Romans: Sin, You Are Dead To Me
Romans 6:1-23
Theme: With the powerful truth that we have been saved from the penalty of sin (guilt and shame of all sin removed), even the wrath of God, it raises a question, “shall we go on sinning?” (6:1, 15) The amazing reality is that Christ’s death on our behalf has also broke the POWER OF SIN. We are “dead to sin” is the theme of 6:1-14 because of our union with Christ. God’s Spirit gives us grace to live victoriously, though not perfectly. Sin is pictured in this chapter as a tyrannical master (in Adam), but “in Christ” this master no longer has control and no longer rules. As Christ followers we should not let sin have sway over us nor should we serve sin. Jesus brings us freedom! The theme of 6:15-23 is we are not controlled by sin’s power, but free to serve Righteousness. This message will draw of chapter 6 three practical steps to living in victory: 1) know the truth (“know that old self crucified with Christ” 6:6); 2) Consider or count yourselves dead to sin (6:11), but alive to God; and 3) present or offer yourselves to Christ—enslaved to Christ and His righteousness. We need to live a life of Spirit-filled trust in the power of Christ! [Note: it may be helpful to think of two realms as in chapter 5; realm of sin and death in Adam and the realm of life and freedom in Christ.]