2023 0326 Romans 6 Gift of God

Romans 6

Sin increased, Grace even More

United with Jesus

Alive to God

Romans 6:11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Slaves to Righteousness

Romans 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

Today’s Text

Romans 6:19–23 NIV

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Call to Righteous Living

Romans 6:19 NIV

I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

Paul uses the everyday example to clarify the spiritual

slaves owe their allegiance to one master

he is talking to born again believers

contrast with the past life with the new life

do not forget - we are raised with Jesus to new life

Past Life

slaves to impurity

all have sinned, all fall short of the glory of God

human goodness is not the measure we can use

our old life outside of Christ leads to ever increasing wickedness

we get badder!

Pursue Holiness

we are saved to live a life of righteousness

we are called to be holy

we must change our allegiance

our spirit is new, our heart is new

we must now reset our minds

Slave to Righteousness

our attitudes and actions need to reflect the righteous state we have

we must become slaves to righteousness

we willingly and knowingly allow the principles of righteousness to control every aspect of our walk

Romans 6:20 NIV

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.

we are controlled either by sin or by righteousness

righteousness is credited in faith

sin has been made powerless by the resurrection

choose today whom you shall serve

No Benefit Prior

Romans 6:21 NIV

What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!

what was so good about your past life

the past life is not worthy to be reconsidered

never forget why you choose to follow Jesus

Jesus is not a band aid

Jesus gives true love, joy and peace

Jesus is a far better journey for life

Benefit of Holiness

Romans 6:22 NIV

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

here are the benefits spelt out

set free from sin

benefits that lead to holiness

for the only time in your life, there is a purity being distilled each moment

Be Holy

1 Peter 1:13–15 NIV

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

this is a sober decision we make

it is not some fairy tale or irrational behaviour

there is a certainty of eternal life that cannot be replicated

leave behind the things that ensnare

God is holy, pure and perfect

let us be the same to the best of our ability

Gift of God is Eternal Life

Romans 6:23 NIV

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

sin has a heavy price

it is death

Jesus Christ destroyed the power of sin, being stronger than death

he offers that victory over death to us in faith and by his grace

Wonderful Gift

it is a gift - a most wonderful gift

eternal life is the outcome of Jesus’sacrifice

Paul encourages us to think outside the box

we are no longer conforming to the ways of the world

we live in Kingdom principles

eternal life in Jesus Christ