Series: The Book of Romans
Sermon: Newness of Life
Bible Passage: Romans 6:1-14

I. Two extremes were happening in the Church at Rome

1. Some Christians criticized that the Gospel encouraged lawless life (cf. Rom 3:7-8; 6:1)
2. On the other hand, some born-again Christians were deliberately sinning with the belief that God would forgive them (verse 1)

a. They remained in habitual sin
b. They abused the grace of God with all sorts of arguments
c. They probably thought that the grace of God gave them license to sin

3. In verses 1-2, Paul teaches that a justified believer cannot remain in sin because

a. They are dead to sin (verse 3-4)
b. And they are born into a different kind of life, “newness of life” (verse 4-7)

i. Coming out of the baptism water symbolizes one’s resurrection
ii. “Newness of life” is identifying with the resurrected Jesus (verse 4-6)

4. Three suggestion to mark the separation, which becomes the beginning of the journey of holiness (6:11-14)

a. Consider yourself to be dead and be alive for God (6:11)
b. Do not let sin reign in your body (6:12)
c. Present yourselves to God, your members as instruments for righteousness (6:13)

II. Lessons from Romans 6:1-14

1. Legalism and holiness are not synonymous
2. A truly born-again believer cannot remain in sin
3. Newness of life is marked by a complete separation from one’s former life
4. As much as justification is God’s work, a person’s Christian life and transformation is also God’s work

TAKE AWAY (How do we effect transformation in our life?)

Inform yourself continuously about your union with Christ and become more aware of it