Romans 6:15-23

Intro

Read Romans 6:15-23

Romans 6:15–23 ESV

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.

What will you submit to

Read Romans 6:15-18

Romans 6:15–18 ESV

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.

SO paul continues in his argument

Romans 6:14 “14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

So does this mean that we can sin because there is always grace

At this point if youn answer this question with anything but a no you havent been paying attention

This thinking is so pervasive in this world

We want to believe that good people can do bad things and still be good

We want to believe that people can willfully sin and just be forgiven and continue in that lifestyle

This is the thinking that leads christians and churches to compromise truth for “love”

Jesus loves you so its ok

He forgives you so its ok

Paul is trying to make it abundently clear that is most certainly not the mark of a true believer

We cant cheapen what it means to be saved

Just because we are under grace does not mean we can sin however we want

WHY????

Because our actions matter

Paul makes it very clear we have two options

Either we are slaves to sin

Or we are slaves to God

Look how Paul is making this statement

You are the one who has autonomy

You are the one who chooses what to obey

Every human is a slave to something

But not something they dont choose to be a slave to

If you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves

you choose

And for every human ever they at some point in their life choose to be a slave to sin

The good news is that we arent stuck with that choice

We can present ourselves a slaves to righteousness

through Christ Jesus we can present ourselves as slaves of righteousness

SO YOU HAVE A CHOICE

BUT THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND

If you havent submitted yourself to God in obedience to him you are a slave to sin

Read John8:33-34

John 8:33–34 ESV

33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

there is no in between

There is no good but not saved

you cant exsist in the middle

The more you read the bible the more you see that there really is only a binary choice

Sin which leads to death

or Obedience which leads to righteousness and ever lasting life

So ask yourself that question have I recieved the freedom from slavery to sin through Christ death and resurection or am I still a slave to sin.

If you know in your heart you are stuck a slave to sin

you continue to practice sin

you love your sin

You dont desire to change

Here this good news

Romans 6:17–18 “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.” “

Thanks be to God you dont have to stay there

In fact I would beg you dont stay there look to Jesus crucified on the cross to free you from the binds of sin and raised again so you can become a slave to righteousness

Freedom in this world is such and illusion and we know it

We have apps on our phone that are constantly calling us to use them

To login

We have parents who tell us to do things

We have teachers

We have police

We have government

The list goes on

So we must get past the part of feeling like we are “free” and that good and come to the point where we say God I want to be obedient to you

We must come to the point where we desire to Pursue obedience just as we pursued sin

Pursue Righteousness

Read Romans 6:19-20

Romans 6:19–20 ESV

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.

Just as you presented yourselves to sin

So now present yourselves to righteousness

When I was lost in in sin thats all I wanted

I was seeking after what I wanted

What made me feel good

What made me seem cool

I would do anything to get glory for myself

If we are honest with ourselves wether you call yourself a believer or not there was or is a time in your life where all you wanted to do was what you wanted

I’m gonna look to myself and keep what I want only in mind

Remember the titans I’m supposed to wear myself out for the team what team. No i’m gonna look at for myself and I’m gonna get whats mine…

This is the attitude of someone who is a slave to sin

Its all about me

This seems so good especially maybe to many of you

You are young you have so much in front of you

You are gonna need to make a name for yourself

you havent experienced all of lifes pleasures yet

But I would challenge you pursue righteousness

with the same vigor you pursued the sin that you so loved

get creative in the ways you pursue righteousness just like you did to find ways to sin

We should live just like we did before we were saved just with different purpose

When you were a slave to sin you were free in regards to righteousness

you had no concern for it

It didnt bother you that you werent righteous you said you know what I dont care about that

Well now live just like that in regards to righteousness

You are free from sin so pursue righteousness

With no concern for sin after all what did it get you really

What did sin do for you anyway

Read Romans 6:21-23

Romans 6:21–23 ESV

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.

Really what did sin have for you

did it really have glory

Riches

Fame

Feel goods

Maybe for a minute but then what you needed more

This Paul’s question

what fruit do you have for those things you are now ashamed of

Nothing

And guess what if you continue to chase those things you will have no fruit just death

All of those things are temporary

How much greater are the fruits of righteousness

eternal rewards are before us

Sanctification

Christ likeness

God glorifying

Those are the fruits that endure

You have a choice sin and death or righteousness and life

Freedom in Christ: A Call to Righteous Living

Bible Passage: Romans 6:15–23

Summary: In this passage, Paul contrasts the life of sin with the life of righteousness, illustrating the transformative power of grace and the necessity of living as those who have died to sin and have been raised to new life in Christ.

Application: This sermon can help teens understand the importance of their choices and the call to live righteously. It offers a framework for navigating peer pressure and the temptations of youth by emphasizing their identity in Christ and the freedom that comes from following Him rather than sin.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that believers are no longer slaves to sin, but rather slaves to righteousness, highlighting the idea that true freedom is found in obedience to Christ. It emphasizes that our choices matter and have eternal consequences.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context, this passage connects to the redemptive work of Christ, who delivers us from sin and empowers us to live in righteousness. Jesus' death and resurrection provide the foundation for believers to say no to sin and yes to a life of holiness.

Big Idea: Embrace your identity in Christ, and choose a life of righteousness that reflects the freedom given to you through grace.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the concept of slavery in the ancient world versus its implications in the Christian faith using Logos. Check for resources on the Greek vocabulary used in Romans 6, such as 'slavery,' to unpack the depth of Paul's argument. Investigate the historical context of the Roman church and how the struggles with sin were pertinent to a teenage audience of today, making the message relatable.

1. Freedom From Sinful Slavery

Romans 6:15-17

Perhaps you can begin by acknowledging the contrast Paul highlights between a life bound by sin and a life liberated by grace. This passage suggests that teens often face the challenge of choosing between temporary pleasures and eternal fulfillment. By focusing on God’s grace, they are reminded of their new identity in Christ, empowering them to reject sin and live righteously amidst the pressures they face.

2. Liberty To Live Righteously

Romans 6:18-20

You could emphasize how Paul describes believers as being set free from sin and becoming slaves to righteousness. This is a pivotal message for teens grappling with peer pressure. Encourage them to perceive true freedom not as the ability to do anything, but to choose a life aligned with righteousness, echoing their identity in Christ.

3. Consequences and Reward

Romans 6:21-23

Maybe conclude by exploring the contrasting outcomes of a sinful life versus a righteous life: death versus eternal life in Christ. Teens might be prompted to reflect on their choices and the long-term consequences they entail. Highlight the invitation to eternal life as a free gift from God, encouraging them to live in the hope and freedom provided by Christ.