This week in our journey through Romans, we dove into Romans 6 and looked at how we are “Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ.” What does that mean, exactly?
Well, in this chapter, Paul paints a glorious picture of our baptism from death to life. In Romans 5 he writes that while we were still powerless Christ died for us (v.6). Now, in Romans 6 he describes our union with Christ as we identify with Him in His death and resurrection. That’s a pretty powerful picture, isn’t it?
When we identify with Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have the power through grace to live in obedience to God’s will. We are no longer under law but under grace. In this week’s teaching, I talked about “grace at work” and how it changes how we live.
Grace at Work
- Does not lead to license but to obedience
- Is freely given
- Compels us to live a certain way
Grace empowers us to live a godly life. Why, then, do we give in to the temptation of sin when Jesus has given us what we need to defeat sin our lives? 2 Peter 1:3 puts it this way: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness…” Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct our paths. 
Here are some points that we went over in this section of our week’s teaching:
- Know that your old self was crucified with Christ
- Count yourself dead to sin
- Do not let sin reign in your body
- Do not offer your body as instruments of wickedness
We talked about the tension between the flesh and the Spirit, and what we must do to surrender to the Spirit.
- Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is a process
- Sin is a force that believers must contend with but not allow to rule our lives
- Obedience is key
- Seek divine assistance where we are not free/in bondage
- Must tap into our rights as heirs of Christ
For those that are following along with this study, you know that there is a prayer each week in our study guide to conclude that week’s lesson. Today I want to share with you this week’s prayer and I hope you will join me in asking for God’s guidance as we continually surrender our lives to Him and seek to be alive in Christ.
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have so often sown into sin and the ways of the world. I have sown into the desires of my flesh and felt the yoke of slavery and the effects on my life. You, O Lord, paid a high price for my freedom from sin. Forgive me for taking your grace in vain and lead me into righteousness.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
