Dead but Alive, Part 2 (Romans 6:11)

Sermon on 20 September 2026 by Reverend Kevin Teo

Introduction

In Romans chapter 6, Paul tells us that we have been set free; we have no more sin nature (Romans 6:1-10). We can live a life of holiness and obedience to God (Romans 6:11-23).

Message

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:11

Do I still have a sin nature?

No, we do not. Our sinful nature has been put to death; our “old man” has been crucified with Christ, and we are no longer slaves of sin (Romans 6:6). He who has died has been freed from sin (verse 7). Sin does not have dominion over us (verse 14), and we have been set free from sin (verses 18, 22). The “old self” no longer controls us.

Before being a believer, we did have a sin nature, which produces (spiritual) death which leads to sins (including bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, lust, covetousness, pride). But after we are born again, these are not supposed to be within our nature. However, we may still sin - this is because we do not know the truth.

Am I a sinner or a saint?

Many believers still wrongly believe that they are still sinners with a sin nature. If we still think that we have a sin nature, that may propel wrong behaviour. You allow your lifestyle and behaviour to dictate your identity. If you keep saying “I am a sinner”, you see your identity as a sinner, therefore you continue to sin and unable to walk in newness of life. Satan wants us to have a wrong identity (sinner), so that we give him continued access to dominate and control us (Romans 6:16; Ephesians 4:27).

Hence, we need to adjust our thinking. Our identity is a saint, saved by grace. What does God say about our identity?

But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. - 1 Corinthians 6:17

Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness - Ephesians 4:24

To present you (spirit) holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight - Colossians 1:22

Our true identity is a saint (holy one) in Christ, living by grace, a new creation, and having righteousness of God.

Our behaviour and lifestyle will change when our mindset is correct. Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts (Proverbs 4:23). Our identity shapes the way we relate to God and ultimately affects how we live. A sinner mindset is one where we are weak, unworthy and sinful. The approach to God tends to be one of crying, begging, and pleading.

But Paul never taught believers to live in this manner. He reminded us to have a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving (Colossians 1:12, 2:6-7, Ephesians 5:20) for what God has given us (Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3). A saint mindset is God-conscious, knowing we are righteous (Romans 5:19) and complete (Colossians 2:10) in Christ.

Why do I still sin?

It is a soul and body issue. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 tells us that the being comprises the spirit, soul and body. Under God’s grace, the spirit is born again, has God’s life, nature and blessings. As for the soul and body, we renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and discipline our bodies (1 Corinthians 9:27) through our good works. Our spirit is already holy and righteous, but not our soul (unrenewed mind) and body (undisciplined flesh). This is why we commit sins.

For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. - Romans 8:6

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. - 1 Corinthians 9:27

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. - 1 Timothy 4:8

We still sin because of lack of knowledge (Ephesians 5:17) of our true identity in Christ, and also wilful disobedience. Therefore, we need to renew our minds to our rightful identity and understand that we must be obedient, otherwise we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7-8).

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. - Galatians 6:7

Why should I stop sinning since I am already saved?

Paul gives two reasons why believers should live holy lives. First, we are dead to sin. We are no longer bound by a sin nature. Refuse to live below our identity as God’s children. Second, sinning provides an access for the enemy into our lives (Romans 6:15-23, Ephesians 4:27). Do not give Satan access. He comes only to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10a).

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. - Romans 6:12

Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? - Romans 16:16

Sin leads to death. But obedience leads to righteousness and blessings. The devil has no hold over you.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord. - Proverbs 19:3

Foolishness is you knowing that you are a saint, but choose to sin. You are the one who allows Satan into your life. You can shut him out. You decide.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23

What should I do? What does God’s Word say, through Paul?

Reckon yourself alive to God (Romans 6:11). Remind yourself to live out your true identity. You are dead to sin (no sin nature). You are alive to God (holy and righteous). You rely on the Holy Spirit’s power in you to say no to sin, not on your own willpower. Once you understand your identity, it becomes easier because your entire belief system dictates your behaviour.

Closing

Train your mind. Live as saints. Boldly partake in the blessings that God has given. Do not allow the devil access to your life.