17. Romans 6:1-14 - Death to Sin and New Life

This passage, Paul addresses issue that the believer’s relationship with sin in light of God's grace. Since God's grace abounds even where sin abounds (as stated in Romans 5:20), the question arises—should we continue sinning so that grace may increase? Paul answers with an emphatic “By no means!” and proceeds to explain the transformation that occurs in a believer's life once they are united with Christ.

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

• Using God's grace as an excuse to continue in sin is a profound misunderstanding of the purpose and power of grace. Grace is not a license to sin but a means of transforming our lives. To think that we can continue in sinful behavior because God will forgive us anyway shows a lack of appreciation for the cost of grace, which was the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Sin is serious, and grace is meant to free us from its bondage, not to allow us to indulge in it. When we receive God's grace, it calls us to live a life that reflects His holiness, empowered by His Spirit to turn away from sin. Continuing to sin deliberately while relying on grace shows a disregard for the sanctifying work God desires to do in us. Grace is a gift intended to lead us to righteousness, not a means to justify wrongdoing(v 1-2).
  
  
• The phrase "baptized into Christ" signifies a profound and mysterious union with Him. Similarly, "baptized into His death" indicates that the believer has died with Christ in regard to sin. Through our union with Christ in His death, we are set free from the power of sin, no longer bound by its influence or enslaved to its demands. This assures us that we too will experience resurrection and new life. The resurrection of Christ empowers believers to live transformed lives characterized by righteousness and obedience to God.  
  
  
• What is Baptism?(cf. 3-5) - Baptism is not merely a religious ritual; it serves as a symbolic representation of the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ.

 -  The act of immersion in water symbolizes burial, reflecting the believer’s identification with Christ's death. Just as Jesus was buried, baptism signifies that believers symbolically die to their old selves and sinful nature. This act represents a complete break from the past and the power of sin.

-  Emerging from the water signifies resurrection, illustrating the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. This moment symbolizes being raised to new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

-  Baptism is not only a personal declaration of faith; it also serves as a call to embrace a new identity in Christ. Paul’s teachings in Romans encourage believers to walk in newness of life, reflecting the transformative work of Christ within them.

- Ultimately, baptism invites believers to live out the implications of their new identity, honoring God and reflecting His character in their daily lives. It is a commitment to a lifestyle enabled by the Holy Spirit, aligning with God’s will and purpose.

• We, having experienced the transformative power of grace through faith in Christ, are called to actively resist sin and not allow it to control our lives. (v. 12).
  
  
• The term “instruments” suggests that our bodies can be used for either sinful purposes or for righteousness, and the choice is ours(v. 13).  
  
  
• Unlike the law, which highlights sin and brings condemnation, grace offers forgiveness and the strength to overcome sin. This grace provides believers with the assurance that they can resist sin's temptation and live in accordance with God’s will(v. 14).

I realize how easy it is to misunderstand grace. I often catch myself thinking that because God is gracious, I can continue in my old habits without consequence. I need to acknowledge that grace came at a great cost—the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Sin isn’t just a minor issue; it’s serious and can hold me captive if I allow it.

Baptism is a powerful reminder of my spiritual rebirth. It's a symbol of my death to sin and my new life in Christ. Now My life is meant to be lived free from the shackles of sin. In the face of challenges, I will remember that the Holy Spirit empowers me to overcome temptation and live a life that honors God.

 I am committed to making daily choices that reflect my new identity in Christ. I will be more intentional about how I use my time, words, and actions, ensuring they glorify God rather than indulge in behaviors that don’t honor Him. I will actively seek opportunities to serve others and reflect Christ’s love in practical ways, knowing that this is part of living out my faith.

With the understanding that grace empowers me, I will strive to resist sin and choose to walk in newness of life. I will embrace the transformative work God is doing in me, allowing grace to lead me toward righteousness instead of relying on it as a justification for my old ways.

Dear God,

Thank You for the profound truth of grace that I've discovered in Romans 6. Help me to fully understand that grace is not a license to sin, but a powerful force for transformation in my life.

 I confess that I often fall into the trap of thinking Your forgiveness means I can continue in my old ways. Please forgive me for any misconceptions I’ve harbored about Your grace.
I’m grateful for the symbolism of baptism, which reminds me of my death to sin and my new life in Christ. Help me to embrace this new identity fully, living free from the bondage of sin. When I face challenges, may I always remember that I have the Holy Spirit empowering me to resist temptation and to choose righteousness.

Lord, I want to actively present my body as an instrument of righteousness. Give me the wisdom and strength to make daily decisions that glorify You, whether in my time, my words, or my actions. Help me to reject anything that doesn’t honor You and to reflect my new identity in Christ in all aspects of my life.

Thank You for Your endless love and for the opportunity to grow in my relationship with You. May my life be a testament to Your grace and a reflection of Your holiness.

In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.