The Romans 7 Perspective

Shawn teaches about the complex relationship between sin, religion, and belief in God through Christ, emphasizing that while he was initially taught that sin harmed his relationship with God, he later found that true faith involves a freedom to choose while being accountable for those choices without being enslaved to anything other than Christ. He highlights a shift from a legalistic view of sin to understanding that God desires liberty and for believers to live without becoming slaves to their actions, aligning with Paul's teaching that while all things are lawful, not all things are beneficial.

Shawn emphasizes the Christian journey as one led by the Spirit rather than the flesh, highlighting the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, self-governance, mercy, and kindness—as the core of a Spirit-led life, distinct from religious rituals. By referencing Romans 7, he illustrates Paul's personal struggle between flesh and spirit, asserting that even as an apostle, Paul wrestled with sin, making his message relevant to all believers as they confront similar battles.

Shawn teaches that all born-again Christians earnestly desire to please God and live a holy life, despite being acutely aware of their imperfections and sinful tendencies, which results in an internal conflict often described as spiritual warfare. He emphasizes that when believers commit acts against their intentions due to fleshly weaknesses, it is essential to recognize that these actions are not reflective of their true identity in Christ but are influenced by the sin residing in the flesh.

You are a new creation in Christ, distinct from your physical body and its inherent imperfections, including limitations, diseases, and undesirable traits, which are remnants of the Fall. True identity and capability for serving God reside in having a broken heart and a contrite spirit, not in the flawed physical form, illustrating that one's true self is defined by faith and the indwelling Spirit, beyond worldly flaws and tendencies.

Shawn's teaching explores the internal conflict believers face, highlighting that while the mind delights in God's law and desires to do good, the sinful nature of the flesh often leads to actions contrary to these intentions. This dual nature creates a constant struggle, with the ultimate deliverance coming through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to serve God despite the flaws of their flesh.

Your flesh acts according to the law of sin, but you are not defined by your flesh; your true identity is in Christ, where your renewed heart and mind yearn for good and guide you to walk by the Spirit. Embrace your transformation and let your spiritual journey flourish as you praise and trust in Him.