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

Guiding Question: What kind of spirituality actually works in real life—and how do the cross and the Holy Spirit make it possible?

Summary: Robert Lewis dives into the heart of “real-world spirituality” through Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2. Speaking to the sophisticated, style-obsessed Corinthians, Paul came not with flair or polished rhetoric but with a plain and simple message centered on Christ crucified. His lack of impressive speech was deliberate—it was the cross, not charisma, that carried power.

Robert unpacks two essential pillars of life-transforming faith:

1. Deeply Embrace the Cross – Real spirituality starts with dying to self. Without the cross, compromise creeps in, and spiritual growth stalls. Like the Corinthians, many believers today live forgiven but powerless lives because they resist the daily dying that unleashes resurrection power. Robert illustrates this with compelling stories—from a man who found freedom and generosity after surrendering financial control, to a broken father-son relationship healed by humility and repentance. The point: no death, no power. But on the other side of the cross is life, healing, and glory.

2. Deeply Engage the Holy Spirit – Beyond self-denial, real spirituality includes a dynamic, intimate partnership with the Holy Spirit. He reveals God’s thoughts to us, offers conviction, direction, and encouragement, and empowers discernment. Without the Spirit, believers grow spiritually dull, operating like a spiritual rover on Mars—barely receiving God’s signal. But with the Spirit, believers gain wisdom, spiritual insight, and intimacy with God.

Robert closes with two reflective questions for listeners:

• Where do you need to die to yourself?

• Do you want to be closer to God?

He urges listeners to begin each day by surrendering to the cross and inviting the Holy Spirit in—plain and simple.

Key Takeaways:

• Real spirituality isn’t flashy—it’s crucified and Spirit-filled.

• Without dying to self, we will always compromise God’s best.

• The cross leads to spiritual power, freedom, and relational healing.

• The Holy Spirit enables daily intimacy with God and insight for living.

• Mature believers experience both the cost and the glory of following Christ.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 2:1–16 (Paul’s plain message and reliance on the Spirit)

• 2 Corinthians 10:10 (criticism of Paul’s unimpressive presence)

• Mark 8:34 (Jesus on taking up your cross)

• Galatians 2:20 (being crucified with Christ)

• Malachi 3:10 (tithing and God’s promise)

• 1 Corinthians 3:1–2 (immature believers)

• Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 2:14 (power in Christ) Sermon 1/25/2004

Guiding Question: Where is the fear of failure holding you back—and what does real success look like in God’s eyes?

Summary: Robert Lewis unpacks the paralyzing effect of the fear of failure and how it can quietly dominate and define our lives. He opens with a dramatized workplace scenario and a personal story about the film Jaws to illustrate how fear—especially the fear of failing—can sabotage even our noblest ambitions, opportunities, and God-given callings.

Using the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), Robert shows that the servant who buried his talent did so out of fear. That fear led to lost opportunities, diminished personal growth, and ultimately, loss of what he had. The message is clear: a fear-driven life doesn’t stay static—it shrinks.

Robert identifies five key sources that stir the fear of failure:

1. Personal pessimism – underestimating God and overestimating our limitations.

2. Exaggerated observations – seeing challenges through the distorting lens of fear.

3. Concern over others' opinions – fearing how we’re perceived more than what God desires.

4. Overwhelming obstacles – allowing Goliath-sized fears to bully us into inaction.

5. False definitions of success – confusing worldly approval with spiritual triumph.

He counters this by redefining success based on Deuteronomy 30:

• Loving God

• Obeying His Word

• Courageously pursuing His inspired dreams

Finally, Robert offers four sources of courage to overcome fear:

• Knowing God is with us

• Trusting that God will help us

• Believing we will succeed in God's terms

• Asking others to pray for us

The message concludes with a call for vulnerability and community prayer, encouraging those burdened by fear to stand and receive support.

Key Takeaways:

• Fear of failure can sabotage God's call on our lives.

• Real success is defined by faithfulness, not worldly accolades.

• The risk of obedience leads to growth, joy, and greater spiritual capacity.

• Courage is inspired through God’s presence, strength, and community.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 25:14–30 (Parable of the Talents)

• Exodus 3:11; 33:12–15 (Moses' calling and fear)

• Joshua 1–2 (spies and differing perspectives)

• 1 Samuel 10 & 17 (Saul’s fear; Goliath’s challenge)

• Deuteronomy 30:15–20 (true definition of success)

• Philippians 4:13 (strength through Christ)

• 2 Corinthians 2:14 (God leads us in triumph)

• 1 Thessalonians 5:25 (Paul asks for prayer)