Romans 6

Description

Romans 6 explores the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection, providing the theological basis and practical implications for living a life of righteousness.

Context

Romans 6 is situated within the broader context of the Epistle to the Romans, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Rome. The book is a theological masterpiece that expounds on the gospel of Jesus Christ, focusing on the reality of human sin, the necessity of faith, and the transformative power of grace. Romans 5 lays the foundation of being justified by faith and the benefits that come from it, such as peace with God and the hope of glory. This sets the stage for Romans 6, which addresses the question of whether believers should continue in sin so that grace may abound. Paul employs the imagery of baptism to demonstrate that believers have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, emphasizing that this union calls for a life of sanctification, free from the bondage of sin. The chapter serves as a pivotal point in the epistle, transitioning from the theological discussions of justification by faith to the practical implications of living out this faith in daily life.

Overview

The Problem of Continuing in Sin (Verses 1-2)Paul opens Romans 6 by posing a rhetorical question that challenges the assumption that grace gives license to sin. He emphatically refutes this misconception, setting the stage for the theological discussions that follow.

Union with Christ in Baptism (Verses 3-4)Paul explains the symbolism of Christian baptism, equating it to a form of spiritual participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He uses this imagery to point out that believers should live a new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.

The New Life in Christ (Verses 5-11)This section elaborates on the believer's identification with Christ, emphasizing that just as we have been united with Him in His death, we shall also be united with Him in His resurrection. Paul declares that the believer's old self is crucified with Christ so that they might no longer be enslaved to sin.

The Call to Holiness (Verses 12-14)Paul exhorts the believers to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness rather than instruments of sin. He argues that sin shall no longer have dominion over those who are under grace, rather than the law.

Slaves to Righteousness (Verses 15-18)Here, Paul tackles another rhetorical question about sinning freely under grace. He explains that true freedom comes from being slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification and eternal life.

The Outcome of Sin and Righteousness (Verses 19-23)Paul contrasts the outcomes of being slaves to sin versus being slaves to God. While the former leads to death, the latter leads to sanctification and eternal life. He concludes by stating that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.

In Romans 6, Paul systematically unpacks the profound theological and practical implications of being in Christ, urging believers to live lives of holiness, rooted in the reality of their union with Jesus.

Main Idea

Romans 6 presents the transformative power of union with Christ in His death and resurrection as the basis for living a life of sanctification, free from the dominion of sin and oriented towards righteousness.

Proposition

You Should Serve Righteousness.

This proposition is rooted in Romans 6, particularly in the section where Paul exhorts believers to present themselves as "instruments of righteousness to God" (Verses 12-14). He also contrasts the outcomes of being slaves to sin versus being slaves to righteousness (Verses 19-23). In verse 18, Paul specifically mentions that having been set free from sin, believers have "become slaves of righteousness." The call to serve righteousness is not a burdensome command but an outflow of the transformative union with Christ discussed earlier in the chapter. Thus, serving righteousness is the expected, natural result of this profound union and the grace that flows from it.

Illustrations Joseph Resists Temptation in Egypt

In the book of Genesis, Joseph serves as an exemplary figure for serving righteousness. Sold into slavery and later falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph could have easily succumbed to sin given his adverse circumstances. Yet, when faced with the temptation to commit adultery, he chose to honor God and run from the situation, declaring, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9). Joseph's life demonstrates the proactive choice to serve righteousness, even when it led to temporary suffering. Daniel and His Refusal to Compromise

Daniel was a young man taken captive by Babylon, a place filled with idol worship and paganism. Yet, when commanded to eat food that had been offered to idols, Daniel chose to serve righteousness by abstaining and opting for vegetables and water instead (Daniel 1:8-16). Despite the foreign culture and the king's decree, Daniel remained committed to living a life that was pleasing to God. His commitment to righteousness not only honored God but also gained him favor and wisdom.

Ruth's Loyalty and Virtue

In the book of Ruth, we see Ruth, a Moabite widow, choosing to serve righteousness by staying loyal to her Israelite mother-in-law, Naomi. Her famous declaration, "Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God" (Ruth 1:16), showcases her decision to turn away from her Moabite roots and serve the God of Israel. Later, in her interactions with Boaz, she exemplifies integrity and virtue, ultimately becoming part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. Ruth's life serves as an illustration of how serving righteousness leads to blessings that have generational impact.

Each of these Bible characters exemplified a life committed to serving righteousness, often in the face of significant trials, temptations, or cultural pressures. Their lives bear witness to the transformative power of a union with God, underscoring the proposition that believers should serve righteousness. Transition

There Are Several Reasons You Should Serve Righteousness.

1. By Rejecting Sin (Verses 1-2)

Paul kicks off Romans 6 by rejecting the idea that believers should continue in sin because grace abounds. The Greek word used for "continue" is "ἐπιμένωμεν" (epimenōmen), which implies persisting in a particular activity. The same word appears in Romans 11:22, where Paul instructs believers to continue in God's kindness. In Romans 6, however, Paul is saying that such persistence must not be applied to sin, in the light of the grace given through Jesus Christ.

2. By Understanding Baptism (Verses 3-4)

Paul leverages the symbolism of baptism to outline how believers can serve righteousness. The Greek word "βαπτισθέντες" (baptisthentes) for baptized is rooted in the concept of immersion or submersion. This word is used in various contexts in the New Testament to indicate a form of identification with something (e.g., Matthew 3:16, where Jesus is baptized). In Romans 6, it signifies our identification with Christ's death and resurrection, highlighting that serving righteousness is inherently linked to our union with Christ.

3. By Embracing New Life (Verses 5-11)

Paul asserts that believers are united with Christ in His death and will likewise be united with Him in resurrection. The Greek word for "united" is "σύμφυτοι" (symphytoi), indicating a growing together or being inherently connected. The term appears in secular Greek literature to describe plants growing together from the same root. In this context, it illustrates how our life should be intertwined with Christ's, making it natural for us to serve righteousness.

4. By Enslaving Yourself To Righteousness (Verses 12-18)

Paul exhorts the readers to present themselves to God as instruments for righteousness. The Greek word for "present" is "παριστάνετε" (paristanete), which means to set before or offer. This word is used in Romans 12:1, where Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. In Romans 6, the idea is that believers offer themselves to serve righteousness, making it a conscious act of will and not just a passive outcome.

Paul tackles the notion that grace gives license to sin by stating that believers have become "slaves to righteousness." The Greek term for "slaves" is "δοῦλοι" (douloi), often used in the New Testament to describe someone who is bound to another in servitude (e.g., Ephesians 6:5, where slaves are instructed to obey their earthly masters). Here, it emphasizes the total commitment required to serve righteousness.

5. By Considering Your Outcomes (Verses 19-23)

Paul concludes by contrasting the outcomes of sin and righteousness. The Greek word for "outcome" or "fruit" is "καρπόν" (karpon), which is also used in Romans 7:5 to describe the fruit that leads to death. In this section, Paul makes it clear that the ultimate outcome of serving righteousness is eternal life, making it not just a duty but a path that leads to the ultimate reward.

Each of these sections from Romans 6 provides ways to fulfill the proposition that you should serve righteousness. The chapter equips believers with both the theological foundation and the practical steps to live out this calling.

Pointing To Christ

In Romans 6, the overarching theme is the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection, serving as the basis for a life of righteousness. Christ is not just a model or example here; He is the very means by which this new life is possible. He fulfills the Law and prophecies of the Old Testament by providing a way for humanity to be righteous before God. His death serves as the atonement for sin, making it possible for believers to be free from its dominion. His resurrection is the firstfruits of the new life that believers partake in. The themes of death to sin and life in God are only fully realized in Christ.

Paul introduces the concept of "baptism into Christ Jesus" (Verses 3-4), implying a deep, spiritual union that affects the believer's identity and actions. This baptism is a transformative experience that enables a believer to walk in "newness of life," mirroring the resurrection of Christ.

Paul also speaks of being "slaves to righteousness" (Verse 18), an image that finds its ultimate expression in Christ, who was the epitome of a servant, even unto death (Philippians 2:5-11). He obeyed God fully and thus became the source of eternal salvation for those who would believe in Him (Hebrews 5:9).

By centering the believer's transformation and call to righteousness in the work and person of Christ, Romans 6 makes it clear that Christ is the one who fulfills these themes, embodying the perfect union of grace and holiness.

Invitation

You may find yourself entangled in sin, unable to break free from its chains, wondering if there is any hope for a life of righteousness and purpose. The Apostle Paul addresses this struggle in Romans 6, pointing us to the transformative power available through Jesus Christ. The gospel, as spelled out in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, tells us that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, and that He rose again on the third day. This is the crux of our faith and the foundation of our hope.

By placing your trust in Christ, you're not just believing in historical events; you're entering into a life-transforming relationship with Him. Just as His death provided atonement for sin, your old self can die with Him, freeing you from the dominion of sin. And just as He was raised from the dead, you too can walk in newness of life, enabled to serve righteousness and honor God in every aspect of your life.

Don't let sin dictate your story. Embrace the life that Christ offers—a life marked not by the bondage of sin but by the freedom to serve righteousness. Trust in Christ today for your salvation and experience the transformative power of His grace.

Bibliography

"Transformative Power of Union with Christ in Romans 6: A Thematic Exploration." Assistant, ChatGPT, OpenAI, 2023.

Keywords

Union with Christ, Righteousness, Baptism, Slavery to Sin, New Life