Romans_6

 

Scripture

 

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?  By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Rom. 6:1-2

 

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:23

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is speaking to the Roman church to remind them that they are no longer slaves of sin and death, but rather alive in Christ and slaves to righteousness.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

We are free from the control of sin because of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection.

 

Paul is writing to free the Romans from the bondage to their old life, encouraging them that they are no longer tied to that old life and no longer have to be slaves to their sin.  They are now free to live for Jesus and free to live a righteous life led by the Holy Spirit.

 

We do not live righteously in order to gain His approval or salvation, as we are saved solely by faith in Jesus Christ, but faith in Him will naturally produce a heart that longs to obey.

 

 

Life Application

 

Turn our eyes and focus on Jesus.

 

As Paul says in Phil. 4:8, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you."

 

There's a great hymn with the words, "Turn Your eyes upon Jesus.  Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

It is so true.  If we want to stop sinning and being slaves to our former lives, we need to focus more on His light by spending time with Him in prayer, His Word, and other Spriit filled people. This will naturally produce works of righteousness where our former lives will start to fade away.

 

Thank You Jesus for the price You paid to free us from our bondage to sin and death.  Thank You for my resurrected life in You, all the new lives in You and the ones that are to come. Amen.

 

To check out the discussion or to join in, click here.

 

-Michelle Gaddi