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

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