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

Guided Question

How firmly is your spiritual foundation built on Jesus Christ, and are you living according to the biblical blueprint for faith and maturity?

Summary

This sermon focuses on the foundational truth of the Christian faith as laid out in Galatians 1, emphasizing that the gospel Paul preached came directly by revelation from Jesus Christ and is not based on human opinion or cultural trends. True spiritual life and maturity start with a personal response to who Jesus is—His death, resurrection, and role as the only hope for eternal life. The church must continually return to this foundation to avoid spiritual decline and carnality. Believers are called to build carefully on this foundation with faithfulness to biblical truth, knowing that their works will be tested by God’s judgment and rewarded accordingly. Every believer’s daily choices have eternal significance, and spiritual growth requires intentional attention to Scripture and God’s revealed will.

1. Introduction: The Gospel’s Divine Origin (Galatians 1:11-12)

   • Paul received the gospel through revelation, not from man.

   • The gospel foundation is Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.

2. The Foundational Question: How Do You Become a Christian?

   • Many have incorrect or incomplete answers.

   • True salvation is a personal response to Jesus Christ.

3. The Danger of Substituting Works for the Savior (Galatians 1:6)

   • Churches and individuals can drift away from the gospel.

   • The foundation must be clearly understood and continually emphasized.

4. The Need to Follow the Biblical Blueprint Carefully (Galatians 1:10)

   • Spiritual maturity is built on biblical revelation, not cultural ideas or feelings.

   • Don’t “exceed what is written.”

5. Divine Evaluation and Eternal Rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

   • Believers’ works will be tested by fire; only those built on Christ will remain.

   • Rewards vary based on faithfulness.

   • A warning against focusing on temporary or worldly things.

6. Conclusion: Self-Examination and Commitment

   • Are you focused on the foundation?

   • Are you committed to living by God’s word and serving others?

   • Be aware of the coming divine evaluation and live accordingly.

• The gospel is not man-made but received directly through Jesus Christ’s revelation.

• Salvation and spiritual life start with a personal trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection as the only hope.

• Many misconceptions about becoming a Christian do not address this foundational truth.

• Churches and believers can become spiritually lifeless when they replace the gospel with works or cultural norms.

• Spiritual growth requires disciplined adherence to Scripture and biblical principles.

• God will judge the quality of each believer’s work, and eternal rewards will vary.

• Daily life and choices have eternal significance—faithfulness matters.

• Self-examination is vital: Are you building your life on Christ’s foundation?

• Galatians 1:10-12 — The gospel received by revelation, not from man.

• Galatians 1:6 — Warning against deserting the gospel for another.

• Galatians 2:2 — Paul’s focus on “Christ Jesus and Him crucified.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 — The divine evaluation of each believer’s works.

• Romans 10:17 — “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Implied in the sermon)

• Revelation 1:14 — Reference to Christ’s eyes like flames of fire in judgment.

Recorded 8/16/81

Have I genuinely embraced spiritual maturity, or am I still living under the drives of spiritual infancy or willful carnality?

Dr. Lewis examines the essential difference between indwelling and control by the Holy Spirit, challenging believers to evaluate the authenticity of their faith. Using 1 Corinthians 3 and Romans 8, he differentiates between the “babe in Christ” (spiritually immature but growing) and the “carnal Christian” (willfully fleshly despite time invested in the faith). Through Scripture and a powerful personal testimony, he warns of the emotional emptiness—pain, numbness, and futility—that accompanies a spiritual walk dominated by the flesh. The message ends with a heartfelt appeal to pursue the “spiritual life”—marked by spiritual disciplines, transformation, and true peace—rather than settling for milk or stagnancy.

• I. Life in the Spirit vs. the Flesh (Romans 8:9–14)

  • Distinguishing believers by the presence of the Spirit.

  • The call to put sin to death and live as God’s children by the Spirit.

• II. Spiritual Infancy vs. Carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1–3)

  • Infants in Christ: Growing, learning, not yet spiritually mature.

  • Carnal Christians: Willfully controlled by the flesh, not progressing spiritually.

• III. The Inner Struggle: A Testimony

  • A young believer’s heartfelt confession of spiritual emptiness and conflict.

• IV. Maturity Through Discipline (Hebrews 5:12–14)

  • Moving from milk to meat requires practice, discipline, and spiritual training.

• V. Final Challenge (Romans 8:5–6)

  • Choosing between a mindset of the flesh (death) and a mindset of the Spirit (life and peace).

• True spiritual maturity is more than surviving—it’s being Spirit‑controlled, not just Spirit‑indwelt.

• Spiritual infancy is forgivable, but prolonged carnality reflects a serious choice of the flesh.

• Emotional and spiritual emptiness among believers can reveal deep internal conflict.

• God calls us to train our spiritual senses through disciplined practice and obedience.

• Peace, purpose, and transformation come when our minds are set on the Spirit, not the flesh.

• Romans 8:9–14 – Life in the Spirit vs. life in the flesh.

• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 – The contrast between spiritual infancy and carnality.

• Hebrews 5:12–14 – The call to grow from spiritual milk to solid food.

• Romans 8:5–6 – The consequences of mindsets set on the flesh versus the Spirit.

Recorded 7/19/81

Have I truly experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or am I relying on tradition, emotion, or head knowledge to define my faith?

Summary

This message challenges believers to discern whether their faith is authentic by examining the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. While many claim Christianity by upbringing or verbal confession, true salvation is marked by the indwelling Spirit. The Holy Spirit alone illuminates Scripture, produces spiritual fruit, convicts of sin, and assures us of our relationship with God. Without Him, even the most disciplined religious life remains empty. Dr. Lewis concludes with a call to self-examination and surrender, emphasizing the Spirit-led life over rote religious practice.

• I. Introduction: Surface-Level Christianity

  • The Word of God cannot be fully grasped without the Spirit.

  • New believers often exhibit a spiritual hunger that signals true faith.

• II. A Testimony of Real Conversion

  • A man uninterested in church suddenly desires the Bible after salvation.

  • His hunger reflects the Holy Spirit’s work, not mere human curiosity.

• III. What Marks True Salvation?

  • Outward confession alone is not the biblical evidence of salvation.

  • Jesus did not trust all who claimed belief (John 2:23–25).

  • Nicodemus believed in Jesus but still lacked the Spirit (John 3:1–7).

• IV. The Holy Spirit: God’s Seal and Guide

  • The Spirit is God’s down payment and assurance of redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14).

  • The absence of the Spirit means one is not Christ’s (Romans 8:9).

  • The Spirit leads, confirms our adoption, and gives us intimacy with God (Romans 8:14–16).

• V. Counterfeit Faith Exposed

  • Cultural or passive faith can mimic genuine faith but lacks transformation.

  • True faith includes repentance, desire to know God, and fruit of the Spirit.

• VI. Academic Religion Without the Spirit

  • Even seminary or Bible teaching can become dead without the Spirit’s presence.

  • Intellectual pursuit does not equal spiritual transformation.

• VII. Final Call: Examine Yourselves

  • Paul calls believers to test whether they are truly in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).

  • Signs of the Spirit include fruit, conviction, guidance, and internal witness.

• The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the clearest evidence of genuine salvation.

• Verbal confession or church involvement does not equal spiritual rebirth.

• Only the Spirit can bring Scripture to life and guide us into God's will.

• Intellectual knowledge without the Spirit leads to spiritual dryness and pride.

• Believers should regularly test their faith and examine whether spiritual fruit is evident.

• True Christian living flows from the Spirit, not performance or habit.

John 2:23–25 – Jesus did not entrust Himself to superficial believers.

John 3:1–7 – Nicodemus is told he must be born again by the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:13–14 – The Holy Spirit is the seal and pledge of our inheritance.

Romans 8:9 – Anyone without the Spirit does not belong to Christ.

Romans 8:14–16 – The Spirit leads and testifies that we are God’s children.

2 Corinthians 13:5 – Believers are commanded to examine themselves.

Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit as the evidence of transformation.

1 Corinthians 2:10–16 – The Spirit reveals and interprets the deep things of God.

Recorded 6/28/81

Guiding Question What does it mean to "die to self," and why is it essential for experiencing the power of Christ in the Christian life?

Summary

This message centers on the theology of the cross—particularly the believer’s need to die to self in order to experience the resurrection life and power of Christ. Drawing from Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians, the sermon emphasizes that surrender, not self-effort or religious performance, is the path to spiritual vitality. Through biblical exposition and a vivid personal story, Dr. Lewis argues that true Christian transformation occurs when we lay down our lives and live by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Outline

I. The Theological Foundation (Romans 6:5–13)

• Believers are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection.

• “Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God” (v. 11).

• Do not let sin reign in your mortal body; live free through Christ.

II. Paul’s Strategy in Corinth (1 Corinthians 2:1–5)

• Paul chose not to use clever speech or worldly philosophy.

• He focused solely on preaching “Christ and Him crucified.”

• Corinthian culture mirrors modern American culture—immoral, materialistic, prideful, yet spiritually empty.

III. The Cost of Discipleship (Mark 8:34–35)

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.”

• Resurrection life is not possible without first dying to self.

• Many desire God's blessings, but not at the expense of personal surrender.

IV. Illustration from Personal Experience

• A difficult trip to Israel revealed the limits of human strength and leadership.

• When the speaker finally surrendered to God amid exhaustion, he experienced supernatural peace and strength.

• The turning point came only after fully dying to self.

V. Paul’s Personal Struggle (2 Corinthians 4:7–12)

• Paul ministered in physical weakness, fear, and trembling.

• Despite suffering and persecution, he continued by dying daily to himself.

• His weakness became a vessel for Christ’s power and life to shine through.

VI. The Real Source of Power (1 Corinthians 2:5)

• Faith must rest not in human wisdom, but in the power of God.

• Christianity is not merely intellectual or theoretical—it is transformational.

Key Takeaways

1. You must die to self to live in Christ.

   • There is no spiritual power without surrendering your will.

2. Christian mediocrity often stems from self-centeredness.

   • We desire spiritual benefits without laying down our lives.

3. Resurrection power follows crucifixion.

   • We cannot know the power of Christ’s life without embracing His death.

4. Paul modeled this principle in weakness and suffering.

   • His effectiveness came from his daily crucifixion of self.

5. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

   • The end of self is the beginning of God's strength (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Scriptural References

Romans 6:5–13 – United with Christ in death and life; dead to sin, alive to God.

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ…”

Mark 8:34–35 – Take up your cross and follow Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 – Paul’s preaching: not in wisdom, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 3:3 – “You are still fleshly…”

2 Corinthians 4:7–12 – Dying to self so Christ’s life may be revealed.

Galatians 4:13 – Paul preached due to illness, revealing physical weakness.

Recorded 6/21/81

Is your spiritual pride keeping you from needing a Savior?

Dr. Lewis walks listeners through 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 and 6:9–11, exposing our pride and self-sufficiency. He highlights how God intentionally chooses “the foolish, weak, and despised” to shame the world’s strong and proud. Using vivid biblical examples (Corinthian slaves, thieves, adulterers, homosexuals) and contemporary illustrations (a homecoming queen realizing a humble girl has what money can’t buy), he challenges us to consider: What blocks us from embracing God on His terms? Pride or self-righteousness?

Then, through 1 Corinthians 1:30, Dr. Lewis shows how Christ becomes wisdom from God—giving us:

1. Righteousness – our legal standing before God

2. Sanctification – spiritual transformation

3. Redemption – ultimate hope beyond death

He contrasts the inadequacy of philosophy (“wishology”) and psychology with the life-changing wisdom of Christ.

Finally, quoting Jeremiah 9:23–24, he ties it all together: true boasting is not in our wealth, wisdom, or power—but in knowing and understanding God.

1. The Paradox of God’s Choice (1 Cor. 1:26–31)

   • God chooses the weak and foolish to shame the strong

   • Illustrations from Corinth and modern life

2. Breaking Spiritual Pride

   • Matthew’s Beatitudes: “poor in spirit”

   • William Barclay: “can do nothing” -> real Christianity begins

3. God’s Methods to Reach Us

   • Crisis

   • Emptiness

   • Holy Spirit’s quiet tug

4. Christ: God’s Wisdom in Us (1 Cor. 1:30)

   • Righteousness

   • Sanctification

   • Redemption (eternal perspective)

5. Why We Should Boast in God

   • The emptiness of philosophy and psychology

   • Jeremiah’s command: boast only in knowing God

6. Invitation & Response

   • Personal challenge: Is pride keeping you from Christ?

   • Prayer invitation for forgiveness and new life

• Pride blocks access to God; spiritual poverty opens the door.

• God’s “foolish” servants highlight His power, not ours.

• True wisdom comes from embracing Christ’s righteousness, transformation, and hope.

• Philosophy and psychology may analyze life—they cannot redeem.

• Real boasting is in knowing God’s character and pursuing relationship, not achievements.

• 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 – God chooses the weak and foolish

• 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 – “And such were some of you…”

• Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit

• 1 Corinthians 1:30 – Christ as our wisdom

• Jeremiah 9:23–24 – Boast only in knowing the Lord

Recorded 5/17/81

Guided Question

In what ways do I view the message of the cross as "foolish"—and how might God be inviting me to experience its transforming power instead?

Summary

Dr. Robert Lewis explores the paradox of the Christian faith: the message of the cross—foolishness to the world but power to those being saved. Using Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians and a story from Isaiah, he shows how human wisdom repeatedly fails to answer life’s deepest questions. Only through Christ's death and resurrection do we find forgiveness, purpose, and power to live differently. The message is not just theoretical—it changes lives.

Outline

1. Introduction

   • Prayer and welcome to visitors

   • Reflections on the presence of God

2. Two Responses to the Cross

   • Story: restaurant encounter shows contrasting reactions to the gospel

   • 1 Corinthians 1:18—"The word of the cross is foolishness to the perishing"

   • Greek word mōria (foolishness, absurdity)

3. God’s Plan for Man

   • Humanity was created for relationship with God

   • Sin as rebellion and separation

   • Only Christ’s sacrifice restores us to God

   • This gift must be personally received

4. Israel’s Mistake: Trusting Egypt, Not God

   • Isaiah 29–30: Historical context—Assyria threatens Jerusalem

   • Israel turns to Egypt instead of repenting

   • God rebukes their reliance on human power

   • Miraculous deliverance follows Hezekiah’s surrender to God

5. Application: When You’re Out of Options

   • We, like Israel, often exhaust all options before turning to God

   • C.S. Lewis: God is not proud—He stoops to conquer

6. The Failure of Human Wisdom

   • Paul asks, “Where is the wise man?”

   • Human wisdom has not improved the human condition

   • Churchill quote: knowledge grows, but virtue does not

7. Real Power: The Gospel Transforms Lives

   • Augustine: from sinful living to radical transformation

   • Gospel isn’t just a theory; it brings power

   • God’s kingdom is about transformation, not just words

Key Takeaways

1. The Cross Offends Human Pride The message of a crucified Savior seems absurd to the self-sufficient and proud.

2. God’s Plan Inverts Human Expectations Salvation comes not through strength, but through what appears weak and foolish.

3. There Is Only One Way Back to God The cross is God's exclusive and sufficient plan for reconciliation.

4. Transformation Is the Evidence Faith in Christ results in real life change, not just new beliefs.

5. God Waits for Our Desperation God often allows us to run out of options so we can finally turn to Him.

6. Skepticism Is Real—But So Is the Evidence From personal stories to archaeology, the gospel is rooted in both power and truth.

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 – The contrast between the foolishness of the cross and God’s power

• Isaiah 29:14 – “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise...”

• Isaiah 30:1–3 – Rebuke of Israel’s alliance with Egypt

• Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone astray...”

• Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death...”

• Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else...”

• 1 Corinthians 4:20 – “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.”

Recorded 4/19/81

Guided Question

Which of the four "Christian parties" do I naturally lean toward—and how might that strength become a weakness if not balanced by the full truth of Christ?

Summary

In 1 Corinthians 1:10–17, Paul addresses divisions in the Corinthian church, where members aligned themselves with various Christian leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and even Christ. The sermon explores how each group represented a legitimate spiritual emphasis but became distorted when isolated. The Paul group overemphasized grace (libertarianism), Apollos’s group prioritized intellect (intellectualism), Cephas's followers clung to rules (legalism), and those claiming Christ alone often became overly spiritual (spiritual elitism).

The key message is that each party held a portion of truth, but apart from one another, those truths became exaggerated and divisive. Unity in the body of Christ requires humility, mutual submission, and a cross-centered life where self-interest is surrendered to Christ.

Outline

1. The Context of Division (1 Corinthians 1:10–13)

• Paul appeals for unity, calling out the division caused by loyalty to different leaders.

• Central question: “Has Christ been divided?”

2. The Four "Parties" in Corinth

a. Pauline Party – Libertarians

• Emphasis: Grace and freedom.

• Strength: Trust in God’s forgiveness.

• Weakness: Abusing freedom and excusing sin.

b. Apollos Party – Intellectuals

• Emphasis: Wisdom, eloquence, and theology.

• Strength: Serious study and reflection.

• Weakness: Pride, indecision, and superiority.

c. Cephas (Peter) Party – Legalists

• Emphasis: Action, tradition, and decisiveness.

• Strength: Moral clarity and conviction.

• Weakness: Simplistic solutions, rigidity, legalism.

d. Christ Party – Spiritualists

• Emphasis: Direct spiritual revelation.

• Strength: Deep devotion and divine dependence.

• Weakness: Lack of accountability, subjectivism.

3. Application to Practical Issues in the Church

• Each group interprets key issues differently based on its core lens:

  • Speaking in tongues

  • Church discipline

  • Eating and drinking

  • Role of women

• These interpretations reveal how imbalance fosters division.

4. The Call to the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:17)

• Paul reminds the church that he came to preach the gospel, not to gain followers.

• The gospel is centered on the cross—self-denial, unity, and Christ-centered living.

• The cross should draw believers together, not push them apart.

Key Takeaways

1. Every group held part of the truth—but partial truth, when isolated, becomes distortion.

2. Unity in the church does not mean uniformity, but mutual submission and love.

3. The cross is the ultimate model of self-denial—it unites, humbles, and transforms.

4. Mature believers listen, reflect, and respect others before reacting.

5. Divisions in the church often arise from personal pride, not pure theology.

6. Real spiritual maturity is marked by a willingness to die to self and live for others.

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 1:10–17 – Paul addresses divisions and calls for unity.

• Philippians 2:3–5 – Consider others more important than yourself.

• Galatians 2:11–14 – Paul confronts Peter about falling into legalism.

• Philippians 3:4–9 – Paul counts all accomplishments as loss for Christ.

• John 17:20–23 – Jesus prays for the unity of His followers.

• Romans 14:1–13 – Do not judge each other in matters of personal conviction.

• Ephesians 4:1–6 – Maintain unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

• Luke 9:23–24 – Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.

Recorded 4/5/81