As look at Romans, Chapters 3 through 5 laid the foundation for the doctrine of Grace: Chapter 6 begins to tell us how to LIVE BY GRACE. Her are definite instructions on how to live free from the power of sin. Or as Paul said, “in newness of Life”.
I. Notice the QUESTION that Paul raises: vs. 1
a. Unbeliever: Sounds logical “the more I sin, the more grace I get.” Or, “I can keep on sinning all of my life, and then repent.”
b. Carnal Christian: “sounds great! Gives me some room to sin!”
c. Spiritual Christian: “grace gives liberty, not a license to sin.”
Do we ever try God’s patience by abusing His Grace?
II. Notice the ANSWER that he gives: vs.2
a. You once had a relationship with sin: as a bond slave – but that relationship has been broken by death. Naturally the question is: “If you died, how can you still be alive?” Or, “those that died in Washington, DC will they continue to walk the streets of DC?
b. Vs. 3 1st part of the New Birth: in order to be born again, you must first die! You cannot reckon yourself dead unless you truly have died to sin.
c. Vs. 4 2nd part of the New Birth: once you truly died to sin, you are not born again into a Relationship with sin, both with Christ!
We no longer live like we once did, but walk in Newness of Life!
III. How do we keep walking in this newness of Life? Vs. 11 – 13
a. Vs. 11 “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
b. Vs. 12 “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.”
c. Vs. 13 “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.”
In other words, you have to make sure, be sure, definitely sure You: Your eyes, mouth, heart, hands, feet, all of you are dead to sin!
Conclusion: The Christian is not to live his/her life the same way as before being saved. There must be a definite change! Sin must not be your master any longer:
Are you living in this Newness of Life? Has your relationship with Christ delivered you from the power of Sin?
