Freedom in Christ

Romans 6:1-23

Introduction

As we go about our Independance Day celebrations, we often recall all the men and women who have died throughout history to give us the freedom that we enjoy so much. But today, we are going to take a look at another freedom that we often take for granted as well--the freedom that Christ offers all who have believed in him.

I. Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual death to sin (vv. 1-4).

A. Salvation is more than just “fire insurance;” it is a commitment to serve Christ by putting to death the sin that ruled your life.

1. “...You were taught...” Ephesians 4:17-19

2. “...And they that are Christ's ...” Galatians 5:19-25

B. Following Christ is not always a “bed of roses.”

1. “If any man will come after me...” Matthew 16:24-26

2. Rich young ruler: “...Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor...and come and follow me.” Matt 19:16-24

a. Following Christ means sacrificing some of the comforts of life we hold most dear.

b. A comfortable Christian is an unproductive Christian.

3. Does death sound pleasant to you? Any takers?

4. Death to self is a painful process, but the end is ultimately worth it!

II. Baptism is a physical picture of a spiritual rebirth in Christ (vv. 4-6).

A. Just as Christ did, we are resurrected to live a new life.

1. A life with new motives, thoughts, and actions.

2. “...If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature...” 2 Corinthians 5:17

B. With this new life, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us.

1. Romans 8:9-10

2. Our fleshly nature still desires to sin. Romans 7:21-23

III. Christ has freed us from the bondage of sin so sin should not be the ruling factor in our lives (vv. 7-23).

A. Once Christ had experienced death and had risen from the dead, he permanently conquered death.

1. In the same way, when we have died to sin and are made new in Christ, we are no longer held captive to sin.

2. We are now free to serve Christ.

3. Does “free to serve” sound like a contradiction?

a. You are always ruled by someone.

b. Would you rather be ruled by the government, or by the prison guards? God or Satan?

c. 6:16

B. Whatever you spend the majority of your effort, time, and money doing is what you are serving.

1. Is that Christ or the world?

2. How many “soldiers for Christ” are borderline traitors?

3. Are you compromising what you supposedly fight for? The Freedom that Christ offers? Why would you chose to be enslaved?

C. There are consequences for those who serve their sinful nature (v.23)

D. There are also consequences for those who serve Christ.

1. v. 22

2. We have a hope of everlasting life! Sounds better than the alternative!

Conclusion

There is freedom for all who will accept it in Christ. He offers freedom from the bondage of sin and he desires to have a personal relationship with you. If you are already saved, is your relationship with Christ hindered by your service to sin? David said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Restore that broken relationship with Christ today by accepting the freedom he has already given you.