A Study of Romans (21)

Dead to Sin

Paul had consistent questions about the freedom to sin because of justification - “if forgiven of sin it is OK to keep sinning;

That is not the case nor had Paul ever taught that concept, people twisted his words - Romans 3:8;

With justification there should have been a change of heart - a turn from sin and the pursuit of sin.

Anticipation

Paul had the ability to anticipate trying questions from his detractors;

However this did not prevent Paul from sharing the truth;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Anticipated (Verse 1)

Having said this, Paul realizes that the old question is going to come up again: If the grace of God saves in spite of sin, then there is no need to discourage sin! Just let the grace of God take care of it.

Paul was accused of this teaching however this is the opposite of what he taught;

The Jews taught that people should try to reach righteousness by good works and observance of the law;

Have Paul shared that the law revealed sin and did not remove sin or save someone from sin;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Anticipated (Verse 1)

The Jews, horrified by such ideas, said: If that is right, then to sin is better than to try to do right! They were wrong, of course, but we can catch their logic.

So how can someone live by faith after salvation;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Anticipated (Verse 1)

Paul taught that a man’s sins were not imputed to him when he put faith in Christ (Romans 4:8), that justification was entirely based on saving faith, not on “works” at all (Romans 3:27, 28), that the grace of God was triumphant over all of a man’s sins (Romans 5:20, 21).

So if grace saves and covers sin why do I need to stop sinning;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Anticipated (Verse 1)

Some say it to “justify” sin in their lives, though they profess to be saved by faith alone, insisting that obedience and works make up part of the basis of salvation. Either of these is a misunderstanding and distortion of the truth.

Paul addressed this in Romans 5:20-21 as he stated these truths;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Anticipated (Verse 1)

The issue itself, the anticipated question is: “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?” If grace out-abounds sin (as in 5:20), then should we go on living in sin, depending on the grace of God to triumph? Would that magnify God’s grace and glorify Him?

Answer

Paul’s answer to this was a definite “absolutely not!”;

People want their cake and eat too, they want heaven without the earthly commitment;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Answered (Verse 2)

Paul wants it firmly fixed that his doctrine of justification by faith does not condone sin. His teaching that grace out-abounds sin gives no excuse for continuing in sin. His strong insistence on faith as the sole basis for standing righteous before God does not leave one free to live in sin after obtaining that verdict of righteousness.

This is why Paul asked the question of - “How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”;

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Answered (Verse 2)

One cannot live in sin and be dead to sin at the same time, just as one cannot sensibly speak of “square circles.” The two terms are mutually exclusive.

The Book of Romans A Question about Sin Answered (Verse 2)

This is the issue, then: Are we dead to sin, as believers, or alive to sin? And if we are dead to sin, how can we live any longer in sin?

The reality is no we cannot and Paul will begins to deal closely with the answer starting in verse 3.