Striking the Root, Part 5

Shawn McCraney’s teaching emphasizes that the Good News involves God, through Christ, achieving complete victory over sin and death, ultimately reconciling all people to Himself. He contrasts different biblical "dispensations" or "economies," with the Old Covenant under the Law and the New Covenant through faith in Christ, both aimed at bringing humanity to God, culminating in the dispensation of "the fullness of times" initiated by Jesus' coming.

Shawn explains that the dispensation of the fullness of times began with Jesus' birth, leading to the reconciliation of all things in heaven and on earth to God through Him, yet highlighting the distinction between general reconciliation and becoming a Son or Daughter of God, which involves choosing to live a Christ-like life characterized by faith, Spirit-led conduct, and agape love. He emphasizes that individuals will reap what they sow, with those living by the Spirit through Christ accruing eternal spiritual benefits, while those living by the flesh receiving worldly outcomes.

Being "Christ’s by Faith" makes us members of God's family, emphasizing a deeper relationship than merely being reconciled by Christ's works, and this brings about humility, gratitude, and freedom as true believers recognize that Christ has accomplished everything on their behalf. Practicing true humility, as described in the Bible, involves a genuine servant spirit and awe before God, countering pride with submission and strengthening through the Spirit, as illustrated in Ephesians 3 and teachings from Jesus, James, and Peter.

Shawn emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes from embracing humility and rejecting the worldly pursuits of pride, wealth, and status, as these are not aligned with God's teachings and mission. God's power and wisdom manifest through the weak and humble, challenging human wisdom and societal norms that favor the accomplished and mighty, as shown through biblical references like 1st John 2:16 and 1st Corinthians 1:17-29.

Educators and religious institutions have increasingly replaced spiritual humility with intellectualism, materialism, and business-like operations, misaligning the core message of the Gospel. This shift has led many to incorrectly associate godliness with worldly achievements, rather than embracing authentic spiritual worship rooted in humility and truth, as supported by Proverbs 8:13, which emphasizes the rejection of pride and evils of worldly arrogance.