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)

How deep is your belief—and is it strong enough to take you to the highest and hardest parts of the promised life?

Summary: Robert Lewis explores the depth of belief by comparing it to stepping on a scale: life’s challenges and circumstances reflect the truth about our faith. He outlines three levels of belief:

1. Convenience belief – rooted in doing what everyone else does, easily abandoned when faith becomes inconvenient.

2. Comfort belief – centered on the expectation that God exists to make life easy; it fails when life gets hard.

3. Conviction belief – a firmly held, deeply tested faith that endures through both blessing and hardship.

Robert uses the life of Caleb as a vivid picture of conviction lived out. Despite his outsider heritage (a Kenizzite, not ethnically Jewish) and harsh beginnings (his name means “dog”), Caleb exemplifies a faith that fully follows God. He doesn't settle for safe, comfortable ground but boldly asks for and conquers Hebron—the hardest and best part of the Promised Land, still held by giants. Even at 85, Caleb claims it not for ease but because it represents the fullness of God’s promise.

Robert presses listeners to consider: what part of the promised life are you reaching for? The easy lowlands or the hard but beautiful highlands? A life of conviction empowers others, especially the next generation, to follow God courageously. Caleb's faith inspires Othniel, his nephew, who later becomes a deliverer for Israel.

Key Takeaways:

• Faith only at the convenience or comfort level will collapse under pressure.

• Conviction-level belief is anchored in personal acceptance of God’s authority, holy consecration, and reinforcing spiritual confirmations.

• Background isn’t the deciding factor—faith is.

• A life of deep belief blesses others and endures the test of decades.

• The promised life isn’t won in ease; it’s taken through courageous, committed belief.

Scripture References:

• Numbers 13–14 (spying out the land, Caleb’s report)

• Joshua 14:6–14 (Caleb’s request for Hebron)

• Joshua 15:13–19 (Caleb conquers Hebron, Othniel’s courage)

• Judges 3:7–11 (Othniel becomes a judge)

• John 1:12 (adoption into God’s family)

• Galatians 6:9 (“do not grow weary in doing good”)

Suggested Category: Spiritual Growth – The message centers on developing a deeply rooted, enduring faith that moves from mere belief to conviction, with real-life applications for every stage of the Christian journey. Sermon 10.05.03