Denying the Self Life: Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh Lori and Joe discuss recent events—Joe attending Momentum, a staff training for True North camp leaders, and Lori receiving allergy test results showing she's allergic to many things except her dog—which leads into a conversation about the "self life." They explore how attention can easily shift from worshiping God to focusing on self, using examples like looking for oneself first in group photos, the cultural rise of the selfie, and even identifying with suffering as "my cross." The episode contrasts self-preservation with self-gratification, warns that chasing "happy" based on circumstances creates fear and enslavement, and emphasizes choosing to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh. They reference Luke 9:23, Romans 8:12–13, Galatians 5:16–17, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3, and Romans 7:14–20, and connect their points to the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15), including the older brother's self-focused resentment. They conclude that surrendering the self life is a daily practice that leads to greater joy and freedom in Jesus.

0:00 Welcome & Catching Up: Momentum Staff Training Recap 01:05 Allergy Test Surprise: 'Allergic to Texas' (and Anxiety vs. Reality) 02:33 From Test Results to Theology: New Creation vs. Same Flesh 03:13 Spotting the Self-Life: The 'Group Photo' Test & Selfie Culture 05:17 Jesus' Call to Deny Self: Luke 9:23 and 'Taking Up the Cross Daily' 06:44 Self-Gratification & Self-Protection: Itches, Identity, and Hidden Motives 08:46 Little Compromises Add Up: Where Fulfillment Crosses the Line 09:47 Choosing Spirit Over Flesh: Feelings, Instincts, and God's Design 12:40 Key Scriptures for the Battle: Romans 8 & Galatians 5 (and a Toddler's Wisdom) 14:38 Self-Preservation vs. Self-Gratification: The House Example 16:06 Chasing Happy vs. True Joy: Trusting God's Provision 19:25 Breaking the Cycle: Surrender Daily & The Prodigal Son Picture 22:18 Living for God's Glory: Joy, Freedom, and the 'Traitor Within' 23:43 Paul's Honest Struggle: Romans 7 and the Ongoing Fight 25:19 Final Encouragement & Subscribe: Turning from Self to Find Joy in Christ