Sermon Notes
Introduction
Paul has been explaining the gospel in different ways. Justified by faith, we have peace with God (5:1). While we were still sinners and enemies, Christ died for us (5:8). Then Paul drew a great contrast: Adam’s one act of disobedience brought sin, death, and condemnation to the whole human race. However, Christ’s obedience brought grace, righteousness, and life (5:12-21). Paul pushed the contrast to the extreme by stating that where sin increased, grace increased all the more (5:20). But the apostle must warn the reader not to misinterpret abounding grace. Abounding grace is not a license to sin more.
1. Grace is Not a License to Sin
Paul begins by staging a debate. He raises a question regarding his previous statement that grace abounds even if sin increases. The objection is almost clever: if my sin gives God more occasions to show His grace, isn’t sinning in favor of God? The answer is NO. Then he gives the reason.
Romans 6:1-2: 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?
2. Baptized Into His Death
How did we die to sin? Paul answers with being baptized into Christ’s death. The word baptized means to plunge or immerse; the word used for an object completely dropped under water. Although the ordinance of water baptism stands in the background, the main point is that genuine faith plunges the believer into Christ’s death.
Romans 6:3-4: 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.
3. Old Self Crucified
Paul gives an image of unity, of being joined together in His death and resurrection. He shows a concept of the old self being crucified with Christ. The purpose? So that the believer would no longer be a slave to sin, meaning that sin is no longer the master.
Romans 6:5-7: 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
Application
- God’s abounding grace is not a license to sin. Do not treat grace as a legal loophole. We can no longer live as those who pursue sin because we have died to sin. Genuine faith does not pursue sin; it dies to it.
- We are not Christians trying to merely improve; we are sinners who were justified by faith. Such faith means that you died to sin, were buried, and were given a new life. Christ’s death is our death; His resurrection is our new life.
- We must stop treating sin as our rightful master. As genuine believers, we can resist its desire to treat us as slaves. However, through faith, we reckon ourselves dead to it and no longer enslaved. The old self is replaced by the new life in Christ because of His resurrection.
Study Guide
- In your own words, why does Paul consider "keep sinning so grace can increase" not just wrong but absurd? What does the phrase "died to sin" actually mean, and what does it not mean? (Ro 6:1-2)
- Paul uses two vivid pictures: (1) being "plunged/immersed into Christ" and (2) being "buried with him." What does each picture teach us about our union with Christ? Where does the power for our new life come from? (Ro 6:3-4)
- How would you explain “brought to nothing” in your own words, and why is freedom from sin’s slavery different from sinless perfection? (Ro 6:5-7)