Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14; 6:23)

Sermon on 17 June 2025 by Pastor Justin

Introduction

When you receive Jesus, you are a new creation in Christ. Your ‘old man’ is dead. We are buried together with Christ, and we rise up together with Him.

Message

Salvation is not just about forgiveness; it is also about transformation (Romans 12:2; Colossians 1:13-14).

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? - Romans 6:1-2

Our enemy, the flesh, will continue to tempt us. We must be aware of this spiritual warfare. Sin does not control you anymore. Do not obey the flesh. This requires humility. Obey the word of God instead. If we keep ourselves away from sin, the evil one will not touch us. On the contrary, if we live in fear and anxiety, the devil is close to you. Your ‘new you’ must influence the way you live.

1.     The power of grace to break free from sin (Romans 6:1-2)

Grace is not an excuse for sin; it is a means to overcome it. Don’t take grace for granted; instead, embrace it by living freely and joyfully! (Romans 6:11). Real salvation brings change (2 Corinthians 5:17). God’s grace empowers us to stop sinning (Titus 2:11-12). 

2.     Your old self is dead. Don’t revive it. (Romans 6:6)

Know this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. - Romans 6:6

Your past doesn’t define you, and your sin cannot control you (Romans 8:1, 5-6). Pursue a life reflecting our new creation in Christ, marked by righteousness and holiness (Romans 6:13-14).

And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. - Romans 6:13-14

Stop feeding sin (Romans 6:13). Declare daily, “That’s not who I am anymore” (Romans 6:11). Live your new identity (Romans 6:4).

3.     Live fully alive in Christ (Romans 6:11; Galatians 2:20)

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

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

Say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to life! (Romans 6:14)

Choose blessing over curse. Do not live in defeat. You are alive in Christ. Share in Christ’s victories over sin and death (Ephesians 1:3-14). Live a new life oriented towards God and His purposes (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Sin refers to actions, thoughts, or attitudes that  fall short of God’s standards and create a separation from God. You are tempted by your own desires. If you give in to that desire, you take actions which change your lifestyle. This eventually leads to spiritual death.

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

Closing

Are you still living in sin that Jesus died to free you from? Are you walking in the new life He gave you?

Your daily life should reflect our new status in Christ. Reject sinful behaviours and cultivate godly habits. You are dead to sin. You are alive in Christ!