Romans 6 invites us into a conversation about the incredible freedom we experience through Christ. It's not just about rules - it's about a radical change in how we live our lives.
The Reading: Romans 6
World English Bible1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
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2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?
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3 Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
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4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
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5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
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6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
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7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
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8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him;
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9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him!
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10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.
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11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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12 Therefore don’t let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
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13 Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
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14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
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15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be!
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16 Don’t you know that when you present yourselves as servants and obey someone, you are the servants of whomever you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
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17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
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18 Being made free from sin, you became bondservants of righteousness.
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19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.
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20 For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
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21 What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
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22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.
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23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
# What's Happening in Romans 6
In Romans 6, Paul tackles a pressing question: If grace abounds when we sin, should we just keep on sinning? His emphatic answer is a resounding no!
Dying to Sin
Paul explains that through baptism, we are united with Jesus in His death. This means our old selves - the part that clings to sin - has been crucified, freeing us from the bondage of sin. Think of baptism as a symbolic burial, marking the end of our old way of life.
New Life Awaits
Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we too can walk in a new way of life. This resurrection isn't just a future hope; it's our present reality. If we've shared in Christ's death, we can also share in His life.
The Choice We Face
Paul emphasizes the importance of choice. We have the power to not let sin dominate our lives. Instead of surrendering to sinful desires, we can present ourselves to God as instruments for good.
Freedom and Responsibility
While we are free from the law, this doesn't mean we can live however we please. We are now called to be servants of righteousness. The chapter ends with a powerful reminder that while the wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. It's a call to celebrate our new identity in Christ!
Why It Matters
# Lessons from Romans 6
Embrace the New Life
This chapter teaches us that believing in Christ is not just about forgiveness; it's about transformation. We are invited into a new way of living that reflects our relationship with God.
Choice Matters
We have a choice in how we live our lives. We can either let sin control us or choose to follow God. This isn't about perfection but about direction. When we lean into God's grace, we find the strength to live righteously.
The Importance of Community
Finding a church community is vital as we navigate this new life. We can support each other in our journeys, and resources like find a church near you can help connect us with others who share our faith.
Celebrate Your Freedom
Understanding the depth of this freedom can radically change how we see ourselves and our choices. We are no longer defined by our past but by our present and future in Christ. Let this freedom fill your life with hope and purpose!
Coming Up Next: Romans 7
In the next part of our journey through Romans, we'll dive into chapter 7 where Paul addresses the struggle between our desires and our actions. It's a relatable struggle that speaks to all of us, and you won't want to miss it!