Victorious Christian Living #
Romans 6:1-2
Introduction
After greatly expounding on justification, Paul now opens with a question that may come to mind by those learning ALL their sins are gone, wiped clean, there is no longer a debt of sin hanging over their head. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” (Rom 6:1-2)
Just as if someone physically had foolishly racked up a great amount of debt through a very lavish lifestyle. With no self restraint buying everything and anything they wanted, found themselves drowning in debt, in which they were unable to pay. Justification is having that debt forgiven, wiped clean. That person may think, now, I’m free to spend my money any way I want. No, the one who paid that debt, is now requiring financial responsibility, sanctification. He cleaned up your mess, but expects you to work at keeping things right.
No doubt that salvation is a life changing experience, but it should be a life altering experience as well. After trusting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, your LIFE should change.
- NOTE – People saved young, don’t have as drastic a change, they simply don’t have as much sin debt.
“Justification took place the moment you trusted Christ- you were declared righteous; the guilt was removed. Then God began a work in you that will continue throughout your life. I believe in instantaneous salvation, but sanctification is a lifelong process. In other words, Justification is the means; sanctification is the end. Justification is for us; sanctification is in us. Justification declares the sinner righteous; sanctification makes the sinner righteous. Justification removes the guilt and penalty of sin, sanctification removes the growth and the power of sin.” - J. Vernon McGee
Positional Sanctification
I. The Reality of our Death with Christ (1-5) #
A. The Truth of it (1-2) #
1. As stated in the introduction, why on earth would someone who just got out of serious trouble, want to go back to it? #
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This is a very carnal way of thinking… I’m saved, now I can live it up, and party!
- If you are truly saved, you will not be ABLE to live it up, party, and ENJOY it! --Miserable!
2. God forbid! #
1Pet. 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
- God expects holiness!
3. Fact – “How shall we, that are dead to sin” #
- We should die to sin!
B. The Triumph of it (3-5) #
1. Baptized is not the act of being baptized in water, but rather the idea of being immersed into the death of Jesus Christ. #
- Baptism does not save, and doesn’t put a person ‘in Christ’.
2. Example of “baptism unto Moses” (1 Cor 10:1-4) #
3. We are to Walk in newness of life (4) #
4. Planted (5) – Grafted into the life of Jesus! #
II. The Reason for our Death with Christ (6-7) #
A. Sin’s Stronghold in the life (6a) #
1. Old man – our natural sin nature #
Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Col. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
2. Crucified #
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Crucifixion is a slow death, in which the body holds onto life as long as it can.
- Your flesh will one day finally lay to rest, and we will have complete victory over the flesh.
- Until that day, it will fight to the end to maintain life and control in life.
Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
B. Sin’s Stranglehold on the Life (6b-7) #
1. We should NOT SERVE SIN! #
2. Because the old man is dead, crucified, the body of sin is destroyed… we are in a great position for victory! #
- That body of sin, is rendered powerless over us
III. The Results of our Death with Christ (8-11) #
A. The Acknowledgment of the Victory of Christ (8-10) #
1. Alive with him! (8) #
2. Victory over death (9-10) #
- Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, but Lazarus had to face death again!
- Jesus didn’t face death again, and will not!
3. Our salvation isn’t based on our works #
- Our victory is not based on our works, it is based on Jesus victory over death! (8) “we shall also live with him”
B. The Application of the Victory of Christ (11) #
1. “Reckon ye also yourselves” (11) #
- These truths, that Jesus died on the cross, and rose victorious over death, hell and the grave… count yourself on that team.
- You belong to the winning team!