June 29, 2025

ROMANS 6: FROM CHAINS TO CHANGE

June 29, 2025

 Pastor Jonathan Falwell

As we continue the book of Romans, we see a perfect plan unfolding. God breathed the word to Paul in Romans 1-4, focusing on our helpless state prior to salvation. In chapter 5, hopelessness is turned into hope by the advent of Jesus Christ, who went to a cross as a sacrifice for our sins. We can accept His free gift of salvation by faith in Him and repentance from our sin. Now, in chapter 6, we see there were some who apparently were confused by God’s grace covering all sins after reconciliation, asking can we continue a lifestyle of sin after salvation? Paul answered an emphatic “No!” at the thought. When we accept Jesus’ free gift of salvation, we are changed completely. Our change of heart is the true evidence of our new life with Christ. We should have no more wish to sin. With all of our being, we should desire to glorify God with our life. Is this you?l

Focal Passages: Romans 6.

God’s grace frees us but it should also change us:

  • Read Romans 6:1-4. What is sanctification? How does that differ from justification? Why are they important in the first several chapters? Without change, are you really saved?
  • Does it seem as though Paul’s first two questions in verse 1 may have been the result of believers’ asking if it is alright to sin willfully after salvation, as God’s grace is greater than our sin? How would you have answered the second question?
  • In verse 2, why does he answer in an emphatic negative, almost like raising your voice with power, as ‘Absolutely not!’? How would you answer Paul’s third question?
  • What does he mean ‘we who are baptized into Jesus are baptized into his death’? What does the word baptized mean here?
  • When you were baptized, did you understand symbolically you were dying to the chains of sin, coming out of the water to testify you are now ‘in Christ,’ a new creation, and the power of the Holy Spirit will reside in you?
  • What did Paul mean in verse 4 that you will walk ‘in newness of life’ after salvation? How can you keep this concept as a conscious thought throughout your day?

Our former self is dead:

  • Read Rom. 6:5-11 and 2 Cor. 5:17. As you read both these passages, how would you describe the phenomenon that occurred inside you because of salvation? What happened to the spirit of sin? What are some of the changes that occur?
  • Were you freed from sin? Therefore, is sin after salvation a choice you make?
  • What about those instances when a sinful thought or memory causes a momentary intake of breath—how do you handle it? Read James 1:14-15. Is it sin if it’s confronted and prayed over instantly, or is it not sin unless it is focused on? Can you train your mind to overcome those thoughts? Are they from Satan?
  • How do we reckon ourselves dead to sin? Will we ever be free from the ability to sin while we are being sanctified? What will decide whether we will sin or be victorious over temptation?

Armed and Dangerous:

  • Read Rom. 6: 12-14. If you are instructed not to do something, what does that imply? Can we assume Paul indicates we have a choice. What can we choose to do?
  • In life, who is one who reigns? Can we make Satan king of our life by obeying sin? Can you visually grasp that you are presenting yourself to Satan as his instrument if you choose to sin? Who are you presenting yourself to if you stand against temptation?
  • What Greek word was used for ‘instrument’? What do weapons do for us? How can they be used for good, as well as evil? Do we have constant choices to fight against sin or fight against God?

You belong to something:

  • Read verses 15-19. After explaining our position in Christ, and our choice to sin or stand firm for Christ, Paul asks a similar question as in vs. 1. After salvation, who do you belong to? Before salvation, who did you serve? Read Joshua 24:15. If your salvation is real, whom will you serve?
  • Paul repeats basically the same charge in vv. 17-19 that he did in vv. 12-14. Why? Can you see he believes we are making a choice when we sin? How can we rise above it?

To live or die:

  • What did you have to look forward to after death before you were saved? Once you accepted Christ and turned from your sin, what happens after death (vs. 22)? Would you want to go back to your old life? If you do, does it bring guilt or pleasure?
  • Why do people choose death (hell) over eternal life with God? Is your life a testimony to others who are wrestling with God?

Close:

Justification, sanctification, glorification… hopefully, these are not just words for you, but they represent the amazing activity of God in your life. As we are seeing in Romans, we are lost and going to hell until we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and turn from our ‘wicked ways,’ as God says. Then He looks as us, dressed with the righteous robe of Christ over us, seeing us “just as if we had never sinned” or ‘justified’ (‘just-as-if-I’d’ never sinned). Then begins our sanctification! We are constantly being shaped, molded, loved, and tested as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Do you long for the day when you feel mature, perfect—or at least a ‘very good’—person? Don’t waste your time, for you will be growing and learning until the day you die. Upon death, you enter a new realm, where you will be seeing clearly, meeting Jesus face-to-face. You’ll be glorified, and His praises will be your song!

By Sandy Day
June 29, 2025

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