Sermon Central
-
Romans, Part 19 Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 21, 2011 (message contributor)
Summary: Understanding the role of God in our lives is critical. We are called to be slaves to Him, to His power, and to His authority. It is when we try to take charge that we get into the difficulties of life.
Romans, Part 19
Introduction
- We are no longer under the bonds this world wants to place on us
Gal 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
- This is incredibly comforting for those who are struggling right now with sin
- It is what brings us sanctification -- we’ve been identified with Jesus!
- Read Romans 6:15-23 / Pray
Point 1 – We can no longer live under sin (15-18)
- Repeat of Romans 6:1 – We are NOT to continue living under sin
- Complete explanation of the difference between SLAVE and MASTER
- Master is in control; Slave is obedient to the Master’s desire
-- It’s important to understand that neither God nor Jesus is slave to you and I
-- We must not only grasp this but be able to explain it to others as well
- Paul states quite clearly who we owe our lives to: It is to God that we live
- Set free, called to live a life – which means we’re called to glorify and testify
- If we are a slave to righteousness, what does that look like for you and I?
- Pastor John Piper writes: “When Paul says that sin will not be our master, he does not mean that the defeated and dethroned foe is driven from the castle at once, but in stages, and the Christian life is to fight that fight and to fight it as those whose victory is sure: Sin will not sit on this throne.”
- 1 Peter 4:11 confirms this: “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
- TRANS: So if we are victors over sin; what’s in it for those who accept Christ?
Point 2 – Who are we in Christ? (19-23)
- Read verses 19-22
- Paul understood that we all learn at a certain rate (as humans), and so he is speaking very plainly, but …
- Verse 19 is not really an insult; it is a factual statement for our benefit
- It is because we have been given a new life, so that we would act new today
-- 1 Peter 1:16, “… for it is written (Lev 19:2): “Be holy, because I am holy.”
- What Paul does now is critical; but not a matter of pride for us to dwell on
- In just a few verses of scripture we see a critical contrast for Believers
- Contrasting Believers and Non-Believers …
-- Two masters control this world: Righteousness and Sin
-- Two freedoms exist right now: Free from sin and Free from righteousness
-- Two fruits are produced: Sanctification and Shameful behavior
-- Two destinies are sealed: Eternal life and Death
- There is no middle ground on this; and it’s a tough word to swallow -- often
- It brings conviction, it brings resolution … it is the truth found in God’s word
- The challenge for us today is to faithfully consider what we will do
- If Christ is your Savior, then you have been set free once and for all
- But, there is an important aspect to remember and its reinforced right here
- But first, we must understand Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
- What follows is one of the most quoted verses in witnessing …
- Re-read verse 23
- The pleasure and profit of sin do not deserve to be called fruit
- Sinners are ones who continuously repeat the same negative actions.
- Shame came into the world with sin, and is still the certain effect of it linger on
- The end of sin is death
- Though sin may seem appealing; the end is constantly bitter, and so …
- From this condemnation the believer is set at liberty, when made free from sin
- Though the way is up-hill, though it is narrow, thorny, and difficult … everlasting life at the end of it is sure
- The gift of God is eternal life
- And this gift is through Jesus Christ our Lord
- Christ purchased it, prepared it, prepares us for it, preserves us to it; he is the All in all in our salvation
Conclusion
- We must take this instruction to heart and get right with the Lord
