Devotional Reading: Romans 6:1-14
Background Scripture: Romans 6:1-14
Key Verse: Romans 6:5
Introduction
Division in the church is nothing new, it happened in the Roman church during Paul’s time; between the Jews and Gentiles. Paul used this time, by way of writing a letter to the Roman church to re-direct, if you will, their focus, to teach, and encourage the believer’s still present. Let’s begin our journey.
I. Dead To Sin (Romans 6:1-5)
Paul begins by asking the question, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” This question serves a two-fold purpose of thought: Since forgiveness of sin is a sure sign of God’s grace and being that “grace” is a good thing; why not keep sinning because we will be forgiven, via grace from God? By all means, this way of thinking is crazy.
Paul goes further to inform the people of the Roman church that aside of being baptized into Jesus Christ, they were also baptized into his death. Simply put, when emerged into water, it serves as a symbolism to death from sin. In other words, by baptism we are brought into Christ and His death becomes our death – to sin. Baptized people put sin to death and bury it when they believe and repent. We walk in the “newness” of life, the old life of sin ends, and a new life begins.
II. Alive In Christ (Romans 6:6-14)
Paul went further in stating that Christians are in an ongoing battle (in the flesh). As we live in this world, we are constantly fighting with the desires of the flesh. It is the avenue in which Satan works to capture our allegiance to God, while eroding our faith. Paul stated, “I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.” (Romans 7:21).
Therefore, the “old man” is dead under sin’s rule. Being new creatures in Christ, we are under the “new man” rule. Understand, while on this side, we are not freed from temptation but, it will not and should not serve as a “controlling” factor in our lives. God has given us His Holy Spirit to better equip us for the battle. Sin will continue to entice, but we are better prepared for such battle. Therefore, what is true of Jesus is true of the Christian: death hath no more dominion over him. Due to the death and resurrection of Christ, sin and death have been overturned and the ”new” era has begun.
Conclusion
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:13)
Be Blessed,
Sis. Mary Turner
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