encourages believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing that it is God who works in them to fulfill His purposes.

  • Philippians 2:14-15 – Paul commands the believers to do everything without grumbling or arguing so they can be blameless and pure, shining like stars in a warped generation.

  • Matthew 10:39 – "Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." This verse connects to the theme of humility and self-abandonment.

  • Colossians 3:23-24 – This passage reminds believers to work for the Lord, not for human masters, knowing that they will receive an inheritance from the Lord as their reward.

These verses were used to emphasize humility, joy, and the mindset of putting others above oneself, reflecting Christ's example.

Pablo O'Connor