In this episode, we dive deep into Romans 7:14-25 to explore the struggle between self-effort and relying on God's power. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of trying harder yet still falling short, this conversation is for you. Host Ross O'Hair and guest Tom Price discuss how even as believers, we will give into fleshly temptations when we rely on our own strength. They share personal insights and practical wisdom on embracing our true identity in Christ, which empowers us to overcome challenges not by our might but through the Holy Spirit. By listening, you'll discover how to shift from self-reliance to God-reliance, unlock the freedom found in trusting God's presence within you, and experience genuine transformation in your walk with God.

Key Verses:

Romans 7:14-25: "For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Quotes:

“God has shown me that true strength and success come from His Spirit working through me, not from my own self-effort to follow principles.”

“When we understand that our deepest desire is to walk in holiness because of our new identity in Christ, we can stop focusing on sin and start relying on God’s power within us.”

Key Points:

1. Believers often struggle with sin when trying to live righteously by self-effort rather than through God’s grace.
2. The law of sin affects our physical bodies, but our inner being delights in God’s law, aligning with our identity in Christ.
3. True freedom comes from trusting God’s power to transform us, rather than depending on self-imposed rules or willpower.

Outline:

1. Introduction (00:00)
2. Scripture Reading (01:04)
3. Paul’s Perspective: Is This Pre- or Post-Salvation? (03:14)
4. Unpacking the “Law of Sin” (04:57)
5. Identity Check: Who Are We in Christ? (06:24)
6. Freedom Formula: Spirit-Led vs. Self-Effort (10:18)
7. Life Lesson: Tom Shares a Personal Story on Self-Discipline (11:03)
8. Finding Strength: How God Empowers Us (17:12)
9. Key Takeaway: Growing with Grace, Not Law (18:42)

Theme Music:

Here Forever by Adigold Dramatic by FlowersMusic (all rights and licensing from Envato elements)

Hosted by: Ross O'Hair Participating Staff: Tom Price Edited by: Ross O’Hair and Ben Brezina

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