Romans 6 – Dead to Sin, Alive to God
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:1–2, NKJV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NKJV)
🔍 CAPTURE THE SCENE (What do I see?)
Romans 5 ended with the statement: “Where sin increased, grace abounded more.” Now Paul addresses the obvious misunderstanding: if more sin means more grace, why not keep sinning?
- Paul rebukes this logic: “Certainly not!”
- If you’ve died to sin, you shouldn’t live in it.
- In baptism, you were buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.
- Our old self was crucified—so we are no longer slaves to sin.
- Christ died once and lives forever. In the same way, consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God.
- Don’t let sin reign in your mortal body or obey its lusts.
- Present your body to God—not as an instrument of sin, but of righteousness.
- You’re not under law but under grace—but grace teaches you to live holy.
- Whoever you obey—sin or righteousness—you become its slave.
- But now you’ve been set free from sin and become slaves of righteousness.
- Sin leads to death. Obedience leads to righteousness and life.
- The old way produced shame and death. The new life bears fruit unto holiness.
- The wages of sin is death, but God gives the gift of eternal life in Christ.
📖 ANALYZE THE MESSAGE (What does it mean?)
- Grace Doesn’t Excuse Sin—It Empowers You to Resist It (vv. 1–2)
Just because we’re forgiven doesn’t mean we’re free to sin. Real grace sets us free from sin’s control. - Baptism Represents Death and New Life (vv. 3–7)
We’ve been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The old self is dead. Sin’s power is broken. - Live Like You’re Alive (vv. 8–14)
Christ died once, but now lives eternally. So should we. Don’t let sin be your master—you’re under grace. - Slavery to Sin or Slavery to God (vv. 15–22)
You’re always a servant—either of sin or righteousness. Freedom isn’t doing what you want; it’s being who you were created to be. - Death vs. Life (v. 23)
Sin pays wages: death. But God gives a gift: eternal life in Jesus. You don’t earn grace—you receive it.
🔁 COMPARE THIS CHAPTER WITH THE REST OF SCRIPTURE
- New Life in Christ:
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation
- Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ
- Freedom from Sin:
- John 8:36 – If the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed
- Titus 2:11–12 – Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness
- Spiritual Battle:
- Ephesians 6:10–18 – Put on the armor of God
- James 4:7 – Resist the devil and he will flee
- Gift of Eternal Life:
- John 3:16 – Whoever believes in Him should not perish
- 1 John 5:11–12 – He who has the Son has life
🙌 EXECUTE (So what? How does this affect my life?)
Principle: Grace doesn’t make sin safe—it makes holiness possible. You’re not who you were. Live like who you are.
- Live the New Life You’ve Been Given
If you’re united with Christ, don’t go back to the graveyard. Walk in the freedom of resurrection life. - Kill the Sin Before It Kills You
Don’t flirt with sin. Don’t manage it. Put it to death. You’re no longer its slave. - Present Your Body to God Daily
What you do with your body matters. Offer it as an instrument of righteousness. - Choose Your Master Wisely
Everyone serves something. Who are you obeying—your flesh or your Savior? - Remember the Outcome
Sin pays death. God gives life. Don’t trade eternal joy for temporary pleasure.
🗣️ GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why does Paul say it’s unthinkable to continue in sin so grace may abound?
- How does baptism symbolize what has happened to the believer spiritually?
- What does it practically look like to present your body as an “instrument of righteousness”?
- In what areas of your life are you most tempted to obey the wrong master?
- How can we encourage one another to walk in newness of life?