Guided Question

How can discipline, focus, and a pursuit of divine glory help a Christian run the race of life successfully, avoiding disqualification and achieving spiritual victory?

Summary

In this sermon, Dr. Robert Lewis uses the imagery of ancient Greek athletics to illustrate the Christian life as a race requiring discipline, direction, and a thirst for divine glory. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul’s words about athletes competing for a prize are applied to spiritual growth. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that spiritual victory is exclusive, requires intentional training and direction, and hinges on aiming to please God rather than oneself. Without a clear objective, a Christian risks falling into distraction, indulgence, or disqualification. The sermon challenges listeners to cultivate personal discipline, align their aims with God’s purposes, and pursue spiritual “gold medals” by exercising their gifts for His glory.

Outline

1. Introduction: The Athlete’s Example

   • Story of Theogenes, Greek Olympic champion

   • Greeks’ obsession with athletics mirrors the seriousness of spiritual pursuit

   • Athletic imagery sets the stage for understanding spiritual discipline

2. Exclusiveness of Victory and Truth

   • 1 Corinthians 9:24: Only one receives the prize

   • Truth is exclusive: Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6)

   • Effort and sincerity alone do not guarantee spiritual success

3. Training and Discipline (Verses 25-27)

   • Athletes endure rigorous training; Christians must exercise self-control

   • Discipline complements the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life

   • Personal discipline involves denying worldly pleasures for God’s glory

4. Direction and Purpose in the Race (Verse 26)

   • Run with a clear aim: not flailing or aimless

   • Importance of knowing spiritual gifts and God’s calling

   • Misguided aims (comfort, happiness) lead to ineffective spiritual effort

5. The Danger of Disqualification (Verse 27)

   • Lack of discipline and focus can render a Christian “useless” in service

   • Paul’s warning about being disqualified is a call to vigilance

   • Spiritual failure is not only dramatic but can be subtle (indifference, misplaced priorities)

6. Thirst for Divine Glory

   • Motivation should be God’s commendation, not human approval

   • Faith, discipline, and direction together ensure fruitful Christian living

   • Scripture references highlight the pursuit of God’s pleasure as the ultimate aim (2 Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 3:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-2)

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual victory requires focused effort and cannot rely solely on sincerity or human commendation.

• Discipline is essential for growth and complements the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Knowing one’s spiritual aim and gifts ensures purposeful living and avoids becoming a religious “fanatic” or disqualified servant.

• True Christian motivation is a thirst for divine glory, not comfort, happiness, or human approval.

• Maintaining clarity of aim allows a believer to run with endurance and remain faithful in service to God.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Paul’s athletic analogy for spiritual discipline

• John 14:6 – Jesus as the exclusive way to God

• Proverbs 15:32 – Discipline as a reflection of self-respect

• 2 Corinthians 5:9 – Ambition to please God

• Philippians 3:8-10 – Counting all else as loss to know Christ

• Hebrews 11:6 – Faith is required to please God

• Hebrews 12:1-2 – Running the race with endurance, fixing eyes on Jesus

Recorded 12/13/81

Guided Question

How does Jesus’ identification with humanity through suffering, temptation, and resurrection empower us to reclaim the destiny God originally intended and overcome the fear of death?

Summary

In this sermon from Hebrews 2, Dr. Robert Lewis reminds listeners of the subtle spiritual drift that occurs when we focus on worldly fears and distractions rather than the truth of Christ. The message encourages believers to redirect attention to the hope and power found in Jesus Christ, who restores humanity’s lost destiny through His obedience, suffering, and resurrection. Christ not only experienced the full range of human limitations and temptations but also identifies with humanity, making Him our perfect Savior, high priest, and source of deliverance from the fear of death. The sermon closes with a personal call to invite Jesus into one’s life, experiencing His forgiveness and the fullness of God’s intended destiny.

Outline

1. The Drift Away from Faith (Hebrews 2:1)

   • Modern fears: war, terrorism, crime, economic instability

   • Spiritual drift is subtle but real, like drifting at a beach unnoticed

   • The importance of paying attention to God’s Word to prevent spiritual decline

2. Humanity’s Lost Destiny and Its Restoration (Hebrews 2:5–9; Psalm 8; Genesis 1:28)

   • Adam’s failure resulted in loss of dominion over creation

   • Christ as the Second Adam restores humanity’s intended destiny

   • Evidence of Christ’s power: miracles, healing, authority over creation

3. Jesus’ Suffering and Identification with Humanity (Hebrews 2:9–13)

   • Christ suffered death for all humanity, tasting our sin and limitations

   • Identification with humanity allows Him to call us “brethren”

   • He lived under human limitations, wrestled with faith, and experienced temptation

4. Jesus’ Victory Over the Fear of Death (Hebrews 2:14–15; Mark 4:35–41)

   • Death’s threat is rendered powerless through Christ’s resurrection

   • Fear-driven slavery to the present life is overcome through eternal perspective

   • Christ’s bodily resurrection guarantees hope and eternal life

5. Christ as Our Merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:16–18; 4:15)

   • He gives help to humanity, not angels, fully understanding human struggles

   • Able to sympathize with temptations and provide aid in our times of need

   • Practical implications: we can turn to Jesus in trials and experience His help

6. Call to Personal Faith and Eternal Destiny (Hebrews 2:1–18)

   • Salvation is accessed through faith, not works

   • Invitation to trust Christ, receive forgiveness, and embrace God’s intended destiny

   • Assurance of eternal life through the Holy Spirit

Key Takeaways:

• Spiritual drift can happen quietly; staying rooted in God’s Word prevents it.

• Jesus restores humanity’s lost destiny, offering hope beyond worldly despair.

• Christ fully identifies with human struggles, temptations, and suffering.

• Death’s power is nullified through Christ’s resurrection.

• Jesus is our merciful high priest, able to aid us in every struggle.

• Eternal fulfillment and destiny are accessible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Scripture References:

• Hebrews 2:1–18

• Genesis 1:28

• Psalm 8

• Mark 4:35–41

• Isaiah 8:17

• Hebrews 4:15

Recorded 11/15/81

In a world that insists on personal rights, how can believers willingly surrender their rights to remove obstacles, love others well, and advance the gospel?

Paul’s ministry in Corinth illustrates the power of surrendering rights for the sake of the gospel. In a wealthy and suspicious culture, he chose not to accept financial support from the Corinthians so that no one could accuse him of selfish motives. Instead, he worked freely, exposing false teachers and demonstrating the purity of Christ’s message. Paul explains that he became “all things to all people” — adapting his lifestyle, preferences, and freedoms — to win others to Christ. Ultimately, giving up rights is not about loss, but about gaining purpose: advancing the gospel in others’ lives and experiencing the gospel more deeply in our own.

• Refused Corinthian financial support (1 Cor. 9:12, 18).

• Accepted aid from the Philippians instead (Phil. 4:15–16).

• Showed sincerity in a culture of materialism and profiteering.

1. Strategic Witness – To distinguish the gospel from other profit-driven religions.

2. Expose False Teachers – To “cut off opportunity” for those motivated by greed.

1. Advancing the Gospel in Others

   • To the Jews, he became as a Jew.

   • To those under the law, he lived under the law.

   • To the Gentiles, he adapted to their culture without compromising Christ.

   • To the weak, he became weak.

2. Experiencing the Gospel Personally

   • By surrendering rights, he became a “partaker of the gospel.”

   • True joy comes from joining God’s eternal mission.

• Adapt to people of different backgrounds to build bridges, not barriers.

• Evaluate whether personal preferences hinder gospel witness.

• Recognize that surrendering rights deepens both ministry impact and personal joy.

• Sacrificial ministry builds credibility and removes obstacles to faith.

• Laying down rights often exposes selfish or false motives in others.

• Flexibility in lifestyle opens doors for gospel conversations.

• True satisfaction is found in living for God’s eternal purposes, not personal gain.

• The gospel advances when believers prioritize people’s souls over personal comfort.

• 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18–23 – Paul’s decision to preach without charge and adapt to all people.

• 2 Corinthians 11:7–13 – Refusal of Corinthian support and exposure of false teachers.

• Romans 10:15 / Isaiah 52:7 – “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”

• Philippians 4:15–16 – Philippians’ support of Paul’s ministry.

Recorded 11/8/81

How should Christians balance knowledge, liberty, and love when making decisions that affect others in the community of faith?

In this message, Dr. Robert Lewis examines 1 Corinthians 8, where Paul addresses the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols—a cultural controversy in the Corinthian church. Some believers felt they had the liberty to eat such meat, while others believed it was spiritually wrong, creating tension within the church.

Dr. Lewis emphasizes that knowledge alone—knowing what is biblically permissible—is not enough. Knowledge without love can become self-serving, arrogant, and potentially harmful to weaker believers who struggle with their conscience.

The core principle is that Christian liberty must be exercised with sensitivity and love. Even when one has the right to act, it may be wiser to limit personal freedoms to avoid causing another believer to stumble. Paul models this in 1 Corinthians 8:13, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of others over his own rights. Dr. Lewis also connects this principle to modern controversies—such as drinking, movies, or holiday traditions—showing that the same principles apply today.

Ultimately, Christian freedom is best exercised when it serves God and others, not simply ourselves, fulfilling the law of love as described in Galatians 5.

I. Introduction: Christian Liberty and Controversy

• Context: Corinthian believers debating meat sacrificed to idols.

• Modern parallels: Halloween, Easter, movies, alcohol, lifestyle choices.

• Principle: Being biblically right does not automatically mean acting rightly.

II. Knowledge vs. Love (1 Corinthians 8:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:2)

• Knowledge alone “puffs up” and can justify self-serving actions.

• True liberty requires love for God and concern for others.

• Example: Children arguing using Scripture illustrates knowledge without love.

III. Consideration for Weaker Believers (1 Corinthians 8:7-13; Romans 14)

• Some believers have weak consciences and adverse emotional responses.

• Exercising liberty without regard for them can cause them to stumble or sin.

• Illustration: A new Christian from a Muslim background refrains from eating pork to protect his witness and relationships.

IV. Application of Christian Liberty

• Principle: Prioritize others’ spiritual well-being over personal rights.

• Verse 13: Paul forfeits his rights to prevent causing a brother to stumble.

• Galatians 5:13-14: Freedom should be exercised in love, serving one another.

• Self-reflection: Are my liberties tempered by how they affect other believers?

V. Conclusion

• The Christian life is lived in community; actions influence others.

• Love must guide how knowledge and liberty are applied.

• True freedom is freedom that edifies and protects others.

1. Knowledge without love tends to be self-serving and can lead to arrogance.

2. Christian liberty must consider the impact on weaker believers.

3. Being biblically right does not guarantee acting rightly—love must guide action.

4. Exercising personal freedom should never cause others to stumble spiritually.

5. Paul models sacrificial use of liberty to protect fellow believers.

6. Freedom in Christ is best expressed through serving others in love.

• 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Knowledge, love, and the weak believer.

• 1 Corinthians 13:2 – Knowledge without love is meaningless.

• Romans 14:14 – Nothing is unclean in itself, but is unclean to the one who thinks it is.

• Galatians 5:13-14 – Freedom in Christ should be exercised through love, serving one another.

Recorded 10.25.81

How does Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 shape our understanding of singleness, marriage, and undistracted devotion to Christ, and what practical applications does it have for Christians today?

Dr. Robert Lewis explores 1 Corinthians 7 with a focus on singleness, showing how Paul’s guidance offers both theological insight and practical wisdom. The single life, Paul argues, has distinct advantages over married life, particularly in the ability to devote oneself fully to Christ without divided interests. While marriage is not condemned, the single life allows greater flexibility, opportunity, and focus for spiritual service, and may even be the ideal lifestyle for some. Dr. Lewis emphasizes that singleness should be viewed as a gift and opportunity, not a restriction, and encourages both singles and married Christians to live with eternity in mind, subordinating temporal concerns to their devotion to God. The sermon also touches on widows, showing that older widows who dedicate their lives to Christ serve as examples of purpose and vitality, inspiring the church. Throughout, practical illustrations, historical examples, and anecdotes highlight how undistracted devotion can impact individuals and the broader Christian community.

1. Introduction

   • Recognition of the increasing number of singles in the church.

   • Importance of addressing singles directly (1 Corinthians 7).

2. Paul’s Instructions on Singleness

   • “Now concerning virgins…”: Paul’s opinion is trustworthy, guided by the Spirit.

   • Conditions for remaining single (verses 25–35):

     • Temporal considerations: “present distress” in the first-century church.

     • Theological considerations: “time has been shortened,” eternal perspective prioritizes Christ over marriage.

3. Advantages of Singleness

   • Undistracted devotion to the Lord (verses 32–34).

   • Flexibility and freedom to serve.

   • Opportunity to focus on prayer, study, ministry, and service without divided interests.

4. Practical Illustrations

   • Daily life comparisons between singles and married individuals.

   • Anecdotes emphasizing the freedom and productivity of single life.

   • Historical examples of influential singles (Joseph, C.S. Lewis, John R. Stott, Billy Graham’s mentors, etc.).

5. Conditions for Choosing Singleness

   • Verse 36–38:

     • Control: ability to resist sinful desires.

     • Conviction: firm decision in one’s heart to remain single for undistracted devotion.

   • Marriage is permissible if control or conviction is lacking.

6. Widows and Dedication to Christ

   • 1 Timothy 5:9: Recognition of widows committed to service.

   • Older widows serve as examples of purpose, vitality, and ongoing mission.

7. Conclusion & Practical Application

   • Singles: embrace advantages, focus on God, use time and energy wisely.

   • Married individuals: remember marriage is temporary in light of eternity.

   • Life’s ultimate focus should be Jesus Christ, not temporal concerns.

   • Encouragement to serve God undistractedly, impacting church and world.

• Singleness is a gift and an opportunity for spiritual focus and ministry.

• Marriage is not wrong, but it inherently divides attention between family and God.

• Temporal concerns (career, wealth, social expectations) should not overshadow devotion to Christ.

• Undistracted devotion requires both control over desires and conviction in one’s heart.

• Widows who dedicate their lives to God exemplify purposeful living beyond marriage.

• Historical examples demonstrate the lasting impact of single individuals in God’s kingdom.

• 1 Corinthians 7:1–40 – Paul’s instructions on marriage and singleness.

• Hebrews 10:32–34 – The “present distress” of first-century Christians.

• Matthew 22:30 – Marriage does not exist in the resurrection.

• 2 Peter 3:15 – Paul’s letters recognized as Scripture.

• 1 Timothy 5:9 – Guidelines for recognizing widows dedicated to Christ.

Recorded 10/11/81

How does God want us to view and use our bodies in a culture that either idolizes pleasure or dismisses the body as unimportant?

In this message, Dr. Robert Lewis unpacks Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 6:12–20, addressing the Corinthian church’s misunderstanding of Christian freedom and the body. Influenced by the prevailing Epicurean philosophy—“pleasure is the goal of life”—many in Corinth justified sexual indulgence with slogans like “All things are lawful for me” and “Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food.”

Paul responds by clarifying that while Christians have freedom in Christ, not all things are beneficial, nor should believers be mastered by anything. The body is not a throwaway vessel for pleasure but an eternal instrument designed for the Lord. Because our bodies are members of Christ, sexual immorality is a profound contradiction to our union with Him.

Paul calls believers to flee immorality and reminds them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. True intimacy is not found in physical indulgence but in spiritual union with Christ. The cure for immorality is not legalistic rule-keeping but learning to “think Jesus,” cultivating fellowship with the indwelling Spirit, and glorifying God in body and spirit.

1. Context and Background

   • Paul in Athens and Corinth (Acts 17).

   • Epicurean vs. Stoic philosophies shaping Corinthian culture.

   • Epicurean emphasis on pleasure over truth.

2. Corinthian Misunderstandings of Freedom (1 Cor. 6:12–13)

   • Slogans: “All things are lawful” and “Food is for the stomach.”

   • Paul’s clarifications: Is it profitable? Will it master me?

   • Freedom in Christ is not license for indulgence.

3. The Body’s Eternal Purpose (1 Cor. 6:14)

   • God raised Christ’s body and will raise ours.

   • The body is eternal and central to salvation.

4. Union with Christ vs. Union in Immorality (1 Cor. 6:15–17)

   • Sexual immorality contradicts union with Christ.

   • Contrast: intimacy through merging of bodies vs. merging of spirits with the Lord.

5. The Call to Flee (1 Cor. 6:18)

   • Immorality uniquely sins against one’s own body.

   • Subtle items of immorality: pornography, media, cultural messages.

   • Principle: All things lawful, but not all profitable; avoid what enslaves.

6. The Body as Temple of the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19–20)

   • Believers are bought with a price.

   • The body is God’s dwelling place, meant for His glory.

   • The cure: “Think Jesus” — fellowship with the indwelling Spirit.

• Christian freedom has boundaries: ask “Is it profitable?” and “Will it control me?”

• The body matters to God: it is eternal, destined for resurrection, and united with Christ.

• Sexual sin is unique: it affects the whole person — body, soul, and spirit.

• True intimacy is spiritual: union with Christ satisfies more deeply than physical indulgence.

• The Holy Spirit indwells believers: we are temples, called to glorify God with our bodies.

• The path to purity is not legalism but fellowship with Christ — learning to “think Jesus.”

• Acts 17:16–18 — Paul confronts the philosophies of Athens.

• 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 — Paul’s correction of Corinthian slogans.

• Philippians 4:8 — Think on what is pure and honorable.

• Psalm 101:2–3 — “I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.”

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

Recorded 9/20/81

When conflicts arise with other believers, do I rely on worldly methods of self-preservation, or do I trust God’s Spirit and His people to help me walk in love, humility, and faith?

In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 6, Dr. Robert Lewis addresses the problem of lawsuits among Christians in Corinth. The issue was not simply about legal disputes but about a deeper spiritual problem: the Corinthians had forgotten their theology and were living with a worldly spirit of survival rather than the Spirit-filled life.

Paul reminds the church that theology is not abstract or academic; it shapes everyday life and decisions. Believers are called to live out their future destiny now—managing disputes with wisdom, humility, and a focus on God’s Kingdom rather than possessions or personal rights. Instead of taking one another to court, Paul calls for Christian arbitration or, if necessary, Christian resignation, following the example of Christ who surrendered His rights for the sake of love.

Ultimately, Paul urges the Corinthians to remember who they are: washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ. Forgetting this truth leads them backward into a lifestyle of hopelessness, while remembering it moves them forward toward their destiny as Spirit-filled heirs of the Kingdom.

I. The Problem Identified (vv. 1–6)

• Christians were suing Christians in secular courts.

• Root issue: living as if theology has no place in daily life.

• Lawsuits reflected greed, selfishness, and immaturity in the faith.

II. The Theological Reminder (vv. 2–4, 9–11)

• “Do you not know?” repeated six times—calling them back to forgotten theology.

• Believers will one day judge the world and even angels.

• Christians must live now in light of their eternal destiny.

• To sue one another is to live like those outside the Kingdom.

• Remember your identity: washed, sanctified, and justified.

III. The Practical Solutions (vv. 5–8)

1. Christian Arbitration — seek resolution through wise believers and church leadership.

2. Christian Resignation — if necessary, yield rather than destroy relationships or Christ’s reputation.

IV. The Call to Move Forward (vv. 9–11)

• Do not retreat into sin and hopelessness.

• Live as Spirit-filled people who display God’s love and forgiveness.

• Theology must inform daily relationships and decisions.

• Theology is for life, not just the classroom. Biblical truth is meant to shape our daily decisions and relationships.

• Conflict among believers must be handled spiritually, not through worldly systems. The church is equipped with God’s Word and Spirit to resolve disputes.

• Possessions are never more important than people. Giving in for the sake of love protects unity and honors Christ.

• Remember your identity. We are washed, sanctified, and justified—called to live as heirs of God’s Kingdom.

• Moving forward requires Spirit-filled living. Retreating into selfishness and greed leads to defeat; surrender to the Spirit leads to peace and maturity.

• 1 Corinthians 6:1–11 – Lawsuits among believers and reminder of our identity in Christ.

• Matthew 5:40 – Jesus’ teaching on surrendering possessions rather than fighting.

• Revelation 20:4–6 – Believers’ future destiny to rule with Christ.

• Proverbs 18:19 – The difficulty of restoring an offended brother.

• Acts 18:8 – Corinthians’ baptism as a sign of leaving the old life behind.

Recorded 9/6/81

How does our approach to sin and church discipline reflect the biblical balance between restoration and purity—what does that mean for our local church’s health?

This sermon unpacks 1 Corinthians 5, where the apostle Paul shifts from theology to urgent, practical church governance. Responding to a case of church immorality—incest so shocking it stunned even those outside the faith—Paul calls the Corinthian believers to act decisively. Rather than offer excuses or remain indifferent, they are to remove the unrepentant offender from fellowship. This isn’t punitive isolation, but disciplined redemptive action: "deliver such a one to Satan… that his spirit may be saved." Furthermore, Paul emphasizes collective purity, using the imagery of removing leaven to keep the church spiritually authentic. Finally, he clarifies earlier counsel: not associating with believers who persist in unrepentant sin is an internal call to uphold holiness, not isolation from the world. Discipline, inherently difficult, remains necessary for spiritual health—both for the individual and the body.

1. Introduction: Immorality Report (1 Cor 5:1–2)

   • A case of incest within the church, unbelievers scandalized.

   • Paul rebukes the church’s arrogance and failure to mourn or act.

2. Biblical Protocol: The Four-Steps of Discipline (Matt 18:15–17)

   • Private confrontation.

   • Witness-supported confrontation.

   • Church involvement.

   • If unrepentant, treat as an outsider.

3. Executing Discipline: Delivering to Satan (1 Cor 5:3–5)

   • The church assembles under Christ’s authority.

   • Removing fellowship allows the flesh to collapse and hope for a repentant return.

4. Purifying the Church: The Leaven Metaphor (1 Cor 5:6–8)

   • A little sin influences many; the church must cleanse itself to live in sincerity and truth.

5. Clarifying Association: Not a Call to Isolation (1 Cor 5:9–13)

   • Previous instruction misunderstood: avoid unrepentant members, not unbelievers.

   • "Not even to eat with" expresses social separation to maintain gospel integrity.

   • Christians must judge within, leaving final judgment of the world to God.

• Church discipline is redemptive, not merely punitive. It’s about waking the conscience, not casting aside.

• Spiritual integrity matters corporately. Tolerating unrepentant sin invites decay—“a little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

• Love and truth are not opposed. Protecting the purity of the church body is an act of mercy.

• Distinguish between the world and the unrepentant believer. We engage the world with grace but must guard the church with discipline.

• 1 Corinthians 5:1–13 – The case at Corinth, discipline, leaven metaphor, clarity on association.

• Matthew 18:15–17 – The four-step process for confronting sin in the church.

• 1 Corinthians 4:6 – Warning against exceeding what is written (human reasoning over Scripture).

• 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 – Works tested by fire; foundation choices have eternal consequences.

• Luke 15 (Prodigal Son) – Cultural illustration of spiritual realization following separation.

Recorded 8/23/81