Buried in Death, Raised in Newness of Life

Romans 6:1-14

I. The Death Alarming Question (Romans 6:1) Romans 5:20 notes that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more…” This question that Paul mentions in Romans 6:1 is logical, and many stop at this passage and believe they have a licenses to sin! Thankfully, he answers verse 1 in verses 2-4. We live in a society that likes to form its own way. Where pleasure is more important than true proclamation. Where right is wrong and wrong is right. Where scripture is bent to justify one’s sinful desires. We have entered into an age in which there is vast biblical illiteracy. Today’s manta is the verse taken out of context, “Judge not least you be judged.” January is the sanctity of life month. It’s also Human Trafficking awareness month. Both abortion and human trafficking are wrong, sinful, against God’s design. We also know that there is forgiveness for those who have done both. The forgiveness for these sins and every sin is only found in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not found in one’s self-esteem, but in one’s new identity in Christ. God’s transforming grace is so that we will live for Him and not for the death of sinful desires. Here is a little diagram that displays God’s design for His grace through Jesus Christ in comparison to man’s design.

Love – Truth = Deadly Liberal Grace (The belief that grace abounds and repentance is not required because God is love) 

An unbiblical grace

Truth – Love = Deadly Legalistic Grace (The belief that grace is Contingent on one’s merit to earn God’s favor) An unbiblical grace

Truth + Love = Life Giving & Life Transforming Grace (Grace, the forgiveness of sin, is by faith in Jesus Christ alone enabling repentance from sin) A biblical grace

II.The Life Affirming Answer (Romans 6:2-4)

In verse 4 we see that baptism is an illustration of our death to self and sin and our surrender to the Savior to be raised to life! God’s powerful saving grace is able to triumph over death and sin in order to give us life!

III. The Amazing Identity in Christ (Romans 6:5-11)

        a. We are united with Christ in His death and in the resurrection. (v.5)
        b. We are unbound from the slavery of our old self. (vv.6-7)
        c.  We are unaffected by death because of Christ (vv.8-11)
IV. The Actions that Result From a Life in Christ (Romans 6:12-14) This is not saying we are saved by are works, it is saying that we’re being transformed. In verses 12 and 13 Paul is conveying that although God has accomplished new life through ones’ relationship with Jesus Christ, the believer still has the responsibility to obey. We will always be fighting sin until either Christ returns or God calls us home. We will be tempted on this side of eternity, yet we have God’s promises that “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13) and also: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
 

Verse 14 reaffirms that the promise of God stands true, because of your faith in Jesus Christ you are not under the law, but under grace! Through faith we are buried in His death and raised to walk in newness of life!

No Christ, No Life

Know Christ, Know Life