Romans 6:1-14 Freedom from Sin’s Dominion Explained

Believers are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free to live righteously through Christ. This freedom is grounded in the death and resurrection of Jesus, which liberates believers from sin’s dominion and empowers them to walk in newness of life.

Through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, believers too are raised to a new life, no longer bound by the old self enslaved to sin ([04:38]). This union with Christ signifies that the old self has been crucified, and the body of sin has been rendered powerless, meaning sin no longer holds authority over believers ([05:11]). The phrase “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” encapsulates this reality, calling believers to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God as a foundational truth of their freedom ([05:45]).

This freedom from sin is not merely theoretical but practical. Sin no longer has dominion over believers because they are under grace, not law ([05:45]). Sin’s grip, though it may feel strong like a vice, is actually broken by Christ’s power ([19:02]). Believers possess authority in Jesus’ name, which is the key to breaking free from sin’s hold, affirming the truth that sin will not rule over those who are in Christ (Romans 6:14).

Believers have a responsibility to present themselves to righteousness rather than to sin. They must choose whom to serve—either sin leading to death or obedience leading to righteousness ([24:59]). In Christ, believers are free from sin’s power and can actively present their members as instruments for righteousness, a process that leads to sanctification ([25:35]). This aligns with the call to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God, making a conscious choice to live righteously.

The new identity in Christ means believers are no longer under sin’s authority. The old self was crucified with Christ, and the body of sin was brought to nothing, freeing believers from sin’s control ([16:40]). Sin’s power is broken, and it has no right to rule over those united with Christ. Believers are free agents, empowered to live in righteousness.

Living out this truth requires belief and obedience. Believers have become obedient from the heart, set free from sin, and now serve righteousness ([30:20]). It is essential not only to know these truths intellectually but to trust and act on them daily. This faith breaks sin’s power in the believer’s life and enables a victorious walk.

Because believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, they are empowered to live righteously and free from sin’s dominion. The death of Christ broke sin’s grip, calling believers to walk in new freedom, present themselves to righteousness, and embrace their new identity in Christ as the foundation for a victorious, holy life.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Underwood Baptist Church, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO