Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

Playing favorites isn't always obvious. Sometimes it happens in the way we treat people based on their clothes, income, family name, or social status. But why is favoritism such a serious problem, and what does it reveal about our hearts?

Teaching from James 2:1–13, Pastor Chris Teien explains why playing favorites conflicts with genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Through personal stories and practical examples, discover how to look beyond appearances, value people regardless of their status, love your neighbors without favoritism, and show the mercy God has shown us. Learn why treating everyone with dignity doesn't mean abandoning wise discernment, and why every person needs the saving grace found in Jesus.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LOOK BEYOND APPEARANCE

James challenges believers who give special attention to a well-dressed visitor while dishonoring someone in dirty clothes. Clothing, possessions, and connections cannot determine a person's worth or need for Jesus. Welcome people with Christlike care while exercising discernment based on character rather than outward impressions. (James 2:1–4; Romans 15:7; John 7:24)

2. VALUE PEOPLE BEYOND THEIR STATUS

Wealth does not measure spiritual maturity, and poverty does not make someone less important. James exposes the contradiction of honoring influential people while neglecting those God values. Trust God rather than pursuing relationships for personal advantage, and use whatever resources you have to do good and help others. (James 2:5–7; 1 Timothy 6:17–19)

3. LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR WITHOUT FAVORITISM

The royal law calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, including people outside our familiar circles. Favoritism violates that command, and doing other good things does not excuse it. Obedience cannot earn salvation, but the grace we have received should move us to care for the people God places around us. (James 2:8–11; Luke 10:25–37)

4. SPEAK AND ACT WITH MERCY

James calls us to take our words and actions seriously and show mercy to others. Remembering that God saved us through His mercy challenges harsh judgments and selective compassion. Every person needs forgiveness and new life through Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. (James 2:12–13; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Titus 3:5; Romans 10:9–13)

BE ENCOURAGED

Who might you overlook because they seem different, unfamiliar, or unlikely to offer you anything in return? Make room for a conversation, offer a sincere welcome, and seek to understand their story. Ask God to expose favoritism in your heart and help you reflect His mercy. If you have not trusted Jesus for salvation, receive the grace He offers and begin following Him.

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Have you ever been challenged by a sermon, then returned to everyday life without changing anything? Teaching from James 1:19–27, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to receive God’s Word with a teachable heart, understand Scripture in context, and take a specific step of obedience.

Discover how Scripture should shape your words, your care for others, and your everyday choices. Obedience does not earn salvation. New life begins through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Putting God’s Word into practice is our response to His grace.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. BE READY TO RECEIVE GOD’S WORD

Come to Scripture ready to listen and willing to be corrected. Anger, excuses, and sinful influences can make us resistant to what God says. James calls us to put aside sin and humbly receive the Word God has planted in us. (James 1:19–21)

2. RESPOND BY DOING WHAT IT SAYS

Being moved by a message is not the same as acting on it. James’s illustration of a mirror challenges us to remember what Scripture reveals and respond. Learn practical ways to read the Bible in context, understand what it teaches about God, and identify something to believe, confess, change, or do. (James 1:22–25)

3. LET GOD’S WORD RESHAPE HOW YOU LIVE

Authentic faith affects our speech, our care for vulnerable people, and the influences we allow into our lives. Even when you cannot meet someone’s every need, a meal, a ride, or time spent together can offer meaningful help. These actions express a faith shaped by God’s grace and bring His Word into everyday life. (James 1:26–27)

BE ENCOURAGED

As you read Scripture, ask what God wants you to believe, change, or do. Choose a practical response: listen before speaking, address an attitude, or help someone in need. Ask God for the strength to follow through, allowing His Word to shape your next conversation, decision, or act of care.

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Temptation rarely looks dangerous at first. Like bait on a hook, it appeals to something we want while hiding what giving in may cost us. Teaching from James 1:9–18, Pastor Chris Teien explains where temptation begins, how desire can lead us into sin, and why we can trust God’s provision instead of temptation’s promises.

God does not tempt us to do evil, and we do not have to give in. Discover practical ways to recognize temptation early, stop feeding sinful desires, and choose obedience. If you have fallen, forgiveness and restoration through Jesus give you reason to turn back to Him.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIALS AND TEMPTATION

Trials put our faith under pressure, but God can use them to develop endurance and strengthen our trust in Him. Temptation entices us to respond through disobedience. James makes clear that God does not tempt anyone to sin, helping us distinguish His refining work from the desires that draw us away from Him. (James 1:9–13)

2. RECOGNIZE WHERE TEMPTATION BEGINS

Temptation appeals to our own desires and vulnerabilities, making the bait different for each of us. Recognizing those weaknesses helps us guard our thoughts and avoid opportunities to indulge sinful desires. Consider what you are allowing to capture your attention and whether you are repeatedly placing yourself within reach of the same temptation. (James 1:14)

3. UNDERSTAND WHERE TEMPTATION LEADS

James describes a progression: desire gives birth to sin, and sin leads to death. Taking temptation seriously means looking beyond its immediate appeal to the damage it can cause. When we fall, we can confess our sins and receive the forgiveness and cleansing God provides through Jesus. (James 1:15; 1 John 1:8–9)

4. TRUST GOD’S PROVISION INSTEAD OF TEMPTATION’S PROMISES

Temptation offers attractive substitutes, but God remains good, generous, and unchanging. Remembering His gifts and trusting His character helps us resist the suggestion that disobedience will provide something better. God faithfully provides a way to endure temptation without giving in. (James 1:16–18; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to take the bait. Recognize a temptation you keep returning to and consider what would help you stop feeding it. Remove an easy opportunity to give in, ask a trusted believer for support, and act on the way out God provides. If you have fallen, confess your sin and turn back to Jesus. His grace gives you hope as you continue following Him.

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What do you do when hardship leaves you unsure of your next step? Teaching from James 1:1–12, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to face trials with joy without pretending that pain is pleasant. Discover how God uses tested faith to develop endurance, gives wisdom when you do not know what to do, and reminds you that your worth is greater than your circumstances or bank balance.

This opening message in the James: Authentic Faith series offers encouragement to keep trusting God under pressure. Learn how to seek His guidance, view your circumstances with an eternal perspective, and persevere in the hope found in Jesus Christ.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LET GOD STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH

You do not have to enjoy suffering to recognize that God can work through it. James explains how tested faith develops endurance and helps believers grow toward spiritual maturity. Keep trusting and obeying God under pressure, allowing Him to strengthen your faith through the challenges you face. (James 1:1–4)

2. ASK GOD FOR THE WISDOM YOU NEED

Knowing facts is different from knowing how to respond when life gets complicated. God invites you to ask for wisdom, and He gives generously without finding fault. Approach Him with a heart willing to trust His guidance and act on what He teaches. (James 1:5–8)

3. REMEMBER GOD DOES NOT MEASURE YOUR VALUE BY YOUR NET WORTH

Financial struggles do not make you less valuable, and financial success does not make you more important. James reminds us that wealth is temporary. Your identity and standing before God give you a reason for confidence beyond what you own or what others think of your circumstances. (James 1:9–11)

4. LOOK FORWARD TO GOD’S BLESSING AS YOU PERSEVERE

The pressure you face today is not the whole story. James points to God’s promised crown of life for those who love Him, encouraging believers to persevere with an eternal perspective. Eternal life is found in Jesus Christ, not earned by enduring enough hardship. (James 1:12; 1 John 5:11–12)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need every answer to keep trusting God. Bring the situation weighing on you to Him in prayer, ask for wisdom, and take the next faithful step. Your circumstances do not determine your worth. Look to Christ for hope and trust God to continue His work in you through this difficult season.

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

Does your work make a difference, even when nobody seems to notice? Whether you are employed, retired, studying, volunteering, or caring for your family, your everyday efforts matter to God. Pastor Chris Teien shares how to find purpose in your work, serve Christ through ordinary responsibilities, and use what you earn to bless others.

Drawing from Proverbs and supporting Scriptures, this message explores four ways to honor God through your work. Your job title, paycheck, and recognition do not tell the whole story of what your efforts can accomplish.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. RECEIVE WORK AS GOD’S GIFT

Work was part of God’s good design before sin made it difficult. Meaningful responsibilities give us opportunities to contribute, care for others, and enjoy the fruit of our efforts. Recognize the value of honest work, including work that happens outside paid employment. (Genesis 2:15; Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 3:12–13)

2. OFFER YOUR BEST WORK TO CHRIST

When your efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated, remember whom you ultimately serve. Work honestly and willingly, caring about your responsibilities and the people affected by them. God sees your faithfulness even when others overlook it. (Proverbs 27:18; Colossians 3:23–24)

3. USE YOUR WORK TO SERVE OTHERS

Whatever authority or influence you have, use it to help people thrive. Recognize good work, correct without humiliating, own your mistakes, and protect vulnerable people. Jesus shows us that meaningful leadership begins with serving others. (Proverbs 29:2, 7; Mark 10:43–45)

4. USE YOUR INCOME TO BLESS OTHERS

What you earn can provide for your family, support God’s work, and meet someone else’s need. Plan to give generously and cheerfully, trusting God’s care rather than treating giving as a way to get rich. Your income can accomplish good beyond what you purchase for yourself. (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 19:17; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Consider the responsibilities already in front of you. Where could you work with greater care, encourage someone, or use your influence to serve? Ask God to help you see the value of ordinary tasks and recognize an opportunity to share what He has provided. Faithful work can honor Christ and benefit others, even when it receives little recognition.

Series: Summer in Proverbs

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

When life gets difficult, what kind of friend can people count on you to be? Teaching from Proverbs 27, Pastor Chris Teien explores four qualities of meaningful friendship: speaking truth with love, offering wise counsel, remaining faithful through hardship, and helping one another grow.

This practical message challenges us to move beyond thinking about the friends we want and ask, “What kind of friend am I?” Discover ways to strengthen your friendships and reflect the love of Jesus, who laid down His life so sinners could be forgiven and made right with God.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. BE A FRIEND WHO TELLS THE TRUTH

Real friendship includes the courage to say what someone needs to hear, even when it is uncomfortable. Offer correction gently and humbly, with the goal of helping your friend grow. Loving honesty also requires a willingness to receive correction yourself. (Proverbs 27:5–6; Galatians 6:1)

2. BE A FRIEND WHO GIVES WISE COUNSEL

Helpful counsel begins with listening carefully rather than rushing to give an answer. Consider the facts, admit when you do not know, pray with your friend, and point toward biblical truth. Test the advice you give and receive against God’s Word. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 18:13)

3. BE A FRIEND WHO REMAINS FAITHFUL

A dependable friend stays involved when life becomes painful or complicated. Your presence through grief, disappointment, or practical need can matter more than having the perfect words. Be someone others can count on when trouble comes. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17)

4. BE A FRIEND WHO HELPS OTHERS GROW

The people closest to us influence who we are becoming. Godly friends sharpen one another through encouragement, honest conversations, and examples of faithfulness. Choose your companions wisely and look for ways to strengthen their walk with Christ. (Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Jesus demonstrated the greatest love by laying down His life for us while we were still sinners. His sacrifice gives us both the example of love and the opportunity to receive forgiveness through faith in Him. (John 15:12–13; Romans 5:8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Think of a friend who needs your presence, encouragement, or honest counsel. Reach out, listen carefully, and consider how you can help without making the conversation about yourself. Ask God to help you become a truthful, wise, faithful friend who strengthens others, drawing on the love Christ has shown you.

Series: Summer in Proverbs

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What do your money habits reveal about what you value and whom you trust? Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien explores four principles for handling money: acquire honestly, manage generously, use debt cautiously, and treasure God unreservedly. Discover how biblical wisdom can shape your earning, spending, saving, and giving.

Everything we have ultimately belongs to God, and managing it faithfully is an expression of worship and trust. Wise stewardship helps us provide for everyday needs and bless others, but it does not guarantee wealth or earn salvation. Our lasting hope rests in Jesus Christ.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. ACQUIRE HONESTLY

Earn through diligent work, thoughtful planning, and integrity rather than dishonest gain or promises of easy money. Proverbs values honest earnings above greater income gained through wrongdoing. It also recognizes that injustice can deprive hardworking people of the fruit of their efforts, calling us to notice and help those facing hardship. (Proverbs 13:23; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 21:5)

2. MANAGE GENEROUSLY

Honor God with what you have while planning wisely for everyday needs and the future. Generosity and careful management belong together: give cheerfully, save patiently, pay attention to your resources, and avoid spending everything you receive. Faithful stewardship makes room for both responsible preparation and practical care for others. (Proverbs 3:9; Proverbs 11:24–25; Proverbs 21:20; Proverbs 27:23)

3. USE DEBT CAUTIOUSLY

Borrowing creates obligations that can limit your future choices, and cosigning makes you responsible for someone else’s debt. Consider the consequences before making a commitment, including how repayment could affect your household and ability to give. Spend carefully and faithfully repay what you owe. (Proverbs 22:7; Proverbs 22:26–27)

4. TREASURE GOD UNRESERVEDLY

Money can meet practical needs, but it cannot secure eternity. A good reputation, contentment, and dependence on God are worth more than possessions gained at the expense of faith and integrity. Treasure Christ above wealth and let what matters eternally guide your financial priorities. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 15:16; Proverbs 22:1; Proverbs 30:7–9; 2 Corinthians 8:9)

BE ENCOURAGED

Consider whether your financial choices reflect what you say matters most. Choose one area that needs attention: honest earning, thoughtful spending, generous giving, or a debt obligation. Bring it to God in prayer and take a practical step toward faithful stewardship. You can honor Him with what you have while growing in wisdom and contentment.

Series: Summer in Proverbs

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

If tomorrow is not guaranteed, how can you live wisely today and face eternity with confidence? Drawing from Proverbs and supporting Scriptures, Pastor Chris Teien explains why lasting hope rests in Jesus Christ rather than money, plans, or religious effort.

Discover how preparing for eternity can shape your priorities, guide practical decisions, and help you use the time God gives you faithfully. Salvation is received through faith in Jesus, whose death and resurrection provide the hope that careful planning and good works cannot give.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. FACE YOUR FUTURE

Tomorrow is not promised, and wisdom begins with acknowledging that our time is limited. Plan humbly, make the most of your days, and consider whether you are ready to meet the Lord. Jesus offers resurrection hope to those who believe in Him, giving us confidence as we face the reality of death. (Proverbs 27:1; Psalm 90:12; John 11:25–26)

2. FORSAKE FALSE SECURITY

Money can meet earthly needs, but it cannot save your soul or provide security beyond death. Wealth is temporary, so resist making it your greatest pursuit. Jesus calls us to store up treasure in heaven and invest our lives in what matters to God. (Proverbs 11:4; Proverbs 23:4–5; Matthew 6:19–21)

3. FIND THE PATH OF LIFE

A path can seem right without leading to eternal life. Morality, religious activity, and self-improvement cannot replace faith in Jesus Christ. He alone is the way to the Father, and everyone who receives eternal life depends on His saving work. (Proverbs 14:12; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 John 5:11–12)

4. FOLLOW JESUS FAITHFULLY

Preparing for eternity also means living faithfully today. Continue growing in Christ, reflecting His love, and sharing your faith with others. Trust God to complete the work He began in you as you keep walking with Jesus through each season of life. (Proverbs 4:18; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 2:6–7)

BE ENCOURAGED

Ask yourself, “Am I trusting Jesus alone for salvation? Am I using my time and resources for what will matter forever?” Let those questions guide a meaningful response. Share your testimony with someone you love, put important practical affairs in order, or give attention to a relationship you have neglected. Your hope in Christ can shape both your readiness for eternity and the way you live today.

Series: Summer in Proverbs

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

How can Scripture help you prepare for the Lord’s Supper? In this short instructional message, Pastor Chris Teien uses Lamentations 3:24–25, 40–41 to explain how to wait on the Lord, place your hope in Jesus, examine your ways, and return to Him.

Follow along with guided personal prayer to confess sin, surrender anxiety, reflect on relationships and priorities, and express gratitude. The message also reads 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, directing our attention to Jesus’ sacrifice and the meaning of the bread and cup.

IN THIS MESSAGE CLIP

1. PLACE YOUR HOPE IN THE LORD

“The Lord is my portion” reminds us to find our confidence in Him rather than run ahead without seeking His direction. Communion offers an opportunity to pause, wait on God, and renew our commitment to follow Jesus. Bring your needs and concerns to Him with trust. (Lamentations 3:24–25)

2. EXAMINE YOUR HEART AND RETURN TO HIM

Consider your ways honestly before God. Confess known sin, bring Him your worries, and examine how you treat others and use your time and resources. Pastor Chris also explains our need for salvation through faith in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again. (Lamentations 3:40–41)

3. REMEMBER WHAT JESUS HAS DONE

The bread and cup remind believers of Jesus’ body given and His blood shed for us. Guided prayer helps you respond personally with confession, praise, and thanksgiving. Remember His sacrifice with gratitude as you proclaim His death until He comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23–26)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need impressive words to pray sincerely. Use these passages to begin an honest conversation with God: name what needs to change, tell Him what concerns you, and thank Him for His faithfulness. Let your preparation for communion lead to renewed trust in Jesus and a closer daily walk with Him.

Read the companion article and watch the video:
https://christeien.com/?p=250235

Full episode and transcript:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19773684

Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]

What makes a life meaningful beyond achievements, possessions, and recognition? Drawing from Proverbs 27, 28, and 31, Pastor Chris Teien explores three questions that help us examine our direction: What am I pursuing? Who am I becoming? Am I faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities God has given me?

Discover how lasting priorities, godly character, and faithful service shape a life that truly counts. Instead of expecting temporary things to provide lasting satisfaction, learn to find contentment in God and care faithfully for the people and responsibilities He has entrusted to you.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. PURSUE LASTING PRIORITIES

The desire for more can keep us chasing possessions, experiences, or approval without ever feeling satisfied. Receive God’s gifts gratefully, resist living for applause, and give attention to what has lasting value. Faithfulness begins with how you care for the people and responsibilities already entrusted to you. (Proverbs 27:20–23; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Luke 16:10)

2. BUILD GODLY CHARACTER

Who you are becoming matters more than the image you present to others. Integrity grows as you obey God’s Word, choose wise influences, and confess sin rather than conceal it. Turn from what is wrong, receive God’s mercy, and keep a responsive heart toward Him. (Proverbs 28:1, 6–7, 13–14; 1 John 1:9)

3. PLAY YOUR PART FAITHFULLY

Proverbs 31 describes a woman whose trustworthiness, diligence, generosity, wisdom, and devotion to God offer lessons for every believer. Whatever your responsibilities, approach them with care and faithfulness. Appearance and recognition fade, but a life that honors God can bless your family, church, and community in lasting ways. (Proverbs 31:10–31; Colossians 3:23)

BE ENCOURAGED

A meaningful life is built through ordinary choices to trust God and serve faithfully. Ask yourself, “What am I pursuing? Who am I becoming? Am I playing my part faithfully?” Give attention to a neglected responsibility, bring a hidden struggle honestly before God, or make time for someone who needs your care. You do not need recognition to live a life that matters to Him.

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Helping you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts and more Bible teaching at Well.faith. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church. Questions or feedback? Email [email protected]