Romans 6:1—7:6: New Life, New Lifestyle
SUBTLE ALLURE, PERSISTENT urges, passionate desires. Sin entices us in many ways. A thought enters our mind that we dare not acknowledge: "If I give in, I can always be forgiven." Sound familiar? Such thinking can become an excuse for immoral practices. But it betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of God's grace in our lives. In Romans 6:1—7:6 Paul explains why the idea of "sinning so that grace may increase" is unthinkable for Christians.
Warming Up to God
When you became a Christian, was the change in your life dramatic, gradual or imperceptible? Explain. Whether it has taken place slowly or quickly, praise God for the change he has worked in your life.
Read Romans 6:1—7:6. »
Discovering the Word
- In what sense was our baptism both a funeral and a resurrection?
- Our "old self" (v. 6) refers to everything we were as non-Christians. When our old self was crucified with Christ, in what sense was sin rendered powerless (vv. 5-7)?
- What does it mean to "count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God" (6:11)?
- Paul compares both our old life and our new to slavery. Why is this analogy appropriate in each case (6:15-18)?
- How is the principle "that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives" illustrated by marriage (6:1-3)?
- In 6:1—7:6 Paul uses baptism, slavery and marriage to illustrate the differences between our old life and our new life. What common themes are emphasized in these illustrations?
Applying the Word
- What sins are you particularly struggling to free yourself of?
- What assurance and encouragement is Paul giving us in your struggle against sin?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God that you are no longer a slave to sin. Pray that you will live as a slave to righteousness.
For Further Study
Slave of Christ by Murray J. Harris