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