November 10, 2018
This week we continue our series of 3 studies from the book of Romans, chapters 1-8 based on John’s messages. They are titled as follows:
Study 1. Justification. Romans 1-5. “In Christ” we are saved from the penalty of sin.
Study 2. Sanctification. Romans 6-7. ‘Christ in us’ we are saved from the power of sin.
Study 3. Glorification. Romans 8. We are saved from the presence of sin. Our salvation is now complete.
Last week we looked at Justification quoting the following…
God will declare those who put their trust in Jesus not guilty but righteous. This legal declaration is valid because Christ died to pay for the penalty for our sin and lived a life of perfect righteousness that can in turn be imputed to us…. The central thought in justification is that, although people totally deserve to be declared guilty, God declares them righteous because of their trust in Christ. NIV Study Bible
This week we look at…
Sanctification. Romans 6.
“Christ in us” we are saved from the power of sin.
The definition of sanctification is “set apart or declare holy to the Lord”
1. Read Romans 6:1-11.
What things happened to our sinful nature as a result of us putting our faith in Christ and receiving Him as our Savior? See also Gal. 2:20.
Discuss what Paul says happened in baptism.
What happen to the power of sin over us and how should we now see it? Romans 6:6-7, 10-11.
Discuss the following:
The power of sin over us died with Christ on the cross. Our “old sinful selves,” old sinful nature, died once for all, so we are freed from its power. The power of sin refers to our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though we often willingly cooperate with our sinful nature, it is not us but the sin in us that is evil. And it is this power of sin at work in our life that is defeated. Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand righteous before God. Here Paul emphasizes that we need no longer live under sins power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots-we still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ. (see Galatians 2:20)” *
2. Application.
What does Paul mean when he says we no longer need to ‘live under the requirements of the law? Instead… under the freedom of God’s grace”?
As a sinner, separated from God, you see His law from below, as a ladder, to be climbed to get to God. Perhaps you have repeatedly tried to climb it, only to fall to the ground every time you have advanced only one or two rungs. Or perhaps the sheer height of the ladder seems so overwhelming that you have never even started up. In either case, what a relief you should feel to see Jesus offering with open arms to lift you above the ladder of the law, to take you directly to God! Once Jesus lifts you into God’s presence, you are free to obey-out of love, not necessity, and through God’s power, not your own. You know that if you stumble, you will not fall back to the ground. Instead, you will be caught and held in Christ’s loving arms. *
Read Romans 6:12-18. How should this influence the way we now live?
What do we do when we don’t experience freedom from the power of sin?
Consider the following:
How can we follow this command to not let sin control the way we live, (Romans 6:12) to not give into its desires? We can take the following steps: (1) Identify our personal weaknesses, (2) recognize the things that tempt us, (3) stay away from sources of temptation, (4) practice self –restraint, (5) consciously invest ourselves in good habits and service, and (5) lean on God’s strength and grace. *
Discuss the importance of being careful what we allow to enter and dwell on in our minds. See Colossians 3:1-3, Philippians 4:8, Romans 8:1-14.
Whose work is sanctification in our lives? 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23, 25, Philippians 4:13.
What are some ways we need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit? eg: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Colossians 3:16.
*Taken from ‘Life Application study Bible.’