Romans Chapter 6

BIBLE PASSAGE

ROMANS CHAPTER 6

Dead to Sin, Alive to God

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. 7 For one who has died has been set free from 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.

Slaves to Righteousness

15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

SYNOPSIS

Romans 6 focuses on the Christian's new life in Christ and the process of sanctification. The chapter emphasizes that being a Christian involves a transformation from death to life, bondage to freedom, and a change in rewards. Paul addresses the misconception that God's grace encourages sin, asserting instead that believers are identified with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, as symbolized in baptism. This union with Christ means Christians are "dead to sin" and should no longer live in it, but instead are "alive to God" and should live a new, holy life. The chapter stresses that believers have a new commitment to use their bodies to serve God rather than sin. While acknowledging the ongoing struggle with sin due to human weakness, Paul encourages Christians to persevere, relying on God's forgiveness and love in Christ. The chapter concludes by contrasting the outcomes of serving sin versus serving God, with sin leading to death and obedience to God resulting in holiness and eternal life.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS

1. In what ways can understanding our freedom from sin help us in our daily choices and struggles?

2. Romans 6:13 calls us to offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness. What is one practical way you can dedicate your actions, words, or thoughts to serving God today?

3. What practical steps can we take to break free from the habits of sin that keep us in bondage?

PRAYER SUGGESTION

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving me new life through Jesus Christ. I am no longer a slave to sin, but I have been set free to live for You. Help me to remember each day that I am dead to sin and alive in You, choosing obedience over temptation.

Lord, I surrender my heart, mind, and body to You. Use me as an instrument of righteousness for Your glory. When I am weak, strengthen me; when I struggle, remind me of Your grace and the power of Your Spirit working in me.

Thank You for the incredible gift of eternal life through Jesus. May my life reflect the joy and gratitude of this truth as I walk in obedience and faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.