Scripture References: Romans 6:1-14; Romans 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:13
Intro: Welcome. Tonight, guest Terry Virgo continues exploring God's grace, building on justification (Rom 5). If God declares us righteous freely, "Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?" (Rom 6:1). Paul's answer is a resounding "No!" Romans 6 explains why: through Christ, we're freed not just from sin's penalty, but from its power.
Key Points:
- The Problem: Slavery to Sin: Before Christ, we were under sin's dominion, unable to break free on our own.
- The Solution: Union with Christ (vv. 2-11): The core truth is our spiritual union with Jesus through faith ("baptized into Christ"):
- Died with Christ: When Jesus died, our "old self" (the person enslaved to sin) was crucified with Him (v. 6). Sin's reign was broken. "He who has died is freed from sin" (v. 7).
- Raised with Christ: Just as He rose, we were spiritually raised to "walk in newness of life" (v. 4). We are now "alive to God in Christ Jesus" (v. 11). This is an accomplished fact declared by God.
- Living in Freedom: Our Response (vv. 11-14): Paul commands three steps based on this reality:
- KNOW the Truth: Understand your old identity died; sin's power is broken. Believe God's declaration.
- CONSIDER (Reckon) it True: Actively align your thinking with your new identity. Count yourself dead to sin's rule and alive to God's rule in Christ.
- PRESENT Yourself to God: Do not let sin reign (v. 12). Actively yield your body ("members") as instruments for righteousness, not unrighteousness (v. 13). Take responsibility; make wise choices aligned with your new nature.
- New Identity: Slaves of Righteousness (vv. 14, 18): "Sin shall not be master over you, for you are... under grace." Our identity has fundamentally changed. We are now aligned with righteousness; it feels like "home." When we sin, the guilt we feel confirms our new nature.
- Dealing with Failure: This freedom doesn't mean sinless perfection yet. When we stumble, we don't despair. We confess quickly, receive forgiveness (1 John 1:9), reaffirm our identity in Christ, resist the accuser, and remember no temptation is unbeatable (1 Cor 10:13).
Conclusion: Grace leads to liberation, not license. Our union with Christ's death broke sin's power, and His resurrection gives us new life under God's reign. We are no longer slaves to sin but slaves of righteousness. We live this out by knowing who we are, reckoning it true, and actively presenting ourselves to God.
Call to Action: Embrace the truth of your freedom! Know that sin's reign is broken. Reckon yourself dead to sin and alive to God today. Actively choose to yield your thoughts, words, and actions to Him as instruments of righteousness. Walk confidently in the grace that both saves and empowers.
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