Saved by Grace outline

Romans 6:1–14 ESV

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Transformed by Grace: Living the New Life

Bible Passage: Romans 6:1–14

Summary: In Romans 6:1-14, Paul addresses the question of how believers should respond to the grace of God. He emphasizes that although grace abounds, it does not give us permission to continue in sin. Instead, believers are to live as those who are dead to sin and alive in Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of grace in our daily walk.

Application: This passage encourages believers to reflect on their identity in Christ and the power of grace to change them. It challenges them to evaluate their lives and make conscious choices to live in righteousness, persevering through struggles with sin by relying on the strength that comes from their new identity in Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that being saved by grace is not merely a status but a call to live in alignment with that grace. Believers are not just forgiven; they are transformed into new creations empowered to live righteously, highlighting the profound connection between grace and our daily lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus is central as the one who provides the means of grace through His death and resurrection. His sacrifice not only forgives sin but also empowers believers to overcome sin, thus showcasing His power and the new life available through Him.

Big Idea: Understanding that grace gives us both the freedom from sin and the empowerment to live a new life in Christ transforms how we approach our daily struggles and ethical decisions.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon on this text, consider diving deep into the concept of baptism as Paul presents it in Romans 6:3-4; it’s crucial for understanding our union with Christ. Explore the historical and cultural context of early Christian practices to provide clarity. Additionally, utilizing Logos for lexical studies on key terms like 'sin' and 'righteousness' might also unveil richer meanings and applications for your audience.

1. Baptism: The Symbol of Death

Romans 6:1-4

Perhaps you could focus on how Paul starts by addressing the misconception that grace allows for continued sin. This passage suggests that believers are to remember their baptism into Christ's death as a symbol of dying to sin. Emphasize the transformative power of grace, highlighting that it calls believers to rise into a new life of holiness as they are united with Christ's resurrection.

2. United: Death and Life

Romans 6:5-10

Maybe emphasize how Paul explains that being united with Christ means partaking in both His death and resurrection. This section illustrates the power believers have over sin through this union. Consider encouraging your audience to lean on this truth during struggles with sin, remembering that Christ's death and life provide a new identity and victory over sin's power.

3. Alive: Embrace Your Identity

Romans 6:11-14

You could illustrate how Paul calls believers to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God. This final section encourages a conscious choice to embrace this new identity by not letting sin reign. Highlight the empowerment grace offers to make righteous choices, suggesting practical ways to incorporate this truth into everyday living, thereby living under grace and not law.

Navigating workplace relationships can be challenging, especially with co-workers who don’t share your values. This week, identify one colleague who struggles with either personal or work-related issues. Offer to buy them coffee and have a heartfelt conversation. Share a story of how grace transformed your perspective on dealing with challenging people, being relatable without judgment. By actively listening and offering encouragement, you can model the grace you’ve received, turning your workplace into one filled with understanding and support.

In public life, you might feel overwhelmed by negativity and division in society. Make it a goal this week to perform one act of kindness in a public setting—a compliment to a stranger, volunteering, or picking up litter. Document how it impacts both your mood and the reactions of those around you. Use this experience to fuel conversations on grace in public forums—share how small acts, powered by God’s grace, can create ripples of positivity and encourage others to follow suit.