Romans: Freed From Sin to Serve Jesus

Paul's teachings in Romans are life-changing truths that address the very heart of our Christian walk. Romans 6:1-24 offers a crucial clarification for believers in Christ, a concept that differentiates being freed from sin from being free to sin. In Romans 5:20, Paul states, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." This is a powerful reminder of the boundless nature of God's grace. It assures us, as followers of Christ, that our transgressions, no matter how great, cannot outweigh the grace that God generously bestows upon us through faith in Christ. This notion is both uplifting and liberating, offering us hope and reassurance throughout our lives.

However, this message, as uplifting as it is, can sometimes be misinterpreted by our sinful hearts. The notion that God's grace will always cover our sins, regardless of their magnitude, may lead some to misconstrue this as a license to sin. This misunderstanding is what Paul seeks to address in Romans 6:1. He anticipates the potential confusion and gently corrects our perspective, steering us away from a dangerous misinterpretation of God's grace. Paul argues that our union with Christ has transformed us from a state of death to life. This transformation is a reality that should be reflected in our daily lives. Being united with Christ means we should consider ourselves dead to sin. It is about recognizing that we are no longer ruled by it. Our identity in Christ compels us to a higher calling, one where our desires no longer hold dominion over us.

Paul's message in these verses is the concept of our new identity and union in Christ, which he expounds upon in verses 3-10. This new identity is not a superficial change; it is a fundamental transformation of who we are. In Christ, we find a new way of living, shifting our allegiance from our desires to the lordship of Christ Jesus. It is about allowing Christ to rule and reign over our desires, guiding us in a life that is pleasing to Him, and reflective of the transformative power of His grace. For in understanding our freedom in Christ, we find the true meaning of living a life that is dead to sin and alive in Him.

May We Truly Grasp Our New Identity Through the Union We Have in Christ and Live Transformed

In Romans chapter 6, we are invited to deeply understand and embrace our new identity in Christ, which calls us to a transformed life. Paul uses the potent metaphor of baptism in verses 3-10 to illustrate this truth. Baptism is not merely a ritual; it is a vivid portrayal of the transformative work of Christ within us. When we are submerged in baptism, we symbolize our union with Christ in His death. This act represents a death to our old selves, a symbolic burial of our past sins and life before Christ. In this moment, we acknowledge that Jesus paid the ultimate price on the cross for us, inviting us to die to our selfish desires and sin.

However, baptism signifies more than death; it is also a celebration of new life. As we rise from the waters, we symbolize our union with Christ in His resurrection. This act is a powerful declaration that we are no longer bound to our past life, but are now living a new life in Him. This new life is guided by Him, through His Spirit living in and through us. It marks our rebirth, our born-again identity, where we are called to live differently from before — a life that truly reflects our new nature in Christ. 

Paul, in Galatians 2:20, describes this transformation: "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This profound statement reminds us that in our new reborn life, it is not merely us trying to live for Jesus, but rather Christ Himself living through us. We become vessels of Christ's love and grace in this world, reflecting Jesus in our actions and attitudes. This new identity demands high standards, exemplified by our Savior, Jesus Christ. As He was never a slave to sin, so too are we called to break free from the chains of our sinful desires. We are no longer defined as sinners but as saints and children of God, liberated and free.

Yet, as humans, we often find ourselves slipping back into the old patterns of sin, like a freed slave walking back into bondage. Paul challenges this tendency, urging us to embrace and live out our true identity in Christ. Our new life in Him should be marked by a departure from sin, embracing the freedom He has given us. The critical question then becomes: how do we see ourselves? Do we view ourselves through the lens of our past bondage to sin, or do we see ourselves as Christ sees us — redeemed, forgiven, chosen, called, heirs with Christ, and citizens of Heaven? Let us strive to align our self-perception with our true identity in Christ. 

Command 1: Consider Yourself Dead to Sin

In Romans chapter 6, Paul presents his first command to believers: "Consider yourself dead to sin" (verse 11). This command is not just a casual suggestion; it is a fundamental aspect of living a transformed life in Christ. Paul's invitation to consider ourselves dead to sin is what commentator Kent Hughes refers to as "preventative theology." Unlike corrective theology, which responds to sin after it occurs, this preventative approach calls us to proactively reflect on our union with Christ and our participation in the gospel. It is about recognizing that we are not mere observers of Christ's resurrection, but active participants, having been made alive by His Spirit.

This command is a daily, active practice. It is not a one-time event but a continual process of sanctification, of being set apart to live and resemble Christ, who was without sin. Every day, we are to remind ourselves of this truth, making a conscious choice to take sin seriously, to see it for the deadly force it is, rather than treating it as something harmless or casual as often portrayed in media or popular culture. Paul's message is clear: we must actively reject sin's rule over us. Sin seeks not just to harm but to dominate, to reign in our mortal bodies. By considering ourselves dead to sin, we consciously choose to distance ourselves from its influence and allure. It is about recognizing the true nature of sin and refusing to let it have any dominion over us.

So, as we reflect on this first command from Paul, let's ask ourselves: How do we view sin in our daily lives? Do we minimize its impact, or do we see it for the destructive force it truly is? May we strive to live each day in the reality of our new life in Christ, considering ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. Let this not just be a theoretical understanding, but a practical, lived-out truth that guides our actions and decisions each day.

Command 2: Do Not Let Sin Reign

The second command Paul gives us in Romans chapter 6 is: "Do not let sin reign." This command urges us to recognize and resist the dominion of sin in our lives. It is a call to acknowledge that while sin seeks to establish control, we have the power, through Christ, to dethrone it and refuse its rule over us. Understanding the concept of "reign" is crucial here. It implies authority, control, and dominion. But as followers of Christ, we must remember that we already have a King — Jesus Christ. He is the sovereign ruler of our hearts and lives, and He does not share His throne with any other entity, be it money, fame, family, or any other form of idolatry. When anything other than Christ sits on the throne of our hearts, it becomes sin.

We must dethrone the sin that seeks to rule us and then invite Jesus to take His rightful place as the reigning King of our hearts once again. A practical way to discern who reigns in our lives is to examine who we obey. Obedience reveals allegiance. If we claim Jesus as our King, our actions, decisions, and responses should align with His Lordship. This means when He commands, our response should be one of willing obedience — a 'yes' to His will, regardless of our personal preferences or comfort. However, the reality of sin's persistence can often lead to a struggle to let Jesus reign unchallenged. When sinful desires beckon, and we find it hard to say no, that is a sign that those desires are ruling us. Each time we give in to these temptations, they further enslave us.

For those who find themselves grappling with persistent sins — whether they be deep-seated hurts, harmful habits, or stubborn hang-ups — seeking external support can be a vital step. This might mean consulting a counselor, joining a support group like Celebrate Recovery, or simply being in a community of believers who desire to see Christ reign in their lives. The significance of this command is clear: consider yourself dead to sin and actively refuse to let it reign in your life. This is not a passive stance but an active, daily choice to dethrone sin and exalt Christ as the supreme ruler of our hearts. By doing so, we align our lives with His kingdom and His righteousness, allowing His grace and power to transform us from within.

Command 3: Don’t Be a Weapon for Evil, Instead Be a Weapon of Righteousness

The third and final command in Romans chapter 6 is a powerful directive: "Don’t be a weapon for evil, instead be a weapon of righteousness." In verses 13 and 14, Paul uses the term "instrument" which in this context refers to an instrument of war. We are reminded that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, and our bodies can either be used as weapons for evil or for righteousness. The choice lies with us. The imagery of being a weapon in war emphasizes the seriousness of our spiritual responsibility and the impact of our choices.

Our adversary, Satan, is crafty and relentless. He seeks to deceive us into complacency, making us believe that there is no war or that he is not the enemy. But the truth is, he is fighting for every piece of ground he can get, using sin as his primary weapon. This war is not just in the world around us; it is also a war for our souls. For unbelievers, the message is clear: the only way to survive this spiritual war is to choose Christ. To see Him as the King who died in their place, who bore their penalty, and who offers freedom and life. This requires repenting of sin and placing faith in Christ, who died and rose from the dead. 

For believers, while Christ is our King and the victory over sin is already won, the battle against sin and Satan continues. Though Satan is defeated, he is not yet destroyed, and he prowls around, seeking to use us as instruments for his evil purposes. We are warned not to let any part of our bodies cling to sin but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as we dwell in God’s presence and His word. Being a weapon of righteousness means actively opposing the lies of the enemy, sharing the gospel, and living as if sin has no power over us. We must remember that sin, while it may tempt and lie to us, does not have authority over those united with Christ. Our identity is in Him, and with Him, we have died to sin.

As believers, we are called to live out this reality. Sin may test us, but it cannot have us; we belong to the King and are destined to be with Him for eternity. Starting today, let's live in the truth of our identity in Christ, not as instruments for evil, but as instruments of righteousness in the hands of God Almighty. This means presenting our bodies not to sin, but to God for His service, living in the victory and freedom He has secured for us.