New Master, New Life

Text: Romans 6:5–11

Series: Journey’s Road Map

Theme: We are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God.

Introduction – Freedom Misunderstood

Funny Opener:

“Someone once said, ‘Freedom is doing whatever you want.’

That’s not freedom—that’s how toddlers live—and nobody’s ever called a two-year-old peaceful.”

Paul’s message in Romans 6:5–11 is simple: true freedom isn’t the power to do what you want; it’s the power to do what you were made for. In Christ, we are no longer ruled by sin. We have a new Master, a new identity, and a new way to live.

I. United with Christ (v. 5)

“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.”

Explanation

The key word “united” (σύμφυτοι, sumphutoi) means “grown together with.”

It paints the image of two plants whose roots have intertwined—they share the same life source.

This is not imitation—it’s participation. Christ’s death is ours; His resurrection power is ours (cf. Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1–3).

Cross-Reference: Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.”

Historical Illustration – The Emancipation Proclamation

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln declared all enslaved people in the Confederate states free. Yet for many, it took months or even years to live out that freedom because they didn’t yet know it.

Likewise, Christians have been legally freed from sin’s rule, but many still live under its shadow—not because they aren’t free, but because they haven’t yet learned to live free.

Quote – John Stott:

“We died with Christ, not only to the guilt of sin but also to its power.”

Application

If you are united to Christ, you have a new source of life. Stop living as if sin still owns you—its paperwork was canceled at the cross.

II. The Old Self Crucified (vv. 6–7)

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing… for one who has died has been set free from sin.”

Explanation

“Old self” = παλαιὸς ἄνθρωπος, the old Adamic identity—who you were before grace.

“Brought to nothing” (καταργηθῇ) means rendered powerless, not annihilated. Sin’s presence remains, but its authority is broken.

The phrase “set free from sin” literally means “justified from sin” (δεδικαίωται ἀπὸ τῆς ἁμαρτίας)—you’ve been declared not guilty in the courtroom and released from the prison.

Cross-Reference: Colossians 2:14–15 – “He canceled the record of debt… and disarmed the rulers and authorities.”

Illustration – Moral Story: The Slave’s Return

A freed slave once stayed near his old master’s plantation because he didn’t know where else to go. The master shouted, “You’re free! You don’t work for me anymore!” Yet the man still showed up daily, living as if nothing changed.

Paul is saying: stop reporting to sin—it’s not your master anymore.

Quote – Charles Spurgeon:

“The chains of sin are broken, but sometimes we still drag them out of habit.”

Application

Freedom in Christ means you don’t owe sin a single favor. You may feel its pull, but you are not under its orders. Every temptation is now an invader, not a ruler.

III. Christ’s Death and Life Define Ours (vv. 8–10)

“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.”

Explanation

Jesus’ death was once for all—He won’t return to the tomb, and neither will you spiritually.

Death’s dominion (κυριεύειν) is over; sin’s rule is broken.

Christ’s resurrected life is both our guarantee and our pattern (cf. 1 Cor. 15:20–22).

Historical Illustration – The Phoenix Mosaic

In early Christian art, believers used the phoenix (a mythic bird reborn from ashes) to symbolize resurrection life. It wasn’t superstition—it was a statement of faith: death can’t keep what Christ owns.

So when Paul says “we shall live with Him,” he means our lives now radiate resurrection power—the kind that endures suffering and defeats despair.

Quote – Augustine:

“The death of the Lord our God should not be a cause of shame to us; rather it should be our greatest hope. For we have received salvation through the cross.”

Application

Live with confidence: the worst thing that could ever happen—death—already happened to you in Christ. The only thing left is resurrection.

IV. The Command to Consider (v. 11)

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Explanation

The verb λογίζεσθε means “to reckon, count, or credit.” It’s an accounting term: record the truth as settled fact.

Faith isn’t pretending; it’s acting on what’s true.

This is the hinge of the Christian life: know → believe → live accordingly.

Cross-References:

Gal. 5:24 – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh.”

Eph. 2:6 – “He raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in heavenly places.”

Illustration – Moral Story: The Check That Clears

A young man’s wealthy uncle died, leaving him an inheritance. He framed the check as a keepsake—but never cashed it. He lived poor though he was rich.

Paul says: stop framing your salvation—spend it. Live like you’ve cashed in the resurrection life.

Quote – Watchman Nee:

“God tells us to reckon ourselves dead to sin. He does not command us to feel dead, but to count on it as true.”

Application

Don’t live by feelings—live by fact. Grace isn’t something you chase; it’s something you stand in.

Conclusion – Freedom That Works

Romans 6:5–11 teaches us:

You’ve been united with Christ—share His life.

Your old self is crucified—stop obeying a corpse.

Christ’s resurrection guarantees your future.

You must reckon it true—faith acts on fact.

Quote – C.S. Lewis:

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”

You’re not just forgiven—you’re free. The One who conquered death now calls you to live like someone who never has to fear it again.