Chris Teien | Well Faith Sermons

What makes someone a great leader in Jesus’ eyes? In Matthew 20:17–28, Jesus directs His disciples’ attention from positions of honor toward service and sacrifice. Pastor Chris Teien explores how Christ’s example challenges our desire for recognition and changes the way we use our influence.

Whether you lead at home, at work, in church, or through everyday relationships, discover how to examine your motives, care for others, and serve faithfully. Jesus calls us to use our responsibilities and abilities for the good of the people entrusted to us.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. RECOGNIZE THE PULL OF SELF-FOCUSED LEADERSHIP

The request for places of honor for James and John reveals how easily ambition can center on recognition. Consider whether your desire to lead is motivated by helping others or advancing yourself. Jesus challenges us to bring our motives under God’s direction. (Matthew 20:20–23; James 3:16)

2. REALIZE THE COST OF TRUE GREATNESS

While the disciples considered positions of honor, Jesus was preparing them for His suffering and death. Following Him requires a willingness to sacrifice rather than expecting influence to bring comfort or privilege. Faithful obedience matters even when serving is difficult or goes unnoticed. (Matthew 20:17–23; Luke 9:23)

3. REJECT THE WORLD’S WAY OF LEADING

Jesus contrasted rulers who dominate others with the way His followers should lead. Authority gives us a responsibility to care for people, model faithfulness, and guide without exploiting or controlling them. Examine how you treat others when you have the power to make decisions. (Matthew 20:24–28; 1 Peter 5:2–3)

4. RESPOND TO THE CALL TO SERVE OTHERS

Jesus connects greatness with becoming a servant. Look for ways to use your gifts, resources, and influence to meet needs and strengthen others. Meaningful service often begins with noticing a person and being willing to help. (Matthew 20:26–27; Galatians 5:13)

5. REFLECT THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST

Jesus came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. His sacrifice provides our salvation and the pattern for humble, costly love. As you serve others, remember the Savior who first gave Himself for you. (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5–8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Consider how the people you influence experience your leadership. Listen to someone whose needs you may have overlooked, take on a task that helps another person, or share credit for work done well. Ask God to shape your motives and help you serve with the humility and love of Jesus.

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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 does worship look like after the church service ends? Teaching from Hebrews 13:15–17, Pastor Chris Teien explores how praise, speaking about Jesus, caring for others, and participating in your church can become everyday expressions of devotion to God.

Discover how worship shapes your words, choices, generosity, and service. Through Jesus, we can offer praise and live in ways that honor God in every season, including when circumstances are difficult.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. PRAISE GOD CONTINUALLY WITH YOUR LIFE

Hebrews calls believers to offer a continual sacrifice of praise through Jesus. Cultivate gratitude and acknowledge God’s goodness in both joyful and difficult seasons. Let your praise be accompanied by choices that reflect your trust in Him. (Hebrews 13:15; Psalm 34:1; John 4:23–24)

2. PROCLAIM THE NAME OF JESUS BOLDLY

Acknowledging Jesus openly is an expression of worship and faith. Look for opportunities to explain the hope you have in Him and share the good news of forgiveness and salvation. Depend on the Holy Spirit as you speak with courage and care. (Hebrews 13:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9–17)

3. PRACTICE GENEROSITY AND COMPASSION

Hebrews reminds us to do good and share with others because these sacrifices please God. Notice practical needs and respond with the time, resources, or help you can offer. Love becomes visible when our actions support the faith we profess. (Hebrews 13:16; James 2:17; 1 John 3:17–18)

4. PARTICIPATE FAITHFULLY IN GOD’S CHURCH

Life in the church includes receiving spiritual guidance, encouraging fellow believers, and using your gifts to serve. Hebrews calls us to respond willingly to leaders who watch over our souls. Your faithful participation helps build up the body of Christ as you grow alongside others. (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Peter 4:10)

BE ENCOURAGED

Let your worship continue into the ordinary moments of life. Thank God when circumstances are difficult, speak openly about Jesus, offer practical help, and use your gifts to serve alongside other believers. Ask Him to make your words and actions a sincere expression of your love for 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]

How can you face an uncertain future without being overwhelmed by fear? Teaching from Romans 8:31–39, Pastor Chris Teien explores the promises that give believers lasting confidence: God is for us, Christ has secured our salvation, and nothing can separate us from His love.

This message addresses accusations, suffering, loss, and fears about what comes next. Discover why hardship does not mean God has abandoned you and how security in Christ gives you courage to persevere and encourage others.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. COURAGE BEGINS WITH KNOWING GOD IS FOR YOU

God demonstrated His love by giving His own Son for our salvation. His commitment to those who belong to Christ gives us a foundation for courage even when circumstances are intimidating. Remember what He has already done when fear makes you question His care. (Romans 8:31–32; Psalm 118:6; John 3:16)

2. COURAGE GROWS WHEN YOUR SALVATION IS SECURE

God justifies those who trust in Christ, and no accusation can overturn His verdict. Jesus died, rose again, and continues to intercede for His people. Your confidence rests in His saving work rather than your ability to defend yourself or earn God’s acceptance. (Romans 8:33–34; Romans 5:1; 1 John 2:1)

3. COURAGE ENDURES HARDSHIP WITH CONFIDENCE

Paul names real suffering, including persecution, hunger, danger, and death. These hardships cannot separate believers from Christ’s love. When life is painful, resist assuming that difficulty means abandonment, and hold on to the Savior who remains faithful. (Romans 8:35–36; John 16:33)

4. COURAGE KNOWS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS

Being more than conquerors does not mean avoiding suffering or winning every earthly struggle. Through Christ’s love, believers can endure without losing the salvation and eternal hope He provides. His victory gives us reason to remain faithful even when circumstances look like defeat. (Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57)

5. COURAGE RESTS IN GOD’S UNBREAKABLE LOVE

Paul’s assurance reaches across life, death, spiritual powers, and everything the future might bring. Nothing in all creation can separate those who belong to Christ from God’s love in Him. Let that promise steady your heart when you face what you cannot predict or control. (Romans 8:38–39; Hebrews 13:8)

BE ENCOURAGED

Read Romans 8:31–39 with the fear weighing on your heart in mind. Bring that concern honestly to God, and return to His promises when it resurfaces. Your circumstances may change, but His love for you in Christ remains secure. Share that hope with someone who needs encouragement to keep going.

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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 does it mean that God works all things together for good when your circumstances are painful or confusing? Teaching from Romans 8:28–30, Pastor Chris Teien explains this promise in its context and explores how God works in believers’ lives to shape them into the likeness of Jesus.

God does not call every experience good or promise an easy life. He promises to work for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Discover how that assurance can strengthen your trust when you cannot see what He is accomplishing.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. GOD IS WORKING IN ALL THINGS

Romans 8:28 gives believers reason to trust God through circumstances they would never have chosen. His work extends beyond the moments when His purposes are easy to recognize. Bring your uncertainty to Him and hold on to His promise, even when you cannot explain how a situation could lead to good. (Romans 8:28; Isaiah 43:2; Ephesians 1:11)

2. GOD IS SHAPING YOU TO BE LIKE CHRIST

The next verse helps explain the good God is accomplishing: conforming His people to the image of His Son. His purposes reach beyond immediate comfort to our character and eternal future. Consider how He may be teaching you to trust, love, and respond more like Jesus through this season. (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; 1 John 3:2)

3. GOD IS FAITHFUL FROM BEGINNING TO END

Paul connects God’s calling, justification, and glorification, emphasizing the certainty of His saving work. Your acceptance before God rests in His grace and Christ’s finished work. Trust the One who has made you right with Him to complete what He has promised. (Romans 8:30; John 1:12; Romans 5:1)

BE ENCOURAGED

Bring your painful or confusing circumstances honestly to God. Read His promise alongside His purpose of making you more like Jesus, and ask Him to shape your response with faith, patience, and love. You may not yet see what He is accomplishing, but you can take the next faithful step with confidence in His 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]

Where do you find hope when suffering continues and you do not even know what to pray? Teaching from Romans 8:18–27, Pastor Chris Teien explores God’s promises of future glory, complete redemption, and the Holy Spirit’s help in our weakness.

Romans 8 makes room for the pain believers experience while giving us reason to keep trusting Christ. Discover how the promise of resurrection and renewal strengthens us to wait patiently, pray honestly, and face difficult days with lasting hope.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. COMPARE TODAY WITH WHAT IS STILL TO COME

Paul acknowledges present suffering while pointing to a future glory far greater than anything we now endure. An eternal perspective helps us remember that pain and loss will not have the final word. Fix your attention on what God has promised as you face today’s difficulties. (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; Philippians 3:20–21)

2. CREATION GROANS WHILE WAITING FOR RENEWAL

Creation bears the effects of sin, decay, and frustration. Paul describes its groaning as labor pains, pointing toward the renewal God will bring. The brokenness around us gives us reason to long for His promised restoration and the day when He makes all things new. (Romans 8:19–22; Genesis 3:17–19; Revelation 21:1–5)

3. CHRIST FOLLOWERS GROAN WHILE WAITING FOR REDEMPTION

Even believers who have the Holy Spirit experience weakness, aging, grief, and suffering. We await the redemption of our bodies with a hope grounded in God’s promises. Patient endurance grows as we remember that our present condition is temporary and our future with Christ is secure. (Romans 8:23–25; 2 Corinthians 5:1–5; Philippians 3:20–21)

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS

Sometimes suffering leaves us unsure how to pray. The Holy Spirit helps us and intercedes according to God’s will, giving us confidence that our limited words do not limit His care. Come to God honestly, trusting His help when you feel overwhelmed or unable to express what you need. (Romans 8:26–27; Hebrews 4:16)

BE ENCOURAGED

You can bring God both your hope and your heartache. Tell Him where you feel weary, and let a trusted believer pray with you. When words are difficult, rest in the assurance that the Holy Spirit intercedes for you. Your pain is real, and so is the future God has promised through Christ.

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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 changes when you know you belong to God’s family? Teaching from Romans 8:12–17, Pastor Chris Teien explains how adoption through Jesus Christ gives believers a secure identity, freedom from slavery to fear, and the hope of an eternal inheritance.

Discover how the Holy Spirit helps you resist sin, grow in obedience, and approach God as your Father. Your place in His family is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus. That assurance gives you confidence to live as His child, even through difficult seasons.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. BREAK FREE FROM THE OLD WAY OF LIVING

Belonging to Christ means you are no longer obligated to follow sinful desires. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, you can put sinful practices to death and pursue a different way of life. Identify what needs to change and depend on His help as you turn toward obedience. (Romans 8:12–13; Romans 6:11–14; Colossians 3:5–10)

2. WALK DAILY UNDER THE SPIRIT’S LEADING

Paul identifies God’s children as those led by His Spirit. Following His leading includes responding to biblical truth, resisting sin, and allowing Him to shape your character. Give careful attention to what fills your heart and influences your everyday choices. (Romans 8:14; Proverbs 4:23)

3. LIVE CONFIDENTLY AS GOD’S ADOPTED CHILD

The Spirit of adoption enables believers to call God “Abba, Father.” You can approach Him with trust rather than live in slavery to fear, and His Spirit bears witness that you are His child. Rest in the relationship He has given you through Christ. (Romans 8:15–16; Galatians 4:4–7; Ephesians 1:5)

4. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ETERNAL INHERITANCE

God’s children are heirs with Christ, sharing both in His sufferings and His coming glory. Hardship does not cancel your place in His family or the future He has promised. Your inheritance gives you lasting hope as you follow Jesus through present trials. (Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 1:3–5)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you belong to Christ, you can come to God as your Father. Bring Him the fears you have been carrying, and ask the Holy Spirit for help with a habit or attitude that needs to change. Return to Romans 8:15–17 when you need reassurance. Let the confidence that you are His child shape how you pray, obey, and face the future.

26.0215de Living from a Secure Identity

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 show love when relationships are difficult, trust has been damaged, or someone disappoints you? Teaching from 1 Corinthians 13:7, Pastor Chris Teien explores four expressions of biblical love: protecting, trusting, hoping, and persevering.

Discover how Christ’s love shapes the way we handle conflict, speak about others, respond to failure, and remain faithful. These everyday choices give us opportunities to extend the grace we have received from Jesus while acting with truth and wisdom.

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

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. LOVE ALWAYS PROTECTS

Love cares about another person’s dignity and seeks to prevent unnecessary harm. Refuse gossip, handle sensitive matters carefully, and offer correction with humility and grace. Protecting someone includes remaining faithful to the truth rather than concealing wrongdoing. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Proverbs 10:12; John 17:15)

2. LOVE ALWAYS TRUSTS

Love resists automatically assuming the worst and gives others a fair hearing. Extend grace while recognizing that damaged trust may need to be rebuilt through honest, consistent actions. Biblical love makes room for restoration without ignoring danger or dismissing legitimate concerns. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Ephesians 4:32)

3. LOVE ALWAYS HOPES

A person’s failure does not place them beyond the reach of God’s grace. Love looks toward what Christ can do, encouraging repentance and growth rather than defining someone only by their mistakes. Keep your hope rooted in Jesus as you pray for others. (1 Corinthians 13:7; Romans 8:28; 1 Timothy 1:1)

4. LOVE ALWAYS PERSEVERES

Loving others requires endurance when relationships involve disappointment, difficulty, or sacrifice. Christ’s faithful love gives us both the example and the reason to keep seeking another person’s good. Persevere with wisdom and commitment as you depend on Him. (1 Corinthians 13:7; 1 John 4:19)

BE ENCOURAGED

Consider where your relationships need the love described in this passage. Handle a confidence carefully, listen before making an assumption, encourage someone who has failed, or follow through on a commitment. Ask God to help you reflect Christ’s love with grace, truth, and endurance.

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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]

Do you keep returning to habits and thought patterns you want to change? Teaching from Romans 8:4–11, Pastor Chris Teien explains how the Holy Spirit helps believers follow Jesus, resist sin, and develop a mindset shaped by God’s truth.

Discover what it means to live by the Spirit and why His presence matters for everyday obedience. Everyone who belongs to Christ has the Holy Spirit, giving us help for today and the promise of resurrection life to come.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. SET YOUR MIND ON WHAT BRINGS LIFE AND PEACE

Paul contrasts a mind governed by sinful desires with a mind governed by the Spirit. What you dwell on influences your priorities and choices. Give attention to Scripture and allow God’s truth to renew your thinking as you learn to walk in the life and peace He provides. (Romans 8:5–6; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:16–25)

2. TURN AWAY FROM OLD PATTERNS THAT KEEP YOU SPIRITUALLY STUCK

The sinful mindset resists God, but believers belong to a new way of life through His Spirit. Recognize habits and attitudes that pull you toward disobedience, and take practical steps to turn from them. Depend on the Spirit’s help as you choose to follow Christ. (Romans 8:7–9; Galatians 5:16–18)

3. DEPEND DAILY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO LIVES WITHIN YOU

The Holy Spirit’s presence is part of belonging to Jesus. He dwells in every believer, helping us grow in faith and obedience. Bring your weaknesses to God in prayer and rely on His help as you respond to what His Word teaches. (Romans 8:9–10; John 14:16–17)

4. WALK WITH CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S RESURRECTION POWER

The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in God’s people, and God promises to give life to their mortal bodies. Your present struggles are held within the greater hope of resurrection. Trust His power and faithfulness as you follow Christ today and look toward your eternal future. (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:18–20)

BE ENCOURAGED

You have God’s help as you learn a new way to live. Identify a thought pattern or habit that needs to change, and ask the Holy Spirit for strength to respond in obedience. Make a practical change that supports that response, such as setting a boundary, seeking accountability, or replacing a harmful influence with time in Scripture. Keep depending on Him as you grow.

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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]

Do past failures leave you wondering whether God still accepts you? Teaching from Romans 8:1–4, Pastor Chris Teien explains the assurance behind Paul’s declaration: there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Discover how Christ’s sacrifice addresses your guilt and gives you a foundation for moving forward in faith.

Forgiveness does not make sin unimportant. Jesus paid its penalty, and the Holy Spirit helps believers turn from sin and live differently. Your confidence before God rests in Christ’s finished work, and His grace gives you reason to pursue a new way of life.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. STAND ON THE FOUNDATION THAT LIFTS YOU ABOVE CONDEMNATION

Those who belong to Christ are no longer under God’s sentence of condemnation. Jesus’ saving work gives believers peace with God and the assurance of eternal life. When guilt makes you question your standing, return to His promises rather than measuring His acceptance by your performance. (Romans 8:1; John 5:24; Romans 5:1)

2. LIVE IN THE FREEDOM CHRIST HAS GIVEN YOU

God accomplished through His Son what the law could not accomplish because of human sinfulness. Jesus bore sin’s judgment, and the Spirit brings freedom from the law of sin and death. You can stop trying to earn God’s acceptance and begin living from the grace He has given you in Christ. (Romans 8:2–3; Romans 6:6–7; Colossians 2:13–15)

3. WALK BY THE SPIRIT INSTEAD OF THE FLESH

God’s saving work also changes how His people live. The Holy Spirit gives believers new desires and power to resist sinful patterns as they follow Jesus. Depend on His help and respond to God’s Word through practical, daily obedience. (Romans 8:4; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Galatians 5:16)

BE ENCOURAGED

If you belong to Jesus, your past failures do not overturn His promise of no condemnation. Bring any unconfessed sin to God, make things right where you can, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you move forward faithfully. When guilt returns, read Romans 8:1 and remember that your acceptance rests in Christ. If you have never trusted Him for salvation, turn to Him in repentance and faith.

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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]

Who helps you keep going when your faith feels weary, and whom are you encouraging? Teaching from Hebrews 12:12–15, Pastor Chris Teien explains how believers can strengthen one another, pursue peace and holiness, and address bitterness before it harms the church.

Following Jesus requires endurance, but we do not have to face the challenges alone. Discover how practical encouragement, a steady example, and care for one another help us continue faithfully in the race God has set before us.

IN THIS MESSAGE

1. STRENGTHEN TIRED BODIES AND WEARY SOULS

After describing God’s loving discipline, Hebrews calls believers to strengthen weak hands and knees. Weariness is an opportunity to seek God’s strength and support one another. Look for ways to encourage someone who is struggling and help them continue following Christ. (Hebrews 12:12; Isaiah 35:3–4; Ephesians 6:10)

2. WALK STEADY PATHS THAT LEAD TO HEALING

Your choices can make it easier or harder for others to keep walking in faith. Pursue a consistent Christian example, remove unnecessary obstacles, and seek what builds others up. A steady path helps those who are vulnerable find support rather than further discouragement. (Hebrews 12:13; Proverbs 4:26–27; Romans 14:19)

3. TRAIN FOR THE RACE THROUGH PEACE AND HOLINESS

Following Christ includes actively pursuing peace and a life that reflects God’s character. Bring your attitudes, relationships, and decisions under His direction as you grow in obedience. Consider where you need to seek reconciliation or turn from a pattern that undermines your witness. (Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15–16)

4. WATCH OVER ONE ANOTHER SO GRACE PREVAILS

Hebrews calls us to care about one another’s spiritual well-being and warns that bitterness can spread. Address resentment before it takes root, offer loving correction, and point struggling believers toward God’s grace. Our shared life in Christ calls for attentive care and a willingness to help one another. (Hebrews 12:15; Ephesians 2:8–9)

BE ENCOURAGED

Reach out to a weary believer, offer practical help, or pray with someone facing a difficult season. If you are the one struggling, let a trusted Christian know what you need. Ask God to help you pursue peace, resist bitterness, and strengthen the people around you. Faithful encouragement can help both you and others keep going.

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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]