No Longer Slaves

Introduction

Welcome

Introduction to Topic/Series:

We have learned about Jesus rescuing us from the penalty of sin so we can be accepted by God in Romans 1-5.

In chapter 6, we are going to learn that Jesus did not only set us free from the penalty of sin but the power of sin as well.

Before we become christians, everyone was under the power of sin. One of sins deceptions is to convince us that we are free or that we have no sin when in actuality, we are most enslaved (1 John 1:8-10 & John 8:31-34).

One test that will prove to you and I that we are enslaved to sin is to try and stop something we love. What will happen is that you will try but it will be short-lived or you will pick up another way to sin.

You will quickly realize that it’s harder than you think and the reason why it’s hard is because sin is powerful and rules over us. The more we sin, the more trapped we are and destroys our lives (James 1:15).

But the Good news speaks into our identity: That we are FREE from the power of sin and how we can break FREE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

My prayer for this series is that you are empowered by God, set free, and filled with hope, knowing that the way is in Jesus.

Title:

No longer slaves

Transitional Prayer:

In Jesus name, amen!

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Story:

In ancient Rome, the legal act and practice of adoption was quiet frequent. Adoption in those days were primarily practiced in order to continue the family name or legacy.

The Greek word, “adoptatio” is the legal process where a person, slave or free, under one authority would transfer to another. For example: A kid going from foster family A to foster family B. Adoption had major changes in the adoptees life.

Once that person was adopted: the traditions, name, and legal identity or status of the person used to have ceases to exist and now have an entirely new social status; a new name, attain a inheritance, and be under a whole new authority.

The adoptee basically has a completely new life than the old one he/she used to have.

Explanation:

I share this with you because this plays into what it means to be crucified with Christ and resurrected with him: Our old self dies and we become a whole new person with an entirely new life.

To be transferred from one authority to the other.

When I was praying and thinking about this, I was reminded of Jacobs story in Genesis 32:28 and so many others in the bible where God changes their names (Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Simon to Peter, Saul to Paul). God says to Jacob after they had been wrestling:

Illustration:

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob (deceiver), but Israel (one who wrestles with God), for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Application:

There are many theological lessons we could draw from God changing Jacob’s name—and others throughout Scripture—but for the sake of time, I want to focus on just one:

When a name changes, it signifies a change in identity. And when identity changes, it transforms how that person engages with the world around them—especially in their relationship with sin

Paul is going to teach us this principle in Romans 6:7–8:

The person you were before Christ is no longer who you are now, and as a result, the nature of your relationship with sin has fundamentally changed.

Body

Bible

Context:

Authorship: Paul, the Apostle.

Audience: Jew and Gentiles.

Romans 1-5 - Penalty of Sins.

Romans 5:21.

Romans 6:1-2 Power of Sins.

Did you know?

Not to believe lies

Died with Christ

Resurrected with Christ.

Main Bible Passage:

Romans 6:6–7 NLT

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

Transitional Sentence:

One powerful truth about how to no longer be a slave to the power of sin

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Points

Truth: Death is the way to Freedom

Explanation:

The only way to be set free and no longer be a slave to the power of sin is by death.

Illustration:

Illustration 1:

Romans 6:6 NLT

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

Illustration 2: Master has no power over his dead slave.

Application:

Who is it that dies or crucified: Your old self. The person you before Christ.

Illustration 2:

Ephesians 4:22 NLT

throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Colossians 3:5–9 NLT

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Conclusion

Now what:

Before your behavior changes, your identity needs to change first.

Jacob Identity changed therefore how he treated Easu changed. Genesis 25-27 & Genesis 32:32.

Call to action:

Prayer:

In Jesus name, amen.