Sermon Sketch for Sunday, April 20

Fruitful Labor, Joy, and Progress
Why sharing our lives helps us grow in our faith.

Readings:
OT - Psalm 128
NT – John 15:1-8

Sermon Text: Phil. 1:22-26

INTRO:
Valley’s Mission:
Seeking, Sharing, and Serving
Valley’s Fellowship:
Fruitful Labor, Progress, Joy

Together: Fruitful in Labor

Philippians 1:22-25a 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you…” A. Life is for bearing fruit.
B. You are one of the reasons I would want to stay in this world.
C. What are the ways to build friendships and get connected at VCC?

Together: Progressing in Faith

Philippians 1:25
25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith…
A. Our fellowship has the continuous purpose to build up.
B. Our fellowship should stimulating mutual progress in the faith.

Paul’s exhortations to build up each other:
1 Thes. 5:11 / Romans 1:11,12 / Romans 15:1,2 / 1 Corinthians 14:12 / Ephesians 4:11-16

Together: Overflowing in Joy

Philippians 1:25b-26 25b I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.
A. We contribute to the joy in each others lives.
B. The joy of Christ can flow out of our lives and into the world around us.
C. Real joy is found in Christ Jesus.

Don’t go to church. Be the church! Work together, make progress in your faith, and overflow the joy of Christ.