Today’s passage: Romans 6:1-14
Helpful thoughts:
- Knowing that Christ suffered for all of our sin once and for all could result in two responses:
- Sin all the more because you think it’s “covered” and you will “get away with it.”
- OR, rejoicing in the grace of God, repenting and living a new life of growing obedience.
- Only one of those options is the life of a converted, regenerate believer.
- The “baptism” spoken of in this chapter is our true spiritual immersion into Christ’s death and resurrection. When we put our faith in Christ, our old self dies and we are raised to new life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- The ordinance of baptism (When a new believer is baptized in water to profess their faith in Christ) is a picture of the reality that has already transpired in their life by God’s grace.
- If you are in Christ, the old you is dead. Sin was your master, but you died…so now you are free from sin and you have a new master who is love.
Questions to consider:
- Who are you? What does this passage teach us about our identity in Christ? What kind of life is the Christian going to live? What will be their strength and motivation to do so?
- Whose are you? Did your freedom from slavery to sin make you your own master? Why is it so wonderful to be under the authority of God? If we squirm or bristle at the idea of having a master, what might that tell us about our understanding and acceptance of God and the Gospel?
- Where are you? Are you pursuing righteous living in order to be good enough under some kind of law (What you think are God’s requirements) or are you living under grace (Rejoicing in God’s forgiveness and pursuing Him in love and gratitude)?