DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE TO CHRIST

DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE TO CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 6:1-14

Key Verse: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:11, KJV)

Supporting Texts: Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:1-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 8:34-36; 1 Peter 2:24; Titus 2:11-14.

Description: Through union with Christ, believers have died to the power of sin and have been raised to live a new life of righteousness and holiness.

INTRODUCTION
Romans 6:1-14 addresses an important question that arises from the doctrine of justification by faith. If God's grace abounds where sin increases, should believers continue in sin so that they may receive more grace? Paul answers emphatically, "God forbid!" Grace is never a licence to live in sin. Instead, it is the power that enables believers to live victoriously over sin.

When a person places faith in Jesus Christ, a spiritual union takes place. The believer is identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The old sinful life has been crucified with Christ, and a new life has begun. Although believers still face temptation, sin no longer has dominion over them because they now belong to Christ.

This passage calls every Christian to live in the reality of their new identity. We are no longer slaves of sin but servants of righteousness. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can daily overcome sinful desires and live lives that glorify God.

1. BELIEVERS HAVE DIED TO THE POWER OF SIN
Through Christ's death, believers have been set free from the dominion of sin.

a) United With Christ In His Death (Romans 6:3-4)
Those who believe in Christ are spiritually united with His death, signifying the end of the old sinful life.

b) The Old Self Was Crucified (Romans 6:6)
Our sinful nature has been judged at the cross so that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

c) Freedom From Sin's Dominion (Romans 6:7)
Those who have died with Christ have been released from sin's controlling power.

d) Christ's Victory Is Our Victory (Galatians 2:20)
Believers now live by faith in the Son of God, who lives within them.

Biblical Example: The Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31). After passing through the sea, Israel left the bondage of Egypt behind. Likewise, believers leave the bondage of sin behind through Christ.

2. BELIEVERS ARE RAISED TO LIVE A NEW LIFE
The resurrection of Christ gives believers a new nature and a new purpose.

a) Walk In Newness Of Life (Romans 6:4)
Salvation brings a completely new way of living that reflects God's holiness.

b) Become A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Old things pass away, and God makes all things new in Christ.

c) Set Your Mind On Heavenly Things (Colossians 3:1-2)
Believers are called to focus on God's Kingdom rather than worldly desires.

d) Live For God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Every aspect of life should honour and glorify the Lord.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus demonstrated a transformed life through repentance and righteous actions.

3. BELIEVERS MUST REJECT THE REIGN OF SIN
Although sin still tempts believers, they must refuse to allow it to control their lives.

a) Do Not Let Sin Reign (Romans 6:12)
Believers must refuse to surrender to sinful desires and passions.

b) Present Your Body To God (Romans 6:13)
Every part of our lives should be yielded as instruments of righteousness.

c) Resist Temptation Through God's Power (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God always provides strength and a way of escape from temptation.

d) Walk By The Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
Living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome the desires of the flesh.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12). Joseph refused to yield to temptation because he chose to honour God above sinful pleasure.

4. GRACE EMPOWERS BELIEVERS TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY
God's grace not only forgives sin but also empowers believers to overcome it.

a) Sin Shall Not Have Dominion Over You (Romans 6:14)
God's grace breaks the authority of sin and gives believers victory.

b) Grace Trains Us To Live Godly Lives (Titus 2:11-12)
The grace of God teaches believers to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts.

c) The Holy Spirit Gives Daily Strength (Romans 8:13)
Victory over sin comes through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.

d) Pursue Holiness Continually (Hebrews 12:14)
Believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul (Acts 9:20-22; Philippians 3:12-14). After encountering Christ, Paul abandoned his former life and devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving God by His grace.

CONCLUSION
Romans 6:1-14 reminds believers that salvation is more than forgiveness of sins; it is a complete transformation of life. Through our union with Christ, we have died to the power of sin and have been raised to walk in newness of life. The old life has passed away, and we now belong to Christ, who empowers us to live victoriously.

Therefore, let every believer reject the bondage of sin and embrace the freedom found in Jesus Christ. As we daily yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit, God's grace will enable us to overcome temptation, pursue holiness, and become faithful witnesses of Christ in a sinful world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for delivering me from the power and dominion of sin through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to live daily in the reality of my new life in Christ, in Jesus name.

3. Father, crucify every sinful desire that seeks to rule over my life, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, fill me continually with the Holy Spirit and strengthen me to overcome temptation, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to present every part of my life as an instrument of righteousness, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, let Your grace empower me to live a holy and obedient life, in Jesus name.

7. Father, keep me from every form of compromise and spiritual backsliding, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make my life a testimony of Your transforming power and saving grace, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help me to walk daily in victory over sin and every work of the flesh, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, preserve me blameless until the glorious coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually walk in the victory that Christ has obtained over sin.

2. Every chain of sinful habits and spiritual bondage is broken over your life in the name of Jesus.

3. The grace of God shall empower you to live a life of holiness and righteousness.

4. You shall no longer be ruled by the desires of the flesh but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

5. Every temptation sent against you shall become an opportunity for God's victory to be revealed.

6. You shall grow stronger spiritually and remain steadfast in your walk with Christ.

7. The power of the Holy Spirit shall continually transform your character into the likeness of Jesus.

8. Your life shall shine as a testimony of God's saving and sanctifying grace.

9. The Lord shall preserve you from falling and establish you in unwavering faith.

10. From this day forward, you shall live as one who is dead to sin and alive to Christ, walking in holiness, fulfilling God's divine purpose, and finishing your Christian race with joy, in the mighty name of Jesus.