Robert Lewis Sermons

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

Guided Question

How can we move beyond merely possessing spiritual gifts and knowledge to experiencing a daily, intimate fellowship with Jesus that transforms our lives?

---

Summary

The message highlights the spiritual condition of the Corinthian church, which had been richly blessed with grace, teaching, spiritual gifts, and the hope of Christ’s return, yet struggled to live out a truly transformed Christian life. Their sainthood was based on calling, not conduct, revealing that true Christian identity depends on relationship with Christ, not personal merit. The key issue was a lack of intimate, daily fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus, which is essential for godliness and effective Christian living. The message challenges believers today to examine their own fellowship with Christ as the foundation for a vibrant, powerful faith.

---

Outline 

• Introduction: The Reality of Our Calling

  • We are saints by calling, not by conduct (1 Cor. 1:2)

  • Conduct often falls short, but calling is the foundation

• The Spiritual Wealth of the Corinthians

  • They had grace (1 Cor. 1:4)

  • They were enriched with knowledge and speech (1 Cor. 1:5)

  • They had every spiritual gift (1 Cor. 1:7)

  • They eagerly awaited Christ’s return (1 Cor. 1:7-8)

• The Tragic Gap: Lack of Changed Lives

  • Despite all blessings, their lives did not reflect transformation

  • They failed to develop a real, intimate fellowship with Jesus

• The Key to Christian Life: Fellowship with Christ (1 Cor. 1:9)

  • God calls us into communion, communication, partnership with Jesus

  • True godliness flows from daily fellowship and obedience

  • Without this, spiritual gifts and knowledge remain ineffective

• Application: Self-Examination and Encouragement

  • Are we living in daily fellowship with Jesus?

  • Is our faith more than ritual or knowledge?

  • Fellowship fuels godliness and spiritual power

• Conclusion

  • An impressive beginning does not guarantee spiritual maturity

  • Intimate fellowship with Christ is the key to fulfilling our calling

---

Key Takeaways

• Sainthood is a position by calling, not by our behavior or merit.

• Spiritual gifts, knowledge, and hope are valuable but not sufficient alone.

• Intimate, daily fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus is essential for real transformation.

• Without genuine communion with Christ, spiritual life becomes weak and ineffective.

• True Christian living requires ongoing relationship and obedience to Jesus, not just rituals or knowledge.

• Regular self-reflection on our fellowship with Christ can help us grow in godliness.

---

Scriptural References

• 1 Corinthians 1:2 — Saints by calling, not by conduct

• 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 — Grace, knowledge, gifts, and hope of Christ’s return

• 1 Corinthians 1:9 — Called into fellowship (koinonia) with Jesus Christ

• John 15:5 — "I am the vine; you are the branches..."

• 1 John 1:6 — Fellowship with Him and walking in darkness is a lie

Recorded 3/15/81

Guiding Question:

How can believers remain faithful and passionate in their walk with Christ from beginning to end, especially when facing hardship, cultural opposition, or spiritual fatigue?

Summary:

In this powerful and pastoral message, the speaker challenges Christians not just to begin well in their faith journey but to finish strong. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:1–8, the sermon highlights Paul's final exhortations to Timothy, urging him to preach the Word, endure hardship, fulfill his ministry, and do the work of an evangelist. It offers a contrast between faithful endurance and spiritual dropout, emphasizing the value of perseverance and commitment in a world eager to embrace falsehood over truth.

The message is both a call to spiritual endurance and a warning against cultural myths that divert believers from the truth. Using stories, illustrations, and scriptural insight, the speaker paints a vivid picture of a life fully poured out in service to God—encouraging all believers to evaluate where they stand and recommit to a long obedience in the same direction.

Outline:

I. Starting Strong in Ministry (2 Timothy 4:1–2)

• Charge to preach the Word

• Be ready in and out of season

• Reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience

II. Challenges to Faithfulness (2 Timothy 4:3–4)

• The time will come when people reject sound doctrine

• Desire for “ear-tickling” teaching

• Accumulation of false teachers according to personal desires

• Turning aside to myths

III. Call to Endure and Fulfill Your Ministry (2 Timothy 4:5)

• Be sober-minded

• Endure hardship

• Do the work of an evangelist

• Fulfill your ministry

IV. Examples of Faithful Finishing (2 Timothy 4:6–8)

• Paul’s life as a drink offering

• “I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith”

• Anticipation of the crown of righteousness

V. Contrast Between Starters and Finishers

• Many start strong but fall away

• The difficulty of sustaining enthusiasm and discipline

• Cultural distractions and spiritual attrition

VI. Application and Encouragement

• Personal reflection on spiritual growth and perseverance

• Avoiding superficial Christianity

• Staying excited about the faith and sharing the gospel

• Learning from older saints who have finished well

Key Takeaways:

• Preaching the gospel is often hard and may lead to rejection, but we are still called to be faithful.

• Evangelism is work, not just an occasional event left to professionals.

• The Christian life requires endurance, especially when truth becomes inconvenient or unpopular.

• Our culture increasingly rejects sound doctrine in favor of comfort and self-justification.

• Many drop out of faith not for intellectual reasons but because they refuse to change their lifestyle.

• Paul serves as a model of finishing strong, having kept the faith through trials and ultimately receiving the reward.

• Believers should strive not only for a passionate start but for a lifelong commitment that finishes well.

Scriptural References:

• 2 Timothy 4:1–8

• Acts 14:19–20 (Paul stoned at Lystra)

• Jeremiah 5:30–31 (False prophets and people’s delight in lies)

• Isaiah 8:19 (Warning against seeking mediums instead of God)

• Romans 12:1 (Living sacrifices)

• Philippians 3:12–14 (Pressing on toward the goal)

• Romans 1:25 (Exchanging the truth for a lie)

• Eugene Peterson’s book: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction

Recorded 2/22/81

Guiding Question

What does it look like for Christianity to transform our lives in real ways?

Summary

Dr. Robert Lewis challenges Christians to move beyond mere theology and live lives marked by spiritual transformation. Drawing on Ephesians 4:25–32, he identifies five clear indicators that the life of God is present in us:

1. Promptly resolving anger

2. Rejecting sin and resisting Satan’s foothold

3. Working to give rather than simply get

4. Speaking words that build up others

5. Extending forgiveness as we have been forgiven

Through vivid anecdotes—such as the pastor’s personal struggle with unresolved anger and domestic statistics—and practical reflections, Dr. Lewis urges us to ask: is our Christianity evident in our daily actions?

Outline

1. Ephesians 4:26 – “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

   • Acknowledge righteous anger but resolve it daily to prevent bitterness.

2. Ephesians 4:27 – “Do not give the devil an opportunity.”

   • Reinforces the danger of unresolved conflict as a foothold for evil.

3. Ephesians 4:28 – “Let him who stole steal no longer… so he may have something to share.”

   • Introduces a proactive ethic of work used to bless others.

4. Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no unwholesome talk proceed from your mouth… good for edification.”

   • Contrasts decayed speech with timely words that uplift and heal.

5. Ephesians 4:31–32 – “Forgiving each other… just as in Christ God forgave you.”

   • Calls us to live forgiven lives by forgiving others, reflecting the cross.

Key Takeaways

• Unresolved anger poisons relationships and opens the door to deeper sin and spiritual attack.

• Generosity, not self-centered labor, is the hallmark of a Christian work ethic.

• Words have power—they either groom community or corrode it.

• Forgiveness is non-negotiable for Christians; if we’ve been forgiven so much, we must forgive in return.

• Transformation matters—a faith that doesn’t change us remains merely theoretical.

Scriptural References

• Ephesians 4:25–32

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19

• Proverbs 15:23

• James 2:17

Recorded on 2/15/81

Guiding Question

How can we find lasting meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in life amidst its fleeting nature and inevitable struggles?

---

Summary

This message explores the fundamental human struggle with meaning, purpose, and direction in life. Drawing from the wisdom of Moses in the Psalms, it reveals the emptiness and futility of life lived apart from God, marked by fleeting achievements, adversity, and ultimate regret. It calls listeners to recognize the limitations of worldly pursuits and encourages them to seek a life anchored in God — a life characterized by a lasting perspective, a lasting relationship, and lasting labor. The message emphasizes that only through God can we find a truly fulfilling life that endures beyond this temporal existence.

Outline:

1. The Reality of Life’s Decline and Futility

   • Life’s days “decline” like a sigh, full of sorrow and labor (Psalm 90:9-10).

   • Without God, life ends with regret, lost glory, and forgotten achievements.

   • The irony that people fail to connect life’s emptiness with being apart from God.

2. Moses’ Prayer for a Lasting Perspective (Psalm 90:12)

   • Asking God to teach us to number our days wisely.

   • The importance of seeing life through God’s truth rather than worldly illusions.

   • Perspective governs our priorities and how we live.

3. Moses’ Prayer for a Lasting Relationship (Psalm 90:13-15)

   • All human relationships are temporary; only God offers a limitless relationship.

   • God’s promise to return to those who return to Him (Malachi 3:7).

   • The daily satisfaction that comes from experiencing God’s lovingkindness like manna.

4. Moses’ Prayer for a Lasting Labor (Psalm 90:16-17)

   • The desire for work that has eternal significance, not just temporal success.

   • The problem of busy lives focused on fleeting, self-centered tasks.

   • The call to invest in God’s kingdom and people, producing fruit that lasts beyond our lifetime.

5. Conclusion and Invitation

   • Encouragement to reflect on one’s life epitaph—will it say “this was not it” or “everlasting life”?

   • Call to stop “playing church” and to live a real, committed Christian life.

   • Invitation for those feeling lost to seek God’s lasting fulfillment.

   • Closing prayer for transformation through God’s presence.

---

Key Takeaways

• Life apart from God is ultimately futile and marked by regret.

• We need God to teach us a lasting perspective to live wisely and purposefully.

• A true, lasting relationship with God is the only permanent human relationship.

• Our work and labor should aim for eternal significance, building God’s kingdom.

• Daily satisfaction and fulfillment come from recognizing and embracing God’s lovingkindness.

• It is never too late to turn to God and find a life that truly lasts.

• Reflecting on the legacy we leave behind should motivate us to pursue what matters eternally.

---

Scriptural References

• Psalm 90:1-17 — The entire passage of Moses’ prayer, focusing on life’s brevity, human frailty, and God’s eternal nature.

• Malachi 3:7 — God’s promise to return when His people return to Him.

• John 8:32 — “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

• Ecclesiastes 12:1 — “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth.”

• Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand.”

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 — “Let him who boasts, boast in this: that he understands and knows Me.”

Recorded 12/28/80

Guiding Question

How can Christians face doubt, maintain assurance in their faith, and grow spiritually through intentional community and perseverance?

---

Summary

This message addresses the natural experience of doubt among Christians and emphasizes that doubt itself is not wrong. What matters is how one deals with doubt—whether one faces it, seeks answers, and allows it to strengthen faith or lets it weaken assurance. Drawing on the example of Francis Schaeffer, the speaker shows that even radical doubters can emerge with a radical faith when they confront their questions head-on.

The message exhorts believers to “draw near to God” and “hold fast” to the hope and promises of the Christian faith, especially amid the pressures and challenges of everyday life. It warns against a lukewarm, half-assured faith that holds back full commitment.

The speaker highlights the vital role of Christian community in this process. True spiritual growth happens not just in isolated worship but in regular gatherings where believers encourage, stimulate, challenge, and hold one another accountable. The Christian assembly is characterized by consideration, stimulation (even irritation), and encouragement, all aimed at producing love and good deeds.

Without this intimate fellowship, spiritual life becomes impaired, and the subtlety of sin can harden the heart. Finally, the message calls listeners to examine their lives, seek assurance through Christ, and commit to both a personal and communal expression of their faith.

---

Outline

1. Acknowledging Doubt in the Christian Life

   • Doubts are normal and common

   • Importance of addressing doubts rather than ignoring them

   • Example of Francis Schaeffer’s journey through doubt to assurance

2. Assurance of Faith and Holding Fast

   • The necessity of full assurance to live confidently in faith

   • The promises of God and the pressures of the world

   • The call to “draw near” and “hold fast” to God and His promises

3. Christian Community: Meeting to Minister

   • The purpose of Christian assemblies: consideration, stimulation, encouragement

   • The dangers of isolated faith and superficial meetings

   • The role of accountability, intimacy, and mutual challenge

   • The balance between loving encouragement and necessary correction

4. Application and Challenge

   • Are you meeting regularly in meaningful fellowship?

   • Are you allowing others to stimulate and encourage you?

   • Reflect on your assurance and relationship with God

   • Invitation to accept Christ and enter confidently into God’s presence

---

Key Takeaways

• Doubt is natural, but must be confronted to avoid spiritual stagnation or erosion of faith.

• Full assurance in God’s promises is crucial to living a confident and committed Christian life.

• Christianity is either true and effective or it is not; believers must test their faith honestly.

• Holding fast means tenaciously clinging to God’s promises despite worldly pressures.

• Regular, intimate Christian fellowship is essential for spiritual health, accountability, and growth.

• Christian meetings are not just routine gatherings, but opportunities to stimulate and encourage each other toward love and good deeds.

• Spiritual growth requires both encouragement and challenge within community, not just passive attendance.

• If you haven’t accepted Christ or feel unsure, the way to assurance is through faith in Jesus’ work on the cross.

---

Scriptural References

• Hebrews 10:22-25 (drawing near to God, holding fast the confession of hope, meeting together to encourage)

• Psalm (implied reference to worship in nature)

• Various references to the promises of God (forgiveness, power, new purpose)

• Hebrews 3:13 (encouragement to encourage one another daily, lest any be hardened by sin)

Recorded 12/07/80

Guiding Question

How can we cultivate true humility in our lives to experience God’s peace, grace, and blessing, especially when faced with the pressures of having things “our way”?

---

Summary

This sermon explores the struggle of pride and self-will, highlighting how trying to have life “our way” leads to weariness, conflict, and emptiness. It presents the biblical principle of humility as a solution, focusing on Peter’s teaching in 1 Peter 5:5-7. The message unfolds the three-fold process for developing humility: bowing under God’s mighty hand, resting by casting our anxieties on Him, and expecting God’s blessing at the proper time. Through this process, believers learn to surrender control, trust God’s timing, and live in harmony with others and the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual growth and unity.

Outline:

1. The Problem of Pride and Self-Will

   • The weariness of insisting on “my way”

   • How pride causes tension in personal and church relationships

   • The danger of a competitive, self-focused mindset

2. Peter’s Call to Humility (1 Peter 5:5-7)

   • Clothe yourself with humility of mind

   • Humility as cooperating with God’s will, not pushing our own

3. The Three-Fold Process of Humility

   • Bow: Submit your will to God’s plan and purpose

   • Rest: Cast all anxieties and worries on God because He cares

   • Expect: Trust in God’s perfect timing for blessing and exaltation

4. Living the Process

   • The struggle with “what if” fears after deciding to humble ourselves

   • God’s care and desire for us to respond rightly

   • The importance of patience and faith in God’s “proper time”

   • Illustration of the man who found someone to worry for him (God)

5. Encouragement and Invitation

   • God’s promise to exalt those who humble themselves

   • A call to surrender and experience true rest

   • Prayer for unity and love within the church

---

Key Takeaways

• Pride and insisting on having things “our way” leads to conflict, weariness, and spiritual emptiness.

• True humility involves a deliberate process: bowing our will to God, resting in His care by casting anxieties on Him, and expecting blessing at His appointed time.

• God cares deeply about our struggles and wants us to respond rightly, even when life is difficult.

• Trusting God’s timing requires faith and patience; blessings and changes may take time to appear.

• Humility fosters harmony in personal relationships and within the church, reflecting Christ’s character.

• Casting our worries on God frees us from burdens and empowers us to live peaceably and faithfully.

---

Scriptural References

• 1 Peter 5:5-7 — The core passage teaching humility: bowing under God’s mighty hand, casting anxieties on Him, and trusting His care.

• James 4:6 — “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Implied in the sermon’s theme)

• Philippians 2:3-4 — Valuing others above ourselves, putting others’ needs before our own (supporting the humility and unity message)

• Matthew 11:28-30 — Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him, echoing the rest theme.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trust in the Lord and submit to His way, supporting the bowing process.

Recorded 11/23/80

Guiding Question

What does biblical leadership look like, and how should elders in the church lead with the right spirit, motivation, and manner?

---

Summary

This message explores the nature of spiritual leadership as taught in the New Testament, particularly focusing on the role of elders in the church. It warns against common corruptions of leadership—seeking power, privilege, and recognition—and contrasts these with the humble, servant-hearted leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ.

The sermon unfolds in several parts:

1. The Perils of False Leadership Motivations

   • Leaders tempted by personal power, privilege, and recognition

   • Jesus’ strong condemnation of such attitudes in Matthew 23

2. The Proper Motivation for Eldership

   • A genuine eagerness to serve others, not to exalt self

   • Caring, guiding, admonishing with a servant’s heart

3. The Right Manner of Leadership

   • Leading by example, not intimidation or coercion

   • Authority is earned through godly living worthy of imitation

4. The Role of the Senior Pastor

   • Jesus Christ as the ultimate Senior Pastor

   • Elders as His associates fulfilling His commands

5. The Responsibility of Those Led

   • To know, appreciate, and imitate their leaders

   • To follow with trust and confidence in their godly example

6. Encouragement for Leaders and Congregation

   • Leaders humbly seeking God’s strength

   • Congregation embracing their role in supporting leadership

---

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is not about personal gain: The desire for power, privilege, or recognition perverts the office of elder.

• Servant leadership is essential: Elders must lead with a heart to serve others eagerly and selflessly.

• Authority comes from example: Elders lead by living lives worthy of respect and imitation, not by demanding obedience.

• Jesus is the true Senior Pastor: All church leaders are His representatives, serving under His authority.

• Followers must respond rightly: Christians are called to know their leaders, respect them, and follow them with faith and trust.

• Leadership requires humility and dependence on God: Leaders should recognize their own insufficiency and rely on God’s strength.

---

Scriptural References

• Matthew 23:1-12 — Jesus’ rebuke of leaders who seek power, privilege, and recognition, and His call to humility.

• 1 Peter 5:1-4 — Instructions to elders to shepherd the flock willingly, not lording over, and leading by example.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 — Call to know and appreciate those who labor in leadership.

• Hebrews 13:7, 17 — Remember and imitate leaders’ faith; obey them with confidence and joy.

Recorded 11/9/80

Guiding Question:
What will you choose in the defining moments of your life—mediocrity or a life of courageous adventure?

---

🧭 Key Takeaways:

1. Every man faces defining moments.
These are sacred, solitary times where a man decides:

• Who he will be,

• What he will give his life to,

• And how hard he’s willing to fight before he quits.

These moments don’t come often, but they shape your entire life—toward mediocrity or greatness.

---

2. You can be given everything… but only you can choose the adventure.
Robert Lewis reminds us that no one—not a pastor, mentor, or friend—can make you live the adventure. It's a personal choice, and no amount of teaching will substitute for your own courageous step forward.

---

3. You must prepare before the moment.
Like athletes in a locker room before the big game, men need to:

• Reflect deeply on their design, wiring, and destiny.

• Prioritize their battles—marriage, wounds, addictions, dreams.

• Assemble a plan—not too much at once, but the most urgent priorities.

• Talk with safe people—trusted friends or mentors who help you sharpen your plan.

• Move forward with courage and clarity, choosing the high and noble path.

---

4. Use tools like “life wiring” and “life compass.”

• Wiring shows where you're strong and where you're blocked (past, present, future).

• Compass asks: Before I die, I want to be, do, have, help, and leave…
  These tools help define and direct your journey.

---

5. Great adventures are built with clarity and courage.
Start small. Tackle the top three priorities in your life. These will often be:

• Your job and whether it aligns with your design.

• Your marriage and its vitality.

• Your spiritual life and connection with God.

• Your wounds and whether they still define you.

• Your sense of fun, purpose, or noble cause.

If you're stuck, start with the one thing you know is holding you back.

---

6. The “locker room” moment is now.
You’re not on the field yet—you’re in the moments before. The real adventure begins when you step out the door and take the field, willing to fight for a life that matters.

---

7. Caleb's Prayer: A Model for Bold Living
End with this courageous declaration:

“Give me the land and give me the high ground.”
Like Caleb, may your faith grow bolder as you grow older.

---

📖 Key Scriptures:

• Joshua 24:15 – “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

• Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death… choose life so that you and your descendants may live.”

• 1 Corinthians 9:26–27 – “I run in such a way, as not without aim… I discipline my body so that I may not be disqualified.”

• Psalm 92:12–14 – “They will still bear fruit in old age…”

• Caleb’s example (Joshua 14) – A man with a different spirit who followed the Lord fully and asked for the hill country at 85.