Your April 21st Expository Sermon

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14)

Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Title: Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14)

Introduction:

In Romans 6:1-14, we go deep into the heart of the Christian life, grappling with the profound implications of grace and the believer's transformation in Christ. This passage questions the continued practice of sin under grace and illuminates our new identity and life in Christ, emphasizing the life-changing power of baptism and living as those who are dead to sin but alive to God.

I. Baptism's Bold Break (Romans 6:1-4)

Breaking with Sin: "Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!" (Romans 6:1-2, ESV). Paul firmly rejects the idea of continuing in sin under grace, introducing baptism as a decisive break with the old sinful life and entry into new life in Christ.

Burial and Birth through Baptism: Explores baptism as both a burial of the old, sinful self and a resurrection to new life, paralleling Christ’s resurrection and the believer’s new life in God’s glory.

II. Believers’ Union with Christ (Romans 6:5-7)

Bonded in Death and Life: 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 (Romans 6:5, ESV). Highlights the believer's deep connection with Christ in both His death and resurrection, signifying a complete break from sin’s power.

Breaking Sin’s Stranglehold: Discusses the liberation from sin's dominion, emphasizing that death with Christ nullifies sin’s claim on the believer, leading to true freedom.

III. Behaving as Resurrected Beings (Romans 6:8-11)

Being Alive to God: We believe that we will also live with him (Romans 6:8, ESV). Focuses on living out the reality of resurrection life with Christ, actively considering ourselves dead to sin and vibrant in God’s presence.

Behavioral Transformation: Urges believers to live out their new identity in Christ, manifesting resurrection life through holy conduct and a God-centered mindset.

IV. Battle Against Sin’s Dominion (Romans 6:12-14)

Barring Sin’s Reign: Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions (Romans 6:12, ESV). Encourages believers to actively resist sin's influence and not surrender to its desires, highlighting the role of personal choice in living out the new life.

Basking in Grace’s Rule: For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14, ESV). Concludes with the empowering truth that under grace, sin’s rule is broken, calling believers to live under the liberating sovereignty of God’s grace.

Conclusion:

Through Romans 6:1-14, we are called to a life that vividly reflects our new status in Christ—dead to sin and dynamically alive to God. This passage is not just doctrinal teaching; it’s a call to action, urging us to embody the reality of our baptism into Christ's death and resurrection. As we journey in this new life, let us consistently break with sin, bond with Christ, behave as resurrected beings, and battle against sin's dominion, fully embracing the victorious life granted to us through God's abundant grace.

Full Manuscript Expository Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers