Dr. Jim unpacks how lasting change happens when we live from our union with Christ—“above the line”—instead of from fluctuating feelings “below the line.” He explains why the Bible says we have already “put on Christ” and still commands us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” showing that essence precedes action: because of who we are in Christ, we can live like it. You’ll hear how the new man, the flesh, and the soul interact, why desire changes as we abide, and how Elijah’s fear illustrates slipping below the line—and getting back. 

Topics Discussed

• Why sincere decisions don’t “stick” without biblical sanctification 
• “Put on Christ”: already true (Gal 3:27) and still a command (Rom 13:14) 
• “Above the line” (the unseen, timeless realm) vs. “below the line” (seen, shifting realm) 
• Union with Christ: old man crucified, new man regenerated; indicative → imperative 
• Spirit vs. flesh desires; the soul as the willful “control center” 
• Elijah’s swing from Mount Carmel courage to Jezebel-induced fear—and recovery 
• Practical: honesty, cutting access to the flesh, and reshaping desire by living “above the line” 

Key Takeaways

• Essence precedes action: live out what is already true in Christ. 
• Your spirit (new man) is stable; the flesh is loud; the soul must choose whom to heed. 
• Desire can be transformed by “putting on Christ”—consciously living from union with Him. 
• Fear and other strong emotions aren’t final; returning “above the line” restores victory.