Unity in Christ

United In Christ – Rom 6:5-7

Vs 5 – As we have been united with Christ in death so shall we be united with Him in His resurrection.  A wonderful metaphor about how on one hand before we knew Christ we were dead in trespasses and sin but now we are alive in our new life because of His resurrection.

Vs 6 – Our old self has to be crucified so the power of the body of sin would be render powerless.  Sin ruled our lives from the day we were born until we give our lives to Jesus Christ.  The goal here is that we would no longer be slaves to sin but to Christ.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.

Vs 7 – Paul then points out a powerful reality that when someone has died they are free from sin.  That which is dead is dead and that which is alive is alive.  Only Jesus Christ can set us free from sin and only allowing the crucified life reign in us will we stay free from sin.

A Life Pleasing to God

A Life Pleasing to God – Rom 6:3-4

Vs 3 – When a person is baptised into Christ.  This baptism is a physical and spiritual identification with Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection.

Vs 4 – As baptism is a sign of burial so when we come out of the water it is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is for glory of God.  God gets all the credit so the results of this reality is that you live a new life in Christ.  A life that is pleasing to God.  The essential of a life pleasing to God as follows:  First you have a strong prayer life.  Next you spent time with God everyday in the word.  Thirdly, you see the importance of regular attendance to God’s house and lastly you want to share you faith.  Your story is important and others need to hear it.  These elements will help you bring glory to God every day.

True Grace

True Grace – Rom 6:1-2

Vs 1 – Paul continues with his thought and he asks a question, “Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase?”  Paul is dealing with the abuse of grace in this verse.  This was obviously a problem proposed by the Gnostics who believed all flesh was evil but the Spirit was good.  Also the greasy grace expounders in the audience.

Vs 2 – Paul says that we cannot continue to sin because we have died to it.  It no longer has control over us.  When something is dead it cannot live any longer.  True life, is knowing that you must say no to the flesh and yes to the Spirit.  When you submit to God the devil has to flee from you.  The secret of true life is saying no to what you want and saying yes to what God wants.  If you are in close communication with God you begin to know His will and plot the course of your life accordingly.

Grace Reigns

Grace Reigns – Rom 5:20-21

Vs 20 – When the law was added the view of sin increased.  Mankind now knew what sin was so they saw sin in creased because knowledge always leads to action negatively or positively.  Yet as sin increased so did the grace of God increase more.

Vs 21 – Sin reigned in death.  Grace however reigns through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through this whole exposition Paul uses parallelism to prove his point.  Sin, death, unrighteousness on one side grace, life and righteousness on the other.  Adam brings death to mankind, Jesus brings life.  Let grace reign in your heart through faith.  Let eternal and abundant life have its full impact in your life.  

Salvation is a personal decision

Feb 24 – Salvation is a personal Decision – Rom 5:18-19

Vs 18 – Adams’s trespass, sin and rebellion brought condemnation to all men.  Jesus’ one act of righteousness brought justification and life to all men.   Adam brought death, Jesus Christ brought life.    

Vs 19 – One man’s act of disobedience made all men sinners so through Jesus’ one act of obedience made many righteousness.  One man’s act made all unrighteous.  One man’s act gave mankind the opportunity to be righteous.  Salvation is a personal decision.  Do not make the same mistakes as Adam but follow Christ’s example and do the will of God today.

Living for God

Living for God -  Rom 6:8-10

Vs 8 – The result of this belief is that we have died with Him and that we will live with Him.  Jesus said in the book of John that He would go and prepare a place for us.  He has gone ahead but even now we are living with Him.

Vs 9 – Jesus has risen from the dead and He cannot die again.  Death and sin no longer has mastery over Him or us.  

Vs 10 – When Jesus died He died once and for all.  Jesus’ death was a one time sacrifice

for sin.  He died that we may live.  The life that Jesus now lives, He lives for God.   

So we must do the same.  Christ is our example in all things.  He would never ask us to do something that He was not willing to do Himself.  He is the perfect example of what life can be really like.  Follow His example and live.

United in Christ

Feb 28- United In Christ – Rom 6:5-7

Vs 5 – As we have been united with Christ in death so shall we be united with Him in His resurrection.  A wonderful metaphor about how on one hand before we knew Christ we were dead in trespasses and sin but now we are alive in our new life because of His resurrection.

Vs 6 – Our old self has to be crucified so the power of the body of sin would be render powerless.  Sin ruled our lives from the day we were born until we give our lives to Jesus Christ.  The goal here is that we would no longer be slaves to sin but to Christ.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.

Vs 7 – Paul then points out a powerful reality that when someone has died they are free from sin.  That which is dead is dead and that which is alive is alive.  Only Jesus Christ can set us free from sin and only allowing the crucified life reign in us will we stay free from sin.