Guiding Question How do you stand strong and live well when you're spiritually on your own?

Summary

In this message, Robert Lewis draws a parallel between the emotional farewell of parents dropping their child off at college and the apostle Paul’s final words to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 16. These “parting words” from Paul are short but charged imperatives meant to prepare the young, struggling Corinthian believers to live faithfully when left to stand on their own.

Lewis opens by summarizing the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church: educated and gifted, yet immature, morally confused, and spiritually wobbly. Then he unpacks Paul’s five closing exhortations in verses 13–14—urging believers to be spiritually alert, to stand firm in their faith, to be courageous, to draw strength from Christ, and to do everything in love.

Each imperative comes with vivid illustrations and real-world applications. The message concludes with a personal challenge: When you’re spiritually alone—at work, at home, or in a crisis—what’s actually true of you? And if it’s not working, are you ready to become something more?

Outline:

1. Introduction: A Parent’s Parting Words – Connecting college send-offs to Paul’s final exhortations.

2. Snapshot of the Corinthian Church – Gifted but immature, well-taught but not spiritually grounded.

3. Paul’s Parting Words (1 Corinthians 16:13–14):

   • Be spiritually alert – Stay awake to the spiritual realities and threats around you.

   • Stand firm in the faith – Hold fast to historic Christian truth amid cultural drift.

   • Be courageous – Take bold leaps of faith and live for eternal rewards.

   • Be strong (in the Lord) – Draw inner strength from the living presence of Christ.

   • Do everything in love – Let love temper your convictions and your courage.

4. Application Challenge – What is true of you when you’re spiritually alone?

Key Takeaways

• Living the Christian life means learning to stand alone with strength, courage, and clarity.

• Faith requires spiritual alertness in a world filled with subtle and overt threats to your soul.

• You must decide if you truly believe “the faith” (historic Christian teaching)—because you can’t stand firm in what you’re not sure of.

• The Christian journey involves leaping into faith experiences that feel risky but reveal God’s power.

• Inner strength comes not from self, but from Christ alive in you.

• Love must guide all your spiritual practices; without it, truth becomes harsh and courage becomes pride.

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 – Paul’s five imperatives: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong, let all you do be done in love.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 – The Corinthians were spiritual infants.

• Hebrews 5:14 – Mature believers have trained their senses to discern good and evil.

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 – “Stand firm...and hold to the teachings.”

• Ephesians 3:16 – Strengthened with power through the Spirit in the inner man.

• Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

• John 14:23 – Jesus promises to make His home with those who love and obey Him.

Recorded 8/8/04

Guiding Question How much do I give—and what does God's way of giving really look like?

Summary

This message by Robert Lewis confronts the often uncomfortable topic of financial giving in the Christian life. Framed with humor and humility, Lewis opens by acknowledging the tension many feel when giving is discussed, especially in a culture steeped in consumerism. Using the metaphor of an oyster forming a pearl from an irritant, he illustrates how embracing the discomfort of generosity can lead to spiritual transformation.

Lewis unpacks the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10 to highlight the grip that "stuff" can have on our hearts. He then guides the congregation through two core questions: "What is God's way of giving?" and "How much should I give?" He offers seven biblical principles of God’s giving way and addresses common objections, cultural challenges, and personal resistance. Finally, he offers a practical, time-bound challenge to try tithing for three months as a faith experiment.

Outline:

1. Opening Illustration – The draw of material possessions and the irritation of giving.

2. Mark 10: The Rich Young Ruler – A man owned by his possessions, unable to accept Jesus’ call.

3. The Oyster Metaphor – Giving as an irritant that can become a pearl through spiritual transformation.

4. Seven Biblical Descriptions of God’s Way of Giving:

   • Voluntary and from the heart

   • Regular and proportional

   • The first check written

   • Begins now, regardless of circumstances

   • Comes with a promised return (in this life and the next)

   • Declares belief in Jesus’ promises

   • Reflects God's character as a giver

5. How Much Should I Give?

   • It's a personal decision, guided by scriptural examples.

   • The tithe (10%) is presented as a historical and spiritual benchmark.

   • Giving above 10% is shown in every specific example in the Bible.

6. Practical Challenge – Try giving 10% for three months and evaluate the spiritual fruit.

7. Closing Prayer and Encouragement – Inviting listeners to experience abundant life through giving.

Key Takeaways

• Giving is always counter to the flesh; it's an irritant that can produce transformation.

• True biblical giving begins from the heart, not from guilt or pressure.

• Regular, proportional, and faith-first giving are part of God’s design for generosity.

• Scripture does not command a tithe in the New Testament but consistently holds up 10% or more as the example.

• Generosity is a declaration of faith and a reflection of God’s character.

• Practical, faith-filled steps like short-term tithing trials can lead to surprising spiritual and material blessings.

Scriptural References

• Mark 10:17–22 – The rich young ruler’s confrontation with Jesus.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “God loves a cheerful giver.”

• 1 Corinthians 16:2 – Regular and proportional giving.

• Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the Lord with the first of your income.

• 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 – The generosity of the Macedonian churches.

• Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you.”

• 1 Timothy 6:18–19 – Laying up treasure for the coming age through generosity.

• Acts 20:35 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave…”

• Malachi 3:10 – “Test me now in this… see if I will not open for you the windows of heaven.”

Recorded 5/30/04

Guiding Question: What should Christians do when they have a dispute with another believer—and how does our response reflect our spiritual maturity?

Summary: Robert Lewis addresses the growing tendency, both culturally and within the church, to resolve disputes through lawsuits rather than biblical reconciliation. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 6, he critiques the Corinthian church’s behavior—suing fellow believers before secular courts—and parallels it with modern America’s litigious spirit. The issue isn’t legal rights, he explains, but spiritual priorities and witness.

Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians centers on the fact that believers, destined to judge the world and even angels in the coming Kingdom, are settling minor disputes before unbelievers. Robert emphasizes that real-world spirituality demands a higher, kingdom-minded response.

He presents three options for handling legitimate disputes among believers:

1. Court litigation with shame – A believer sues another, damaging relationships and the church’s witness.

2. Church arbitration with wisdom – Mature, trained believers help mediate and resolve conflict honorably within the church.

3. Personal resignation with loss – Willingly taking the loss to uphold the unity of the body and honor Christ.

Robert carefully distinguishes between legitimate disputes and criminal or unrepentant sin. He clarifies that issues like fraud or abuse may require legal action and should not be shielded by misapplying this passage.

He closes by urging listeners to commit: before ever thinking of court, reach out to the church and seek help from trained peacemakers. Not only is this biblical—it’s a path to preserving relationships, protecting the church’s integrity, and experiencing the abundance Christ offers.

Key Takeaways:

• Suing fellow believers over legitimate disputes brings shame and dishonors Christ.

• The church should be the first place we seek resolution through wise arbitration.

• Sometimes, spiritual maturity calls us to willingly take a loss for the sake of unity.

• Criminal actions or unrepentant sin are not covered by this passage and may require legal recourse.

• Practicing real-world spirituality means honoring Christ even in conflict.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 6:1–10 (lawsuits among believers)

• Daniel 7:27 (saints ruling with Christ)

• Matthew 19:28 (disciples judging the tribes)

• Revelation 20:4 (saints reign with Christ)

• Matthew 5:40 (give your cloak also)

• Galatians 6:7–8 (sowing and reaping) Sermon 3/21/2004