Welcome to Chapter 5 of ROW Against the Flow: Our Authority in Christ. This chapter turns our attention to how Jesus calls us not just to struggle against life’s currents, but to embrace His victory—changing how we think, live, and respond to daily challenges.

Chapter Focus: Shaping Our Thoughts for Spiritual Victory

In this chapter, you’ll discover:

• Victory starts in the mind: The battles we fight often begin with our thought life—whether we agree with God’s truth or get pulled into fear, lies, or defeat.
• The power of renewing your mind: Lasting change comes from believing what God says, not just trying harder. “Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, NET).
• Living as overcomers: Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and by trusting in Him, we live from His victory, not just striving for our own.
• Practical steps: Notice your self-talk, compare it to God’s Word, and choose to agree with truth. Regular reflection, prayer, and community help support this new mindset.

Real stories and honest struggles offer encouragement as you pursue a new way of thinking—empowered, hopeful, and anchored in Christ’s finished work.

Let’s Share: Conversation Prompts

Reflect and invite others into the journey:

• When do you most notice negative or defeating patterns of thought? How does it affect your day?
• Have you experienced times when embracing God’s truth brought freedom or peace to your mind?
• How do you “renew your mind” practically—Scripture, worship, journaling, community?
• Where do you sense God inviting you to think differently, seeing yourself and others as He does?

Share an answer, a question, or just what resonates with you. Your insights could help set someone else free.

What’s Next?

• Read ahead: Download the PDF if you want to explore more, or return next week for Chapter 6.
• Connect with others: Invite a friend to read along, or start a group chat about the mindsets you want to nurture.
• Practice victory: This week, make note of a “victory thought”—a truth from God’s Word to hold onto when challenges arise.

Thank you for continuing to press forward. Remember: victory in Jesus isn’t just for a future day—it’s for everyday life, starting in your mind and heart.

Chapter 5: Our Authority in Christ

Who do you think you are? That can be a very intimidating question. Depending on the context that could make us tuck our proverbial tail and slink away. It’s true that many people have an over inflated sense of self, but I find that among Christians we often think to little about the work God is doing in our lives and how we can participate with Him under his authority. God has through Christ reconciled us to Himself and his Spirit is the down payment of that. We are participating with Him as we train to rule and reign with Him.  

As a student at Puget Sound Christian College in the 90s, I was able to play on the basketball team and we experienced amazing success at our level. There are many fond memories of traveling and even a national championship. Early on, I struggled to understand my value on the team. It was so much fun, but I was not careful with fouling my opponent. I would “foul out” and be sitting on the bench for the last part of the game. One day, Coach Troy pulled me aside and said, “Aaron, I put you in the game because I need you in the game.” When I was taking myself out of the game I was hurting the team. I was a valuable part of the whole enterprise. That really inspired me to understand my role on the team and made my participation so much more meaningful. I’m sure I fouled out of another game at some point in those two years but everything was different after that. 

Who do you think you are? Better yet, who does Jesus think you are?  

This should probably be mentioned. If you were baptized you did declare war on the Enemy. You made the transition from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. Like Israel escaping Pharaoh you went through the sea (pictured in baptism) and came out the other side. You are liberated as we explored last chapter but the enemy doesn’t like it. He is shaking his fist and wants to get back at you. One way is this battle for identity. Who do you think you are abandoning the kingdom of darkness? 

If we lose this battle for our identity the enemy can keep us stuck living inconsequential lives pursuing other idols and staying trapped in sin. This is why the church remains sleepy and ineffective. We don’t know who we are. It’s almost like the enemy of our souls is petting the church while it sleeps on the couch. “Just stay sleepy. Do the things you normally do and you will be of no danger to my dark kingdom.” If this is the case, the enemy doesn’t have much work to do to keep us sleepy. He does not have to be intricately involved in the whisper, temptation campaign when the culture has been set and people are running the course. Like a crockpot where he can set it and forget it, the church is “cooked” (done, finished) when she forgets who she is. 

In the previous chapters, we’ve explored the reality of spiritual warfare, the nature of sin, and the liberating power of Christ’s work on the cross. Now, we turn our attention to a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey: understanding and exercising our authority in Christ.  

Understanding Our Position in Christ 

But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you are saved!—and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. — Ephesians 2:4-7

Our position in Christ is the foundation of our spiritual authority. This isn’t just a nice metaphor; it’s a spiritual reality that has profound implications for our daily lives. Consider these powerful truths about our position in Christ: 

• We are children of God (John 1:12): Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have been adopted into God’s family. This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a spiritual reality that grants us incredible privileges and responsibilities. As God’s children, we have direct access to our Heavenly Father, can approach Him with confidence, and are heirs to His promises. 
• We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37): In Christ, we don’t just barely survive life’s challenges; we overwhelmingly conquer them. This doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties, but it does mean that through Christ’s power, we can triumph over any obstacle, temptation, or spiritual attack. Our victory is assured because of Christ’s ultimate victory on the cross. 
• We have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16): As believers, we have been given spiritual discernment and the ability to understand God’s thoughts and ways. This doesn’t mean we’re omniscient, but it does mean we can approach life’s decisions and challenges with godly wisdom and insight, aligning our thoughts with Christ’s perspective. 

In any given situation, we may not know what to do but we know the One who does! 

• We are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20): We represent Christ in this world, carrying His message of reconciliation. Just as ambassadors speak on behalf of their countries, we are called to speak and act on behalf of God’s Kingdom, sharing His love and truth with those around us. This role gives purpose and significance to our daily interactions. 
• We are God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10): We are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ Jesus for good works. This means our lives have divine purpose and design. God has uniquely crafted us and prepared specific good works for us to do. Our identity isn’t based on our own achievements, but on God’s creative work in us. 

Understanding and embracing these truths is crucial in exercising our authority in Christ. Through allegiance to King Jesus we are seated with Christ in the Father’s Divine Council as his beloved children. We have access through prayer to the throne of grace. We have one foot in heaven and one on the ground. We are heaven-earth people because we are found in the God-Man, Jesus the Messiah. 

With access to the Sovereign of the universe can you see how we can engage in spiritual warfare even as we pray for those who do not yet believe? We can pray that God would unveil the eyes of the blind so they could see the light. We can launch an air war of prayer even while we have boots on the ground to share the gospel. Maybe you found your gospel witness ineffective, falling on deaf ears. Let’s keep the air war and ground war working together.

The Enemy’s Limited Power 

While King Jesus has decisively defeated the enemy through His death and resurrection, we must recognize that our adversary is still active. As the Apostle Peter warns us, 

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. — 1 Peter 5:8

This imagery of a roaring lion is powerful, but it’s essential to understand its context. A roaring lion is often not the one that catches its prey; instead, it’s usually trying to intimidate. Our enemy, though defeated, still attempts to intimidate and deceive us. 

The Nature of Our Authority 

Our authority in Christ isn’t about having power over other people or manipulating circumstances to our advantage. Instead, it’s about standing firm in the victory Christ has already won and resisting the enemy’s schemes. This authority is given to us by Christ Himself, and it’s our responsibility to exercise it. 

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” — Luke 10:19 

Putting on the Full Armor of God 

At the end of an amazing letter to the churches in what is now Western Turkey, the Apostle Paul wrote:

Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace,and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak—that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak. — Ephesians 6:10-20 

Paul’s description of the armor of God provides a practical framework for exercising our authority in Christ: 

• Belt of Truth: Embracing God’s truth as the foundation of our lives 
• Breastplate of Righteousness: Living in the righteousness Christ has given us 
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace: Being ready to share the good news 
• Shield of Faith: Trusting God’s promises to deflect the enemy’s attacks 
• Helmet of Salvation: Protecting our minds with the assurance of our salvation 
• Sword of the Spirit: Using God’s Word to counter lies and temptations 

Practical Application: R.O.W. in Action 

Repent: Acknowledge any areas where you’ve given ground to the enemy through sin or unbelief. Turn away from these and towards God’s truth about your identity in Christ. 

Obey: Choose to act on your authority in Christ. This might mean speaking truth over lies, resisting temptation, or actively engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer. 

Worship: Praise God for the authority He’s given you in Christ. Use worship as a weapon against the enemy’s attacks, declaring God’s truth over your life and circumstances. 

The Importance of Humility 

While understanding our authority in Christ is crucial, it’s equally important to approach this authority with humility. Our power doesn’t come from ourselves, but from Christ. As James 4:7 reminds us: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 

Notice the order: first, we submit to God, then we resist the devil. 

Conclusion 

Understanding and exercising our authority in Christ is a vital aspect of our spiritual walk. It’s not about becoming puffed up with pride, but about humbly yet confidently standing in the victory Christ has won for us. As we daily submit to God and resist the enemy, we’ll find ourselves growing stronger in our faith and more effective in our spiritual battles. 

Remember, the enemy has no power over you that you do not give back to him. 

Stand firm in your authority in Christ, and continue to ROW against the flow of this world’s current. In doing so, you’ll not only maintain your own spiritual freedom, but also become a powerful force for God’s Kingdom in this world. 

Reflection

1. How does understanding your position in Christ change your perspective on daily challenges? 
2. Drawing on the basketball analogy, how does understanding your value to the team (God’s Kingdom) inspire you to stay in the game and fight against the spiritual forces of evil?
3. The text suggests the enemy seeks to keep us “sleepy” by attacking our identity. In what areas of your life are you currently “sleepy,” and how can understanding your authority in Christ help you wake up and engage in the spiritual battle?
4. The chapter discusses the “air war of prayer” and the “ground war” of sharing the gospel. How can you integrate your position in Christ—being “heaven-earth people”—to make your prayers and witness more effective?
5. How can the R.O.W. Principle (Repent, Obey, Worship) be applied specifically to your battle for identity when the enemy tries to challenge “Who do you think you are?”
6. In what areas of your life do you need to exercise your spiritual authority more actively? 
7. How can you practically put on the full armor of God in your daily routine? 

Prayer Focus

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of the authority You’ve given us through Christ. We thank You for the victory Jesus won on the cross, disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities. 

Lord, help us to fully grasp the reality of our position in Christ. Remind us daily that we are Your children, more than conquerors, ambassadors for Christ, and Your workmanship. Let these truths sink deep into our hearts and transform the way we live. 

We confess the times we’ve lived as if we were still slaves to sin and fear. Forgive us for the moments we’ve given ground back to the enemy through our choices and beliefs. Help us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us. 

Holy Spirit, give us discernment to recognize the enemy’s schemes and the courage to resist them. Teach us how to effectively use the spiritual armor You’ve provided. May we be diligent in putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. 

Father, we ask for wisdom to exercise our authority in Christ with humility. Keep us from pride or misusing this authority. Help us to always remember that our power comes from You alone. 

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the authority You’ve given us to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Give us boldness to walk in this authority, especially in areas where we’ve felt powerless before. 

We pray for strength to resist the enemy’s intimidation tactics. When he roars like a lion, remind us that he’s already defeated. Help us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters around the world are facing similar battles. 

Father, we ask that You would use us as instruments of Your Kingdom. As we exercise our authority in Christ, may we bring light to dark places, hope to the hopeless, and freedom to those in bondage. 

We pray for our unbelieving friends and family. Give us wisdom and courage to engage in spiritual warfare on their behalf, praying for their eyes to be opened to the truth of the gospel. 

Help us to maintain a balance between the “air war” of prayer and the “ground war” of active witness. May our prayers and our actions work together to advance Your Kingdom. 

Finally, Lord, we pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. May this heavenly perspective shape our earthly lives, giving us confidence and peace as we face each day’s challenges. 

We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our victorious King. Amen.

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Chapter 4: Christ’s Liberation

Welcome to Chapter 4 of ROW Against the Flow: Christ’s Liberation. This week, the focus is on the freedom Jesus offers—not just from habits or circumstances, but into a life truly set free for His purposes and presence.

Chapter Focus: Living in the Liberation of Christ

In this chapter, we explore what it means for Jesus to liberate us:

• Freedom from shame and guilt: Christ’s grace doesn’t just forgive—it releases us from the weight of the past.
• Release from spiritual bondage: Where we feel stuck—in sin, fear, cycles of defeat—Jesus’ victory on the cross breaks chains, even those we thought unbreakable.
• Free to walk as God’s children: Liberation isn’t just from something, but for something—intimacy with God, purpose, hope, and love expressed to others.

Key biblical truths anchor this chapter:

• “So if the Son sets you free, you will be really free.” (John 8:36, NET)
• “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NET)
• Jesus declares liberty to captives (see Luke 4:18–19, NET)

You’ll find stories of real change, encouragement for those who feel stuck, and practical steps for embracing freedom—daily practices that keep us returning to the liberator, not bondage.

Conversation Starters

Let’s reflect and share together:

• Where in your life do you most long for freedom? What has kept you feeling “captive”?
• When have you experienced Jesus breaking chains—habits, mindsets, fears?
• How does it challenge or encourage you to see your freedom as both a gift and a calling to serve others?

Share your insights, a story, or a verse that’s meaningful to you. Your journey might encourage someone to claim Christ’s liberation for themselves.

What’s Next?

• Read ahead: The full book is available as a free PDF, or come back next week for Chapter 5.
• Invite someone: These chapters are for group or personal study—bring a friend or share thoughts in your community.
• Stay engaged: Each week, we keep moving toward authentic freedom in Christ—supporting and praying for one another.

Thank you for being part of this journey. May you discover afresh the liberation that only Jesus brings—freedom to walk in truth, love, and joy.

Chapter 4: Christ’s Liberation

As I was growing up, I was one stuck kid. My early years were uneventful enough and church life defined my weekly schedule. My parents loved Jesus and served in the church every time the doors were open. This gave me great exposure to a wonderful community. Of course that wasn’t the only exposure I would receive and when I was about 10 years old a fellow classmate  showed me pornography for the first time. It happened in the backseat as we carpooled to Christian school, of all places. That plus other types of abuse set me off down the pathway of disordered desires. Only in the last decade have I started to see how what had been done to me set me off down that pathway.  

All I knew as a boy and a teenager was that I was stuck. It seemed that no secret behavior was off-limits. I would shoplift so that I could seem generous to my friends. Only the restraining power of God kept me from being an abuser as I worked through all of these patterns of behavior. I would memorize all the verses and could repeat all of the important doctrine based on my years of Christian school and church attendance. The old ladies at church would pat my head and say “what a good little boy” but in my mind I was thinking “as far as you know.” Back in the 80s our Christian school used corporal punishment for people like me. Also I was forced to write the definition of tact so many times on chalkboards and notepads. I swore I would never remember it as I tried to avoid memorizing it while I wrote it over the years. Alas, I do indeed recall that “tact is skillfully saying and doing what is suitable and proper under the existing circumstances.” This actually made me more secretive and more slippery with the truth. 

In my senior year of High School, 1992, I was sitting in an English class and my teacher was disparaging the Bible. He classified it as fairytales and was discouraging us from taking it seriously as literature or history. I was a talker and because of my upbringing I knew better than to let this pass without confronting the errors. I had learned plenty over the years about the reliability of scripture. When I looked around the room I noticed Jeff, the friend who I had spent last class with making up all sorts of rude ways to speak to girls in the Spanish Language. Then I saw Joanna, the girl I had basically propositioned for sex in PE class. Maybe that’s why that guy kicked me in the face. Then I saw my basketball team with whom I was prone to misbehave. After surveying the room, I realized I was not the person to represent Jesus in the classroom. This was another kick in the teeth. I felt God telling me to sit down. Another friend, Jason, shared with the teacher what I wanted to say but he had the right to share. He represented Christ in his daily life not just in this moment.  

That night I lay in my bed and wept about the wreck my life had become. I felt so stuck and despaired that I could ever make good on my Sunday morning promises to God. Those promises would fall flat every Monday morning. 

I cried out to God and said “I don’t have what it takes to be the Christian you want me to be” and I heard back as clear as any other conversation “I never said you had what it takes, this is something I am going to do through you.” 

At that point I just gave my life to Jesus. “You can have it all.” Yes, my life was a mess but he accepted it.  

That summer, I saw the captivity I had been in more clearly than ever and experienced the liberation of Christ more powerfully than ever. There were days that I was witnessing to a coworker using my Spanish language skills and days where I was in a fight with another coworker. God squeezed it all out of my heart and revealed my need for reliance on Him.  Does Jesus have the power to liberate you? 

In the previous chapters, we explored the reality of spiritual warfare and the devastating consequences of humanity’s fall into sin. Now, we turn our attention to the heart of the gospel message: Christ’s liberating work on the cross. This chapter will delve into God’s plan of redemption, the power of Christ’s sacrifice, and what it means to live in the freedom He provides. 

God’s Plan of Redemption 

From the moment of humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to restore us to relationship with Him. This plan wasn’t an afterthought or a reaction to our failure. It was a demonstration of His infinite love and mercy. 

For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world should be saved through him. The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. — John 3:16-18

This familiar verse encapsulates the heart of God’s redemptive plan. It reveals that: 

• God’s motivation is love: At the heart of God’s redemptive plan is His boundless love for humanity. Despite our rebellion and sin, God’s love remains constant and unwavering. This love drove Him to pursue us even when we were at our worst, demonstrating a depth of affection that surpasses human understanding. 
• His plan involved personal sacrifice: God’s plan for our redemption came at an immense cost – the life of His own Son. Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to take on human flesh, enduring suffering, rejection, and ultimately death on the cross. This supreme act of sacrifice reveals the lengths to which God would go to restore our relationship with Him. 
• The goal is our salvation and eternal life: God’s redemptive plan aims not just at forgiveness, but at complete restoration and eternal life with Him. Through Christ’s work, we are not only saved from the penalty of sin but are also given the promise of eternal fellowship with God, starting now and extending into eternity. 
• It’s available to everyone who believes: The beauty of God’s plan is its universal availability. Regardless of our past, our social status, or our perceived worthiness, salvation is offered freely to all who put their faith in Christ. This inclusivity reflects God’s desire for all people to experience His liberating grace. 
• God’s intention is to save, not condemn: Despite our deserved condemnation, God’s heart is set on our salvation. His approach is not one of harsh judgment, but of merciful redemption. Through Christ, God offers a way out of condemnation and into the freedom of His love and acceptance. 

The Power of Christ’s Sacrifice 

The cross of Christ is the pivotal moment in history where God’s plan of redemption was fulfilled. On the cross, Jesus did more than just die for our sins. He broke the power of sin and death itself. 

Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead. And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions. He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross. — Colossians 2:12-15 

Let’s expand on what Christ accomplished: 

• He brought us from death to life: Through His sacrifice, Jesus restored our spiritual vitality. We were once spiritually dead due to sin, but Christ’s work on the cross breathed new life into us, enabling us to have a living relationship with God.  
• He forgave ALL our sins: Christ’s atonement covers every sin – past, present, and future. This complete forgiveness frees us from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing us to approach God with confidence. 
• He canceled the record of charges against us: Jesus erased the debt of sin that stood against us. Like a legal document listing our transgressions, this record was nailed to the cross, symbolically demonstrating that our sins have been fully paid for. 
• He disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities: Christ’s victory on the cross stripped the enemy of their power over believers. While these forces still exist, they no longer have authority over those who are in Christ. 
• He triumphed over them publicly: Jesus’ resurrection was a public declaration of His victory over sin, death, and the forces of darkness. This triumph was not hidden but displayed openly, demonstrating God’s power and the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice. 

Let’s Pause. 

Is Christ’s sacrifice effective for you? Does King Jesus have your allegiance? 

If so, this total and complete victory means that the enemy has been defeated, disarmed, and publicly humiliated. If Jesus has your believing loyalty, you can now live in the freedom and authority that Christ has won for you. 

The enemy has no power over you that you do not give back to him. 

Read that again. How does that happen? In a word, sin. He gets power back when you give it to him.

We often wander back to the foot of the Cross where all the broken chains are. We’ve been set free but we are back again fitting ourselves for the most comfortable shackles. After all, they fit right over the scars that were there from before. In chapter 8, we will look at breaking agreements with the enemy of our souls that keep us slipping back into these shackles.

Asymmetrical Warfare 

It seems that the enemy of our souls had his teeth knocked out at the cross and resurrection event, but just like in modern warfare it’s not always a frontal assault that takes us down. I believe there is a whisper campaign that continues to derail God’s people. Even Christian leaders, or should I say especially Christian leaders, are at risk.  

In 30 years of ministry, I’ve had this idea that the enemy doesn’t care how influential a Christian leader gets as long as the devil has a hook in them to take as many people down as possible. It’s not like I want to spend a lot of time in the devil’s way of thinking but if he has the key to take me down whenever he wants to, then I shouldn’t trust the lack of frontal assault as terms of peace. Just because I experience success even in ministry does not mean that I’m living right. In these same 30 years I’ve watched the fall of hundreds of “successful” ministry leaders and I want to get all the hooks out of me I can. That’s why we’re ROWing. 

If I am in Christ, I am safe, I am saved. That being said, I’ve got to process the whispers and capture the thoughts running through my head and make them obedient to Christ and the gospel. Keep the broken chains broken. 

for the weapons of our warfare are not human weapons, but are made powerful by God for tearing down strongholds. We tear down arguments and every arrogant obstacle that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obey Christ. – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 

Living in the Freedom Christ Provides 

So what does this mean for us in our daily lives? How do we live in the freedom Christ has won for us? I’ve wandered to the foot of the cross plenty over the years. It’s been 32 years of walking with Jesus but I still fit myself for old chains every once in a while. I don’t do the shame spiral or slap myself on the wrist. You say, “What no shame spiral, no whirlpool, well, maybe Aaron you’re not even sorry.” I just confess, agree that it was sin, and thank Jesus for forgiveness. I don’t want the enemy to have access to me. Do you? 

Here’s a test on whether you know 1 John 1:9. See if I get this right. “If we confess our sins and grovel and beat ourselves up and shame ourselves for doing this again and isolate ourselves from the Christian community for a good long while then Jesus will forgive me.” Not right you say? Oh yeah, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” That’s it. Unrighteousness is all the stuff we don’t know we’re doing that isn’t rightly related to God and others and ourselves and creation. Just imagine with me how patient God is to know our deeds before we do them and still offer us a way to agree and align with Him and cleanse us! Righteousness means to be rightly related to God through allegiance to Jesus. 

We know that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin would no longer dominate us, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. (For someone who has died has been freed from sin.) Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. – Romans 6:6-8

Living in freedom means: 

1. Recognizing our old sinful nature has been crucified with Christ: Through Jesus’ sacrifice, our former self, bound by sin, has been put to death. We are new creations in Christ, no longer defined by our past failures or sinful tendencies. 
2. Understanding we are no longer slaves to sin: Sin’s power over us has been broken. We are no longer compelled to obey its demands or trapped in cycles of guilt and shame. Christ’s victory has liberated us from sin’s dominion. 
3. Actively choosing to live as free people: Freedom in Christ requires our participation. We must daily decide to walk in the liberty Christ has provided, resisting the temptation to return to old patterns or pick up the chains that have been broken. 
4. Using our freedom to serve God and others: Our liberation isn’t just for our own benefit. We are set free so that we can love and serve God wholeheartedly, and extend His grace to those around us. Our freedom becomes a powerful testimony of God’s transforming work. 

Practical Application: R.O.W. in Action 

Repent: Acknowledge where you’ve been living as if you’re still a slave to sin. Turn away from this mindset and towards the truth of your freedom in Christ. 

Obey: Choose to live as a free person. What does obedience look like now that you’re no longer bound by sin? How can you use your freedom to serve God and others? 

Worship: Praise God for His incredible plan of redemption. Thank Jesus for His sacrifice that has set you free. Let your life be a living act of worship in response to this freedom. 

The Challenge of Freedom 

While we’ve been set free, we often struggle to live in that freedom. We may find ourselves returning to old patterns of sin, picking up the chains that have been broken. This is why Paul urges us in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” 

Living in freedom requires vigilance and a continual turning towards Christ. It’s not a one-time decision, but a daily choice to embrace our identity as free children of God. 

Conclusion 

King Jesus’s work on the cross has provided our ultimate liberation. We are no longer slaves to sin or under the power of the enemy. We have been set free to live in relationship with God and to fulfill our purpose in His Kingdom. As we continue to repent, obey, and worship, we grow in our ability to live out this freedom and resist the enemy’s attempts to re-enslave us. Remember, the chains are broken. You are free. Now live like it. 

Reflection

1. How has your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice changed after reading this chapter? 
2. The chapter discusses the enemy’s “whisper campaign” and “asymmetrical warfare.” What specific “whispers” is the enemy using in your life to discourage or derail you, and how can you use 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 to “tear down arguments” and “take every thought captive”?
3. The author emphasizes confessing sins without the “shame spiral.” How can you apply 1 John 1:9 to approach God in confession and thank Him for forgiveness, rather than returning to “broken chains”?
4. In what areas of your life do you still struggle to live in the freedom Christ provides? 
5. How can you practically apply the R.O.W. principle to maintain your freedom in Christ? 

Prayer Focus

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of the authority You’ve given us through Christ. We thank You for the victory Jesus won on the cross, disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities. 

Lord, help us to fully grasp the reality of our position in Christ. Remind us daily that we are Your children, more than conquerors, ambassadors for Christ, and Your workmanship. Let these truths sink deep into our hearts and transform the way we live. 

We confess the times we’ve lived as if we were still slaves to sin and fear. Forgive us for the moments we’ve given ground back to the enemy through our choices and beliefs. Help us to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us. 

Holy Spirit, give us discernment to recognize the enemy’s schemes and the courage to resist them. Teach us how to effectively use the spiritual armor You’ve provided. May we be diligent in putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. 

Father, we ask for wisdom to exercise our authority in Christ with humility. Keep us from pride or misusing this authority. Help us to always remember that our power comes from You alone. 

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the authority You’ve given us to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy. Give us boldness to walk in this authority, especially in areas where we’ve felt powerless before. 

We pray for strength to resist the enemy’s intimidation tactics. When he roars like a lion, remind us that he’s already defeated. Help us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our brothers and sisters around the world are facing similar battles. 

Father, we ask that You would use us as instruments of Your Kingdom. As we exercise our authority in Christ, may we bring light to dark places, hope to the hopeless, and freedom to those in bondage. 

Finally, Lord, we pray for a deeper understanding of what it means to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. May this heavenly perspective shape our earthly lives, giving us confidence and peace as we face each day’s challenges. 

We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus, our victorious King. Amen. 

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Welcome to Chapter 3 of ROW Against the Flow: The Practice of Repentance. This week, we’re exploring how repentance isn’t just a one-time act, but an ongoing, life-giving practice—a rhythm that brings us back to God over and over, freeing us from shame and opening us to grace.

Chapter Focus: Repentance as a Lifestyle

In this chapter, we look at repentance as the invitation to turn back to God, not out of guilt or legalism, but because of His kindness and the promise of new life. We discover:

• Repentance is an act of trust, not punishment—God welcomes us every time we turn toward Him.
• Unbelief is often the root of our struggles. When we believe lies about God or ourselves, our hearts wander—but repentance realigns us with truth.
• True repentance brings freedom: instead of hiding our mistakes, we bring them to Jesus (“Lord, I need you”), and He covers us with forgiveness and hope.
• The daily practice of turning back—rather than running away—keeps our hearts soft and our lives aligned with God’s love.

You’ll find stories, biblical encouragement, and practical steps to help you embrace repentance, not as a chore, but as a blessing.

Let’s Talk: Conversation Prompts

After reading Chapter 3, let’s share and reflect:

• What holds you back from practicing repentance regularly?
• Can you remember a time when turning back to God brought you unexpected relief or freedom?
• How does it shift your perspective to see repentance as an act of trust, rather than something to dread?
• Where might God be inviting you to repentance—big or small—this week?

You’re welcome to answer one, several, or simply offer your personal takeaway. Your honesty could bless and encourage others!

What’s Next?

• Read ahead: The full PDF is available if you want to keep going, or come back next week for Chapter 4.
• Invite a friend: These chapters are great for group or individual reflection—who might you invite into the journey?
• Stay connected: We’ll keep working through practical, encouraging ways to ROW against the flow, together.

Thank you for pressing into grace and growth. Let’s help each other walk this road—one honest step at a time.

Chapter 3: Disaster in Paradise

In 2015, I led a group of middle schoolers on a white water rafting trip. We were on the Deschutes river, in Eastern Oregon, enjoying our paddle when the rafts went over a waterfall. Most rafts did fine but one raft circled back toward the waterfall. The rest of us caught the current to go down stream and had all the paddling power our raft guide needed to keep us safe. This group of particularly small middle school girls struggled mightily against the circular vortex and one by one the waterfall would unseat the girls and sweep them down the river. Only now does it seem at all humorous and I was certainly glad the company required that every participant wore a helmet. In chapter one, we talked about our life choices that keeps circling us around and picking us off. We just don’t have the power we think to be able to get out of the whirlpool.

This adventure isn’t just a fun story – it’s a perfect picture of our struggle with sin. Just like those girls caught in the whirlpool, we often find ourselves trapped in cycles of bad choices, unable to break free on our own.

We think we have the power to paddle out, but the current of sin is stronger than we realize. 

Have you ever watched a friend get sucked into this whirlpool of sin? Maybe they’re a Christian, maybe not, but you can see them spiraling deeper into captivity. It reminds me of something my pastor used to say: “Sin takes you further than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you far more than you want to pay.” I’ve seen this play out countless times in people’s lives, including my own.

In this chapter, we’ll explore the origins of our spiritual battle, tracing it back to the Garden of Eden. We’ll examine how the fall of humanity has affected our relationship with God and our susceptibility to sin, setting the stage for the ongoing spiritual warfare we face today.

The Garden of Eden Story and Its Implications

In the beginning, God created a perfect world and placed humans in a garden paradise. Adam and Eve enjoyed unbroken fellowship with God and had the freedom to choose within the boundaries He set. However, this idyllic situation didn’t last.

Now the serpent was more shrewd than any of the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Is it really true that God said, ‘You must not eat from any tree of the orchard’?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the orchard; but concerning the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the orchard God said, ‘You must not eat from it, and you must not touch it, or else you will die.’ ” The serpent said to the woman, “Surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.” When the woman saw that the tree produced fruit that was good for food, was attractive to the eye, and was desirable for making one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate it. She also gave some of it to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. — Genesis 3:1-7

The serpent, representing Satan, approached Eve with a cunning question: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree of the orchard’?” This simple question planted seeds of doubt about God’s goodness and His intentions.

The enemy’s tactic hasn’t changed much since then – he still tries to make us question God’s character and commands. As if to say, “God is holding out on you and He doesn’t have your best interests in mind. If you want something you have to reach out and take it.”

Eve’s response revealed that she knew God’s instruction, but the serpent twisted the truth, promising that eating the forbidden fruit would make them “like God.” This appeal to their desire for autonomy – to be their own gods – proved too tempting to resist.

When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, their eyes were opened, but not in the way they expected. They became aware of their nakedness, symbolizing their new vulnerability and separation from God. This act of disobedience introduced death to humanity and sin into the world, with far-reaching consequences for all of creation.

The Progression of Sin

The disaster in Eden set in motion a progression of sin that affects us all. James describes this process:

But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. — James 1:14-16

This progression often follows a pattern:

1. Temptation: We encounter an opportunity to disobey God.
2. Desire: Our internal longing for something contrary to God’s will grows.
3. Action: We give in to the temptation and commit sin.
4. Death: Sin leads to spiritual death and separation from God.

Understanding this progression can help us identify and interrupt the cycle before it leads to sin and its consequences.

The Eternal Trajectory

Everyone has a trajectory and we’re learning to let Jesus interrupt that trajectory every day. If it’s not interrupted we’ll continue along with our culture that tells us to look inward for meaning and purpose and fulfillment. 

Those who turn inward also turn downward and that trajectory is eternal. Those who through allegiance to Jesus turn upward to our Creator for identity, purpose, satisfaction also turn outward toward others. That trajectory is also eternal.

Those who love God, love others. Those who trust themselves more than God, worship themselves as a god. Self-worship leads to all kinds of sin attaching us to the enemy of our soul.

• The Vortex of Idolatry: Just as the raft was caught in a circular vortex, our disordered desires can trap us in a degenerative cycle of idolatry. We keep circling back to the same false gods, unable to break free on our own.
• Powerlessness Against the Current: We’ve been like the small middle school girls struggling against the vortex in our inability to overcome sin and idolatry through our own strength. We must have Christ’s power to break free from vicious cycles and interrupt our trajectory. 
• The Danger of Being Unseated: As the waterfall unseated the girls one by one, idolatry can gradually erode our spiritual foundation, eventually causing us to lose our footing in our allegiance to Jesus.
• The Importance of Protection: The helmets that protected the rafters can represent the spiritual armor we need to guard against the dangers of idolatry and spiritual warfare. 

Practical Application: R.O.W. in Action

Repent: 

• Acknowledge areas where you’ve sought autonomy from God or turned to modern idols.
• Confess your tendency to doubt God’s goodness or question His commands.

Obey:

• Identify one area where you can actively submit to God’s authority today. Write it down.
• Choose a modern idol in your life and take a concrete step to dethrone it.

Worship:

• Thank God for His perfect design and the freedom He gives within His boundaries.
• Praise God for His patience and love, even when we fall short.

Conclusion

The disaster in Eden may have occurred long ago, but its effects continue to shape our spiritual reality today. By understanding the progression of sin and recognizing modern forms of idolatry, we can better equip ourselves for the spiritual battles we face. Remember, while the consequences of human rebellion are severe, they are not the end of the story. God’s redemptive plan, which we will explore in the next chapter, offers hope and restoration.

Reflection

1. How do you see the pattern of temptation described in James 1:14-16 playing out in your own life?
2. What are some subtle forms of idolatry you’ve noticed in your own heart or in the culture around you?
3. How can understanding the fall and its consequences help you in your daily spiritual battles?
4. The chapter uses the rafting analogy to emphasize our powerlessness against the current of sin. What specific cycles of bad choices or idolatry do you feel caught in, and how does recognizing your inability to “paddle out” motivate you to rely on Christ’s power?
5. The enemy’s tactic in Eden was to make humans question God’s intentions, saying, “God is holding out on you.” Where in your life are you currently tempted to believe that God is holding out on you, and how can you counter this deception with truth?
6. The chapter discusses an “eternal trajectory.” How can you ensure your daily choices reflect a trajectory that is “upward” (toward God) and “outward” (toward others), rather than an “inward” or “downward” trajectory of self-worship?
7. What is one thing you’ll do this week to stop the Trajectory of Sin in your life?

Prayer Focus

Heavenly Father, we come before You humbled by the reality of our fallen nature and the consequences of sin in our world. We acknowledge our tendency to doubt Your goodness and seek autonomy from Your perfect will.

Lord, give us discernment to recognize the progression of sin in our lives. Help us to identify temptation early and turn to You for strength to resist. Open our eyes to see the subtle idols we’ve allowed to take root in our hearts.

We confess our disordered desires and ask for Your help in reordering our loves and our lives. Teach us to worship You alone, dethroning any false gods we’ve elevated in our lives. 

Grant us the courage to submit to Your authority in every area of our lives. When the current of culture pulls us away from You, give us the strength to ROW against the flow.

Thank You for Your patience with us and for Your redemptive plan that offers hope even in the face of our failures. Help us to live in light of this hope, fighting our daily spiritual battles with the confidence that You are with us and for us 

We pray for wisdom to recognize the world, the flesh, and the devil at work in our lives. Give us discernment to see beyond surface-level temptations to the deeper idolatries of our hearts.

Father, we ask for Your protection against the spiritual forces that seek to exploit our weaknesses. Strengthen our resolve to resist the enemy’s schemes and to cling to Your truth.

Help us to be honest with ourselves and with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ about our struggles. Give us the humility to confess our sins and the faith to believe in Your forgiveness and cleansing power.

Lord, we pray for a renewed mind that sees the world as You see it. Transform our desires so that we long for You above all else. May our hearts be satisfied in You alone.

Finally, we ask that You would use our understanding of the fall and its consequences to make us more compassionate towards others who are caught in sin’s grip. Let our lives be a testimony to Your redeeming grace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Get the Spiritual Formation Series on Amazon

The complete series is available in both Kindle and Paperback editions. Buy on Amazon Available worldwide. Choose your preferred format on the Amazon page.