Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

How can you remain faithful when compromise seems easier? Drawing from Proverbs 22–24, Pastor Chris Teien explores how God’s wisdom helps us guide the next generation, practice self-control, get back up after setbacks, and live with purpose.

Like a tugboat guiding much larger ships, your influence can reach further than your position or circumstances suggest. Discover how ordinary choices to follow Christ with courage and conviction can strengthen your family, church, and community.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. HAVE THE COURAGE TO GUIDE THE NEXT GENERATION

Parents, grandparents, and other believers can help young people recognize danger and learn God’s ways. Loving guidance, consistent discipline, and a humble example contribute to discipleship that goes deeper than controlling behavior. Consider what your words and choices are teaching those who look up to you. (Proverbs 22:3–6, 15; Proverbs 23:12–16)

2. HAVE THE CONVICTION TO PRESERVE SELF-CONTROL

Proverbs’ warnings about alcohol challenge us to examine what might be controlling our judgment and behavior. Take harmful influences seriously and consider how your choices affect others. Depend on the Holy Spirit as you resist habits and desires that threaten to master you. (Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29–35; 1 Corinthians 8:9–13)

3. HAVE THE COURAGE TO GET BACK UP

A setback does not have to end your pursuit of faithfulness. Proverbs describes the righteous falling and rising again, encouraging perseverance through adversity. When you have sinned, seek God’s forgiveness; when you face difficulty, keep trusting Him and take the next faithful step. (Proverbs 24:8–16)

4. HAVE THE CONVICTION TO LIVE INTENTIONALLY

A neglected field shows what can happen when small responsibilities are repeatedly ignored. Give attention to your spiritual life, relationships, and opportunities to serve before neglect takes root. A faithful life grows through purposeful choices made day after day. (Proverbs 24:30–34)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need a prominent position to make a meaningful difference. Where is God calling you to stand firm or give something greater attention? Encourage a young person, address a habit that is gaining control, return to a neglected responsibility, or begin again after a setback. Ask God for courage and wisdom to use your influence for Christ.

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 do you make a wise decision when your feelings, circumstances, and advice from others pull you in different directions? Teaching from Proverbs 16, Pastor Chris Teien shares four biblical principles for approaching choices about family, finances, work, relationships, and your future.

Learn how to surrender your plans to God, examine your motives, value wisdom above outward success, and let Scripture shape your everyday choices. You can plan carefully and act responsibly while trusting God with outcomes you cannot control.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. SURRENDER YOUR PLANS TO GOD

Good planning begins with a willingness to let God examine your motives and redirect your priorities. Bring your plans to Him in prayer, seek wise counsel, and remain open to correction. Surrender means trusting Him with your plans rather than demanding that He fulfill them your way. (Proverbs 16:1–3)

2. TRUST GOD’S SOVEREIGN PURPOSES

Unexpected setbacks do not place your life beyond God’s care. Joseph’s story shows how God can bring good even through suffering and the sinful choices of others. Make responsible plans while trusting the Lord to direct your steps when the way forward is unclear. (Proverbs 16:4–9; Genesis 50:20)

3. VALUE GOD’S WISDOM ABOVE WORLDLY SUCCESS

An opportunity can look impressive and still lead you away from what matters most. Proverbs places wisdom, humility, and integrity above wealth and recognition. Evaluate your choices by whether they honor God, rather than whether they win approval or increase your status. (Proverbs 16:16–20)

4. FOLLOW GOD’S WAYS EVERY DAY

Wise decisions grow out of everyday habits, including how you speak, respond to conflict, and manage your emotions. A path that feels right can still lead to harm, so let God’s Word test your instincts. Practice patience, gracious speech, and self-control before pressure puts them to the test. (Proverbs 16:21–33; Colossians 4:6)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to see every outcome before taking a faithful step. Bring the decision weighing on you to God, honestly examine your motives, and seek guidance from Scripture and a trusted believer. Be willing to receive correction, choose a course that honors Him, and trust Him with the results.

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]

Are your words building trust or creating distance? Drawing from Proverbs 6 and 10–12, Pastor Chris Teien explores how pride, dishonesty, gossip, and reckless speech damage relationships, while humility, integrity, and thoughtful words help bring healing.

Discover three ways to strengthen your relationships: reject destructive attitudes, cultivate love and trust, and choose your words wisely. Lasting change begins in the heart as we follow Christ and allow His Word to shape how we treat others.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. REJECT DESTRUCTIVE ATTITUDES

Harmful words often begin with attitudes we have allowed to take root. Proverbs identifies pride, dishonesty, sinful intentions, and stirring up conflict as things the Lord hates. Examine your motives, confess what needs to change, and pursue humility, honesty, and peace. (Proverbs 6:16–19)

2. CULTIVATE LOVE AND TRUST

Like a garden, a healthy relationship needs consistent care. Love, integrity, discretion, and faithfulness build trust over time, while hatred and gossip undermine it. Let Christ’s love guide you toward forgiveness and dependable actions that strengthen your relationships. (Proverbs 10:12–21; Proverbs 11:1–13)

3. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

Reckless words can wound deeply, but wise words can bring healing and encouragement. Protect confidences, resist gossip, and consider how your speech affects the person receiving it. Handle God’s Word carefully too, so that what you share reflects biblical truth. (Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 12:13–25)

BE ENCOURAGED

Your next conversation is an opportunity to build trust. Pause before responding, refuse to pass along gossip, and look for something sincere and encouraging to say. If your words have caused harm, take responsibility and ask forgiveness. Ask God to shape both your heart and your speech so that your words help others.

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]

Can doing whatever you want actually leave you less free? Choices that promise pleasure and independence can lead to habits, consequences, and regrets that become difficult to escape. Drawing from Proverbs 2–5, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God’s wisdom helps us recognize those dangers and choose a better path.

Discover how reverence for God, a teachable heart, resistance to temptation, and personal integrity shape a life of genuine freedom. Following Jesus means learning to trust His guidance rather than allowing every desire to direct your decisions.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. FREEDOM BEGINS WITH REVERENCE FOR GOD

Honoring God means recognizing that His wisdom is greater than our own understanding. Bring your choices under His direction, turn away from evil, and trust Him even when obedience challenges what you want. Reverence for God provides a foundation for wise decisions. (Proverbs 3:5–8)

2. FREEDOM WALKS THE PATH OF WISDOM

Wise living develops as we listen to instruction and keep putting it into practice. Remain teachable, hold on to what God has shown you, and consider where your choices are leading. His wisdom helps you walk with greater stability through everyday responsibilities and difficulties. (Proverbs 4:10–13)

3. FREEDOM REFUSES THE CHAINS OF SIN

Proverbs exposes the gap between temptation’s attractive promises and its painful consequences, especially in sexual temptation. Guard your choices, pursue purity and faithfulness, and remember that God sees every path you take. What feels like freedom in the moment can become a trap. (Proverbs 5:3–23)

4. FREEDOM LIVES WITH INTEGRITY

Honesty, sound judgment, and discretion help protect us from the trouble foolish choices create. Walking with integrity does not remove every hardship, but it allows us to face life without relying on deception or compromise. Trust God’s care as you follow His ways. (Proverbs 2:7–9; Proverbs 3:21–26)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can choose a wiser path today. Identify a desire, habit, or decision that is pulling you away from God, and take a practical step toward obedience. Set a needed boundary, seek support from a trusted believer, or act on guidance you have been resisting. Ask Jesus to help you walk in the freedom of following Him.

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 you prepare for a future you cannot predict? Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Chris Teien uses the picture of a journey to explore four ways to prepare wisely: plan your route, anticipate challenges, carry what you need, and stay ready.

Discover how thoughtful planning, wise counsel, integrity, and spiritual alertness help you face changing circumstances. You cannot control everything ahead, but you can make faithful choices today while trusting God to guide your steps.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Begin by deciding what matters most and giving your responsibilities the attention they need. Seek wise counsel, establish priorities, and make thoughtful plans while remaining open to God’s direction. Planning wisely includes trusting Him when the route changes. (Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 16:9; Proverbs 24:27)

2. PREPARE FOR YOUR JOURNEY

Thinking ahead helps you recognize risks instead of rushing into avoidable trouble. Consider the facts, anticipate potential challenges, and use the resources God has provided responsibly. Practical preparation can also put you in a better position to help others when needs arise. (Proverbs 14:15; Proverbs 22:3)

3. CARRY WHAT YOU NEED

Integrity, faith, and confidence in God’s promises matter more than anything you can pack. Address bitterness, confess sin, and lay aside habits or attitudes that hinder your walk with Christ. Keep your attention on Jesus as you move forward. (Proverbs 10:9, 12; Proverbs 28:13; Hebrews 12:1–2)

4. STAY READY

Preparation includes remaining alert when circumstances change. Guard your judgment, resist influences that impair it, and depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Hold your plans humbly and stay willing to serve wherever God gives you an opportunity. (Proverbs 19:21; Proverbs 20:1; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need to know every detail of the future to prepare faithfully today. Seek advice about a decision, prepare for a foreseeable challenge, or address something hindering your spiritual growth. Take the next step prayerfully, trusting God with what remains beyond your control.

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 are the people closest to you learning from your life? Whether you are a parent, grandparent, mentor, or another trusted influence, your everyday choices can help others learn to follow Jesus. Drawing from Proverbs 4:1–9 and supporting Scriptures, Pastor Chris Teien explores how to lead by example, teach God’s truth intentionally, and build a legacy of faith.

Spiritual leadership begins with following Christ yourself. Discover practical ways to bring biblical wisdom into your conversations, priorities, and relationships as you invest in the people God has placed in your care.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LEAD THROUGH YOUR EXAMPLE

Your actions give weight to what you teach. Integrity, humility, and faithfulness show others what following God looks like in everyday life. Begin by examining your own choices and making a personal commitment to serve the Lord. (Proverbs 20:7; Joshua 24:15)

2. TEACH GOD’S TRUTH INTENTIONALLY

Let Scripture shape your own heart, then look for opportunities to share it naturally throughout the day. Ordinary conversations, encouragement, and loving correction can help others understand and apply God’s truth. Teach patiently, with care that nurtures faith rather than provoking discouragement. (Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4)

3. BUILD A LEGACY OF FAITH

What you pass on includes more than possessions or achievements. Proverbs pictures wisdom being shared from one generation to the next, inviting us to teach others what we have learned about trusting God. Invest in relationships and encourage those who follow you to seek His wisdom for themselves. (Proverbs 4:1–9; Proverbs 3:5–10)

BE ENCOURAGED

A lasting spiritual legacy grows through ordinary moments of faithful care. Pray with a family member, share a Scripture that has helped you, or talk about what God is teaching you. If your example has fallen short, acknowledge it and ask forgiveness. You cannot choose someone else’s response, but you can keep following Christ and offer an example worth following.

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]

Whose voice carries the most weight in your decisions? Friends, family, social media, entertainment, and culture all influence what we believe and how we live. Drawing from Proverbs 1 and 4, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to recognize wise counsel, resist harmful pressure, and consider where your influences are leading you.

Discover why a teachable spirit, faithful daily choices, and a guarded heart matter when following Christ. Examine the voices you trust and learn how to give God’s Word greater influence over your direction.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LISTEN TO WISE VOICES

Wisdom includes being willing to receive instruction rather than assuming you already have the answers. Learn from Scripture, seek counsel from faithful believers, and pay attention to the example of people who follow Christ. Choose voices that help you grow in wisdom and obedience. (Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:4)

2. AVOID HARMFUL INFLUENCES

Pressure to compromise can sound appealing, especially when it promises acceptance or an easy reward. Proverbs warns us to consider where an invitation leads before agreeing to it. Refuse influences that encourage sin, and recognize how small compromises can pull you further from God’s ways. (Proverbs 1:10–19)

3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH

The direction of your life takes shape through ordinary decisions made day after day. Keep receiving God’s instruction and choosing what is right, even when another path looks easier. Your faithfulness can also encourage others to follow Christ. (Proverbs 4:10–19)

4. GUARD YOUR HEART

What you take into your heart affects your speech, choices, and priorities. Give careful attention to what you watch, hear, and dwell on, while keeping God’s truth before you. Guarding your heart includes directing your words, attention, and actions toward the path He calls you to follow. (Proverbs 4:20–27)

BE ENCOURAGED

Consider which voices leave you more willing to trust and obey God, and which make compromise seem normal. Make room for Scripture, spend time with someone whose faith you respect, and set a needed boundary around a harmful influence. Ask God for wisdom to choose carefully what you allow to shape your life.

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]

In this message from Proverbs 1 and Proverbs 4, Pastor Chris Teien explores how the voices and influences we allow into our lives shape our character, decisions, and leadership. In a world filled with competing messages from social media, culture, friends, family, and entertainment, God's wisdom teaches believers how to discern truth and choose influences that lead toward righteousness. 

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19344461

Through practical examples, biblical instruction, and personal illustrations, listeners are challenged to seek wise counsel, avoid harmful influences, and walk the path God has prepared for them. This message reminds us that every choice and every influence helps determine the direction of our lives. 

Key Points:

1.  Listen to Wise Voices (Proverbs 1:8-9; Romans 15:4) – God uses parents, mentors, Scripture, biographies, and faithful believers to help guide us in wisdom. 
2.  Learn from the Experience of Others (Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20) – Wise people remain teachable and learn from both the successes and failures of those who have gone before them. 
3.  Avoid Harmful Influences (Proverbs 1:10-19; 1 Corinthians 15:33) – Sin often presents itself through temptation, peer pressure, acceptance, greed, and shortcuts that ultimately lead to destruction. 
4.  Choose the Right Path (Proverbs 4:14-19) – God calls believers to walk in righteousness, reject compromise, and trust Him even when obedience requires difficult decisions. 

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:

Pastor Chris shared how biographies of missionaries, pastors, and Christian leaders have influenced his own ministry and spiritual growth. He reflected on lessons learned from C.T. Studd, C.H. Spurgeon, A.W. Tozer, John Knox, and others. He also shared stories about older believers who lived through difficult times and a humorous illustration about dogs learning behaviors from one another, demonstrating how influence affects everyone. 

Notable Quotes:

"Everybody that's a leader has been led by somebody and influenced by somebody."

"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others."

"Proverbs 1 focuses on the sales pitch of sin."

"Sin always promises more than it delivers." 

Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluate the voices that most influence your thinking and decisions.

• Seek wisdom from Scripture and mature believers.

• Refuse invitations that lead toward compromise and sin.

• Become a godly influence in the lives of others.

Scripture References:

Proverbs 1:8-19; Proverbs 4:14-19; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 15:33. 

Keywords:

Proverbs, Wisdom, Christian Leadership, Godly Influence, Biblical Wisdom, Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, Wise Counsel, Character

Challenge:

Ask God to help you identify wise influences, reject harmful voices, and faithfully walk the path of wisdom He has prepared for you.

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Chris Teien, Pastor of Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota, shares biblical preaching and practical encouragement through the WELL Faith Sermon Audio Podcast, along with occasional guest speakers. New messages are shared every week to encourage you in your faith and help you apply God's Word to your life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church

You can have plenty of information and still struggle to make wise decisions. What makes the difference? Teaching from Proverbs 1:2–7, Pastor Chris Teien explains why true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and how honoring God changes the way we approach everyday choices.

Discover how to recognize your need for wisdom, understand what it means to fear the Lord, and put biblical truth into practice. Wisdom grows as we humbly receive instruction, seek God’s guidance, and follow Jesus in every area of life.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. RECOGNIZE YOUR NEED FOR WISDOM

Solomon knew that his responsibilities were greater than his ability to handle them alone, so he asked God for discernment. We also need humility to acknowledge our limitations and receive instruction. Proverbs invites both the inexperienced and the already wise to keep learning. (1 Kings 3:9–12; Proverbs 1:2–6)

2. LIVE IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD

True wisdom begins with reverence for God and respect for His authority. Fearing the Lord means taking Him seriously, trusting His character, and responding to His Word with humble obedience. Let who God is shape what you choose, even when His guidance challenges your preferences. (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10)

3. CONTINUALLY PURSUE AND APPLY GOD’S WISDOM

Wisdom requires more than hearing good advice or collecting Bible knowledge. Seek understanding through Scripture and prayer, then act on what God teaches you. In Jesus Christ we find the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that guide a life of faith. (Proverbs 2:1–6; Colossians 2:2–3; James 1:5, 22)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not need to have every answer to begin walking wisely. Bring God a situation where you need understanding, read His Word with a teachable heart, and remain willing to receive correction. Put what you learn into practice, trusting Him to help you grow as you follow Jesus.

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 helps you keep going when following Jesus becomes difficult? Teaching from Hebrews 12:1–4, Pastor Chris Teien explains how to run with endurance by laying aside what hinders you, keeping your eyes on Christ, and faithfully pursuing the race God has set before you.

Your race may look different from someone else’s, but Jesus remains the source of your hope. Discover encouragement to resist distractions, persevere through setbacks, and remember why following Christ is worth the effort.

This replay was originally preached by Pastor Chris Teien in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, in 2017.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. KNOW YOU ARE BEING WATCHED

Hebrews points to the faithful witnesses whose examples encourage us to trust God and persevere. Their lives remind us that faithfulness matters, and our own example can encourage others to keep following Christ. Consider how your response to difficulty influences those around you. (Hebrews 12:1)

2. GET RID OF THE STUFF THAT SLOWS YOU DOWN

Some things hinder your faith because they are sinful; others become distractions that consume your attention and energy. Examine what is keeping you from following Christ faithfully, and be willing to lay it aside. Running with endurance requires dealing honestly with both sin and unnecessary weight. (Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 2:16)

3. MAKE SURE YOU’RE RUNNING THE RIGHT RACE

The Christian life begins with receiving eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. Religious effort and personal achievement cannot replace trusting Him as Savior. Before considering how well you are running, ask whether your confidence for salvation rests in Jesus. (John 3:16, 36; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:11–13)

4. FOCUS ON THE CHAMPION

Jesus endured the cross and opposition from sinners, and Hebrews calls us to consider Him when we grow weary. Keep your attention on His faithfulness rather than allowing discouragement or comparison to dominate your thinking. He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:2–4)

5. DON’T EXPECT IT TO BE EASY

Following Christ includes hardship and opposition, so difficulty does not mean you have chosen the wrong path. Keep serving Him with an eternal perspective, remembering Paul’s testimony of finishing the race and keeping the faith. Perseverance matters even when progress feels slow. (2 Timothy 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:7–8)

BE ENCOURAGED

You do not have to run someone else’s race. Identify a hindrance to lay aside and take a faithful step in the responsibilities God has given you. When you feel weary, return your attention to Jesus and consider what He endured. Trust His promises and keep following Him, even when progress comes one step at a time.

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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]