Living in the Freedom of Christ's Crucifixion

In our study of Romans chapter 6, we delve into the profound truth of being crucified with Christ and its practical application in our daily lives. This is not merely a theological concept or a symbolic act represented by water baptism; it is a transformative reality that affects how we live. The essence of this teaching is that our old self, the sinful nature, has been crucified with Christ, and we are called to live in the newness of life that His resurrection provides. This is not about striving in our strength but about understanding and applying the finished work of the cross in our lives.

Romans 6 emphasizes that we are dead to sin and alive to God through Jesus Christ. This means that sin no longer has dominion over us because we are under grace, not law. The chapter mentions sin 17 times, highlighting its significance in the life of a believer. However, the focus is not on the sins of the past but on the ongoing struggle with the sin nature within us. The key to victory is not in repeated cycles of sin and forgiveness but in embracing the crucifixion of our old nature and living in the freedom that Christ's death and resurrection provide.

We are called to know, reckon, and yield. First, we must know that we are crucified with Christ—a completed work. Then, we must reckon this truth as a reality in our lives, counting it as true and acting accordingly. Finally, we yield our bodies as instruments of righteousness, not allowing sin to reign in our mortal bodies. This is a practical, daily decision to live out the reality of our identity in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Understanding Our Crucifixion with Christ: The crucifixion of our old self with Christ is a foundational truth that we must know and embrace. It is not about feelings or experiences but about accepting the completed work of Christ on the cross. This knowledge is the starting point for living a victorious Christian life. [16:38]
• 2. Reckoning Ourselves Dead to Sin: Reckoning is an active process where we count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. It involves a conscious decision to believe and act on the truth of our crucifixion with Christ, allowing this reality to shape our actions and attitudes. [20:04]
• 3. Yielding Our Bodies to Righteousness: Yielding is about presenting our bodies as instruments of righteousness, refusing to let sin dominate us. This involves a daily choice to offer our bodies to God, allowing His righteousness to manifest in our actions and decisions. [41:16]
• 4. The Battle Within: Romans 7 describes the internal struggle between the new nature and the old sin nature. This battle is real, but it does not define us. We must remember that our identity is in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, we have the power to overcome. [59:48]
• 5. Living in the Freedom of Grace: Being under grace means living in the freedom that Christ provides, not being dominated by sin. Grace empowers us to live righteously, not as an excuse for sin, but as the power to overcome it. [48:33]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Introduction to Romans 6
• [00:42] - Practical Application of Crucifixion with Christ
• [02:01] - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
• [03:19] - Reckoning Ourselves Dead
• [04:22] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
• [05:12] - Encouragement for New Believers
• [06:19] - Victory Over the Flesh
• [07:13] - The Practicality of the Christian Life
• [08:22] - The Significance of Sin in Romans 6
• [09:30] - The Sins of a Saint
• [10:43] - Freedom from Sin
• [12:21] - Reckoning and Yielding
• [14:26] - The Battle with Sin
• [16:38] - Knowing Our Crucifixion with Christ
• [20:04] - Reckoning Ourselves Dead to Sin
• [41:16] - Yielding Our Bodies to Righteousness
• [48:33] - Living in the Freedom of Grace

1. According to Romans 6:1-14, what does it mean to be "dead to sin" and "alive to God"? How is this concept explained in the sermon? [03:42]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the word "reckon" in the context of Romans 6:11? What practical steps are suggested for believers? [20:04]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the believer's struggle with sin, as discussed in the sermon? [04:22]
4. How does the sermon explain the difference between being forgiven by the blood and being freed from sin by the cross? [11:43]

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding our crucifixion with Christ can transform our daily lives? How does this understanding impact our identity as believers? [16:38]
2. How does the concept of "yielding our bodies to righteousness" challenge the way we live out our faith practically? What does this look like in everyday decisions? [41:16]
3. The sermon mentions a "battle within" between the new nature and the old sin nature. How does this internal struggle affect a believer's spiritual journey? [59:48]
4. How does living under grace, as opposed to the law, empower believers to overcome sin according to the sermon? [48:33]

1. Reflect on a specific area in your life where you struggle with sin. How can the understanding of being crucified with Christ help you address this struggle? [16:38]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of "reckoning" ourselves dead to sin. What practical steps can you take this week to actively reckon this truth in your life? [20:04]
3. Consider a situation where you find it challenging to yield your body as an instrument of righteousness. What changes can you make to align your actions with your identity in Christ? [41:16]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of your identity in Christ and the freedom that grace provides? What specific practices can help reinforce this truth? [48:33]
5. Think about a recent decision where you allowed sin to reign in your mortal body. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching to make a different choice next time? [03:42]
6. Identify a person or situation that tests your patience or self-control. How can you apply the concept of yielding to righteousness in your interactions with them? [41:16]
7. The sermon discusses the battle between the new nature and the old sin nature. How can you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to overcome this battle in your daily life? [04:22]