Romans 6

Greetings in His name!

We continue on in this study through Romans. I was very tempted to have 4 verses for the memory passage again this week, but I resisted. So far, I have been able to find consecutive verses that contain elements of the overall theme of the chapters.

Romans 6:5-7
⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin.

The Theme for this chapter is Righteousness Sets Us Free.

The first section of chapter 6 deals with the doctrine of Identification. We have been identified with Christ in His death and resurrection, and therefore we have died to sin but live in Christ.
And because we died with Him, we are set free from the rule of sin in our lives.

This is the core of the chapter and the memory passage; we are united with Him in death, and are united with Him in new life (on earth) and eternal life (in heaven).

Then Paul tells us to present our bodies to God in the service of righteousness (Rom 12:1). We can do this because in Christ we are no longer enslaved to the rule of sin. However, we must continue in obedience to God; in reality, become slaves of God through our obedience. For while we are free from the rule of sin, we are still able to obey sin. We are to obey God and walk in righteousness that leads to sanctification (v22).

Verse 23 is one of those that everyone should have memorized. It's short, but essential in understanding the doctrine of salvation. I'll include it here for that reason:
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

How does this affect my worship?
The clear link between v13 here and Romans 12:1 give me a vivid picture of spirit-and-truth worship. In humility and submission, I am to offer my body (words and deeds) to God, as a living sacrifice of worship. He is glorified by the obedience and sacrifice of acceptable worship. How is worship acceptable? It must come from Him; "Through Him, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise" (Heb 13:15).

How does this affect my discipleship?
Verses 15-16 deal with the issue of obedience. "You are a slave of whom you obey". Because discipleship is what I am commanded to do, my obedience makes me a slave of God. And I would rather be a slave of God than free in sin. Through Christ I am set free from the mastery of sin and through the work of Holy Spirit I am sanctified by works of righteousness. Continuing in obedience to the call of discipleship is the fruit of the continuing sanctification by Holy Spirit.

May you walk with the Lord as freed from sin, but slaves to Him,

Ethan