Scripture References: Romans 6:1-14; Romans 5; John 15:1-17
Sermon Notes:
Intro: We're transitioning in Romans from chapters 1-5 (what we're saved from – God's wrath, sin's reign through justification by faith) to chapter 6 onwards (what we're saved for – living a new life through sanctification). Now that we're declared righteous ("justified"), how do we actually live righteously ("sanctified")?
Key Points:
- Justification vs. Sanctification: Justification is God's one-time act forgiving sin and imputing Christ's righteousness. Sanctification is the ongoing process by the Holy Spirit transforming us to be more like Jesus.
- The Danger of Cheap Grace (v. 1): Having established that grace "super-abounds" over sin (Rom 5:20), Paul addresses the logical objection: If grace increases where sin increases, "shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Does God's massive forgiveness give us a license to sin freely?
- The Definitive Answer: "By No Means!" (v. 2-11): Paul's response is emphatic. Why can't we continue in sin? Because we died to sin.
- Union with Christ: Through faith, symbolized in baptism, we were united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (v. 3-5). What happened to Him happened to us (body/toe analogy).
- Sin's Reign Broken: Our "old self" was crucified with Christ, breaking sin's power and enslavement over us (v. 6-7). Because Christ conquered death and sin permanently, we, united with Him, are freed from its dominion (v. 8-10).
- Living Out Our New Reality (v. 11-14): Though dead to sin's reign, we still battle its presence. How do we fight?
- Consider/Reckon (v. 11): Actively count it true that you ARE dead to sin and alive to God because of your union with Christ. Align your mind with this spiritual reality (Time zone analogy).
- Don't Let Sin Reign (v. 12): Refuse to let sin control your mortal body or dictate your actions. You don't have to obey its passions anymore.
- Don't Present Members to Sin (v. 13a): Stop offering parts of your body (eyes, hands, mind, tongue) as instruments for unrighteousness. Don't get "played" by sin.
- Do Present Members to God (v. 13b): Actively yield yourself and your body parts to God as instruments for righteousness. Focus on what you can do for God.
- Abiding is Key (John 15): The best way to fight sin is to be preoccupied with Jesus. Remain/abide in Him like a branch in the vine. This involves: needing pruning, finding joy in Him, cultivating friendship with Him, and living in loving obedience to Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Conclusion: God's incredible grace doesn't give permission to sin; it fundamentally changes our relationship to sin. United with Christ, we have died to sin's ruling power. Sanctification is the process of living out that reality by actively reckoning ourselves dead to sin/alive to God, yielding ourselves to Him, and focusing on abiding in Jesus.
Call to Action:
- Embrace your identity: You are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ.
- "Reckon" it true daily – remind yourself of this reality.
- Choose moment by moment: Don't yield to sin's impulses; actively present yourself to God for His purposes.
- Prioritize abiding: Cultivate your relationship with Jesus through His word, prayer, obedience, and community. Ask Him to prune what hinders, restore joy, and deepen friendship.
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