“Newness of Life” (Rom 6:1-14)

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. (vs1-4)

I come to this message because of personal weakness and yet victory over sin. God's command PUTS power in us, so I will give the rational, the command, and the comfort of new life.

FIRST, THE RATIONAL

It is right to walk in newness of life, because we receive the whole gospel, which includes the resurrection (vs1-4). He says, “just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life”. If there be no resurrection, if Christ is in the tomb, then we are not forgiven of sins. God rewards the righteous with life, favor, and the beauty of His face. But, if Christ isn't risen, it means that God hasn't accepted Him. But, if He is risen, and we receive His death for us, then we must also receive the benefits of His resurrection, even determination to do His will. We can't have one (forgiveness) without the other (newness of life).

SECONDLY, THE COMMAND

“Reckoning” is the hard part, but we are to do it (vs10-12). He says, “For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord”. We are to BELIEVE that we're alive from the dead through the Lord Jesus Christ to sin no more, to battle sin, and to turn all heaven's cannons against it, receiving power to do God's will, even if it kills us. Have no light attitude or lax attitude about sin. War with it constantly, reckoning yourself a new person to walk in newness of life, married to the King. “Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another – to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God” (Rom 7:4).

THIRDLY, THE PROMISE

We have the promise (Rom 6:14). God says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace”. We don't have to doubt, when it comes to obedience, that God will give us the grace. Having removed the sins that impeded our blessings, He has promised to reign down grace to do His will. We are not condemned, not subject to merit, and God insures us that grace will subdue the lusts within.

Sin will not reign because God breaks the power of sin, gives the conviction, and delivers us by the gospel. He gives power to the faint, and He humbles the proud to NEED mercy, so that He bestows it freely. Don't worry about if you can obey. Ask yourself. Is God the Redeemer able to GRACIOUSLY make you obey, supplying all the strength, even as He supplied the blood as payment?

Sin won't reign over God, so it won't reign over any for whom Christ died, who trust in Him as alive.