Living in Grace: Embracing Righteousness Through Faith
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound truths found in Romans 6, focusing on the transition from justification by faith to the role of works in the Christian life. Paul, having established that we are justified by faith alone, anticipates objections to this doctrine, particularly the concern that grace might lead to moral anarchy. The key objection addressed is whether believers can continue sinning so that grace may abound. Paul emphatically rejects this notion, asserting that those who have died to sin cannot live in it any longer.
Paul explains that through faith in Christ, believers are united with Him in His death and resurrection. This union signifies that our old self, enslaved to sin, has been crucified, and we are now free from sin's dominion. This freedom is not a license to sin but an empowerment to pursue righteousness. Paul introduces the concept of sanctification, the process by which believers are gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ, emphasizing that this too is a work of grace.
The sermon challenges us to examine our responses to grace, warning against the extremes of legalism and antinomianism. Legalism seeks to add works to grace as a means of salvation, while antinomianism dismisses the importance of holiness. Instead, Paul calls us to live out our new identity in Christ, empowered by grace to resist sin and pursue righteousness. This involves not only refraining from sin but actively presenting ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness.
Ultimately, the motivation for obedience is not the law but grace. Grace empowers us to keep the law, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to the salvation we have already received. This understanding aligns with the biblical narrative, where obedience follows redemption, as seen in God's deliverance of Israel before giving the Ten Commandments. As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to live in the freedom and power of our new identity in Christ, striving for holiness as a response to His grace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Union with Christ: Through faith, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, signifying the death of our old self and freedom from sin's dominion. This union empowers us to live a new life in Christ, characterized by righteousness and holiness. [20:04]
2. The Role of Works: While we are not saved by works, they are a natural response to the grace we have received. Good works are evidence of our new identity in Christ and a reflection of our love for Him. [17:47]
3. Avoiding Extremes: Legalism and antinomianism are two wrong responses to grace. Legalism adds works to grace as a means of salvation, while antinomianism dismisses the importance of holiness. True grace leads to a life of obedience and righteousness. [13:43]
4. Sanctification by Grace: Sanctification is a gradual process of becoming more like Christ, empowered by grace. It is not achieved by our efforts but by God's transformative work in us, leading to genuine progress in holiness. [44:33]
5. Motivation for Obedience: The motivation for obedience is grace, not the law. Grace softens our hearts and empowers us to live righteously, reflecting the kindness and goodness of God in our lives. [49:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:05] - RTS Curriculum on iTunes U
- [02:31] - Overview of Romans
- [03:10] - Transition to Romans 6
- [03:56] - Objections to Justification by Faith
- [04:40] - Reading Romans 6:1-14
- [06:27] - The Role of Works in Christian Life
- [07:55] - Historical Context: Martin Luther
- [09:12] - Addressing Objections
- [11:28] - Misunderstanding Grace
- [13:43] - Legalism vs. Antinomianism
- [17:47] - True Christian Response
- [20:04] - Union with Christ
- [29:49] - Freedom from Sin
- [49:47] - Motivation by Grace
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 6:1-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the main objection Paul anticipates in Romans 6:1, and how does he respond to it? [04:40]
2. According to Romans 6:3-4, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? [26:01]
3. How does Paul describe the relationship between sin and believers in Romans 6:6-7? [21:58]
4. What does Paul mean when he says that believers are "alive to God in Christ Jesus" in Romans 6:11? [34:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul’s teaching in Romans 6 challenge the idea that grace allows for continued sinning? [13:01]
2. In what ways does Paul suggest that believers have been set free from sin, and what implications does this have for their daily lives? [28:27]
3. How does the concept of being "united with Christ" in His death and resurrection shape a believer's identity and actions? [20:04]
4. What are the dangers of legalism and antinomianism, and how does Paul propose believers avoid these extremes? [13:43]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be using grace as an excuse to continue in sin? How can you address this mindset? [13:01]
2. Paul emphasizes that believers are no longer enslaved to sin. What specific sin do you feel has dominion over you, and how can you begin to break free from it this week? [29:49]
3. How can you actively present yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness in your daily routine? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [46:06]
4. Consider the balance between grace and works in your life. Are you leaning more towards legalism or antinomianism? How can you find a healthy balance? [13:43]
5. Paul speaks of a new identity in Christ. How does this new identity influence your decisions and interactions with others? Share a recent example. [37:22]
6. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart of obedience motivated by grace rather than obligation? [49:47]
7. Identify a gift or talent you have that can be used to serve your church community. How can you start using it to contribute to the body of Christ? [48:08]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Union with Christ: A New Identity
Through faith, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, signifying the death of our old self and freedom from sin's dominion. This union empowers us to live a new life in Christ, characterized by righteousness and holiness. When we embrace this truth, we recognize that our identity is no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. This new identity calls us to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, pursuing righteousness and holiness as a natural outflow of our union with Him. [20:04]
"For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin." (Romans 6:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out your new identity in Christ today, demonstrating the freedom and righteousness that comes from being united with Him?
Day 2: Works as a Response to Grace
While we are not saved by works, they are a natural response to the grace we have received. Good works are evidence of our new identity in Christ and a reflection of our love for Him. This understanding shifts our perspective from seeing works as a burden to viewing them as a joyful expression of gratitude for the grace we have received. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our actions should increasingly reflect His love and character, serving as a testament to the transformative power of His grace in our lives. [17:47]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one specific way you can demonstrate your love for Christ through an act of service or kindness today.
Day 3: Avoiding the Extremes of Legalism and Antinomianism
Legalism and antinomianism are two wrong responses to grace. Legalism adds works to grace as a means of salvation, while antinomianism dismisses the importance of holiness. True grace leads to a life of obedience and righteousness. Understanding this balance is crucial for living a life that honors God. Legalism can lead to a burdensome and joyless faith, while antinomianism can result in a life that lacks the transformative power of holiness. Embracing true grace means recognizing that our obedience is a response to the grace we have received, not a means to earn it. [13:43]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own life—are there areas where you lean towards legalism or antinomianism? How can you find a balance that reflects true grace?
Day 4: Sanctification: A Journey of Grace
Sanctification is a gradual process of becoming more like Christ, empowered by grace. It is not achieved by our efforts but by God's transformative work in us, leading to genuine progress in holiness. This journey requires patience and perseverance, as we allow God's grace to shape and mold us into the image of Christ. As we submit to His work in our lives, we experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a life that is increasingly aligned with His will and purpose. [44:33]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is calling you to grow in holiness? How can you cooperate with His transformative work in this area?
Day 5: Grace as the Motivation for Obedience
The motivation for obedience is grace, not the law. Grace softens our hearts and empowers us to live righteously, reflecting the kindness and goodness of God in our lives. When we understand that our obedience is a response to the grace we have received, it transforms our perspective and fuels our desire to live in a way that honors God. This grace-driven obedience is not about following rules but about cultivating a heart that is aligned with God's will and purpose. [49:47]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you allow God's grace to be the driving force behind your obedience today, rather than a sense of obligation or duty?
Quotes
1) "A passage like this should be a little stunning, because what has Paul done for five chapters? Telling you, not by works, not by works, not by works. But then in chapter 6, he does something very interesting. He says, but you should be righteous. Commit yourself to living a life of righteousness. And then everything comes to a screeching halt, and you go, I don't understand, Paul. You just told me that works don't matter. And then in chapter 6, Paul is dealing with this call to give our lives to God in holiness. So what's happening here? Well, as you can see, Paul is dealing with one of the, major issues that's going to come up if you believe that salvation is really by grace." [06:27] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "What role do good works play? If you mess this up, right, it can get you into all, all kinds of serious theological trouble, because if you think you're saved by works, that's a real problem, right? Because what has Paul been arguing so long? You can't be, right? So if you think you're saved by works, that presents you into a problem. So if you're not saved by works, what exactly is the role of works? This is historically one of the big flashpoint issues in the history of Christian theology. You just need to know this." [07:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Antinomians have a different response to grace. Remember what the legalist does when he hears grace? He thinks, nah, got to stick works back in somehow. What does the antinomian do? He hears grace and says, oh, awesome. Now I get to do whatever I want. Oh, I'm saved by grace? Now I don't care about the law at all. I don't care about righteousness. I don't care about holiness. I'm going to go live that life I always wanted to live anyway. And I get to get saved, too? How wonderful is that? No wonder people call this good news, right? I get to live however I want and still go to heaven." [17:07] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Here's the amazing thing is, is that if you have a new heart, and a new person, and a new self, you're alive. For the first time in Christ, alive. Now you're alive to do what? Go sin? See how contradictory that is? Paul's like, don't you get the point? If you're alive in Christ, you have the power now to, not sin, you have the power to obey. Why would you go back to your old master?" [36:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You want to know the real reason that grace, grace is the way to be holy, and not just by heaping on the law? It's because it's only through God's grace that we have any ability to keep the law. It's the empowerment issue, right? Grace gives you the life and the power to actually keep it. If you go to a non-Christian who's got no grace and is piling on the law, you're just piling on condemnation. When you have actual life in your heart through grace, then the law can be kept." [51:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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