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

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

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

9/21/2003

Guiding Question: What does it look like when we forget that God means what He says—and how do we recover from the consequences?

Robert Lewis walks through Joshua 7, highlighting Israel’s crushing defeat at Ai following their victorious conquest of Jericho. This defeat, as he shows, came not from military weakness but from spiritual compromise—specifically Achan’s secret sin and Joshua’s failure to consult God. Drawing powerful parallels between Israel’s journey into the Promised Land and the church’s modern spiritual battles, Robert challenges listeners to take sin seriously, understand the corporate cost of personal compromise, and reaffirm that God truly means what He says.

He calls on the next generation of church leaders to rise up with courage and commitment, not just coasting on the past victories of the church but writing a new chapter of obedience and faith. The message builds to the crucial reminder that the presence and power of God cannot dwell where hidden sin is tolerated. But he also offers hope: God’s mercy is available to those who realign, confess, and take bold steps to remove spiritual compromise.

1. New beginnings require new leaders. Just as Joshua succeeded Moses, the church needs a fresh generation to rise up with vision and commitment, not relying on past victories but stepping into present challenges with faith and courage.

2. God means what He says. This is the most important life lesson. God’s instructions aren’t arbitrary—they’re the foundation for life and flourishing. Ignoring them leads to collapse, no matter how successful we seem.

3. Sin, even when hidden, has consequences. Achan’s secret disobedience brought defeat to the entire nation. In the church, one person’s compromise can weaken the whole body.

4. Prosperity can blind us to obedience. After victory at Jericho, both Joshua and Achan slipped—Joshua by failing to consult God, and Achan by taking what God had banned. Comfort can dull our spiritual vigilance.

5. Restoration begins with realignment, confession, and removal. Like Joshua and Israel, we must return to God, name sin for what it is, and decisively remove it—no matter the cost.

6. Churches thrive when everyone participates. Great churches aren’t built by a few committed people—they’re built by a whole congregation stepping up together in obedience and sacrifice.

7. Young leaders must not be soft on sin. The next generation must see obedience not as optional, but as the only pathway to experiencing God’s power and presence.

• Joshua 7 – The sin of Achan, Israel’s defeat at Ai, and the process of uncovering hidden sin.

• Joshua 5–6 – Preparation for Jericho and corporate obedience.

• Joshua 2 – Rahab’s inclusion, showing that anyone who commits to God can be part of His story.

• Joshua 1 – Transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua.

• Verse Highlights:

  • Joshua 7:1 – Achan’s disobedience.

  • Joshua 7:12 – "I will not be with you anymore."

  • Joshua 7:19–21 – Achan’s confession.

  • Joshua 7:24–25 – Removal of Achan.

  • Joshua 7:6–11 – Joshua’s return to God and God’s response.

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

8/31/2003

In today’s episode, we draw four powerful life lessons from the story of Rahab in Joshua chapter 2. First, we’re reminded that God often sends His message through people—He uses ordinary encounters to speak to us in extraordinary ways. Second, every encounter with God brings us to a crossroads: we can respond with faith, or shrink back in fear. Third, real faith is never passive; it acts. Rahab didn’t just believe—she took courageous steps that changed her life. And finally, we learn that faith is always rewarded. When we trust God and follow His lead, He not only delivers us from our past but invites us into a new future. Rahab’s story shows us that one moment of active faith can change everything.

Josh 2

Sermon by Dr. Robert Lewis

6/8/2003

This sermon emphasizes that while Churches may undergo many changes, the focus on equipping believers must never change. Dr. Robert Lewis expresses the importance of having the right spiritual "gear"—both proper resources and supportive people. Equipping means restoring broken lives, preparing believers to live out God's will, and training them to serve. Many people leave the church because they aren't properly equipped early in their faith journey. Dr. Lewis challenges you to take personal responsibility for your growth and to actively seek help and resources. In the end, a fully equipped believer can live a vibrant, fruitful Christian life that blesses others.

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