Living in Victory Through Union with Christ

 

Summary

In Romans 6:1-2, Paul addresses a critical question: "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" This question arises from a misunderstanding of grace, suggesting that if grace covers sin, then more sin would result in more grace. Paul vehemently rejects this notion, emphasizing that true understanding of grace leads not to more sin, but to liberation from it. The essence of Paul's argument is that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are united with Him, and this union fundamentally changes their relationship with sin.

The key to overcoming spiritual depression and defeatism in the Christian life lies in understanding our union with Christ. Many Christians struggle with feelings of failure and inadequacy because they do not fully grasp their identity in Christ. Paul teaches that believers have died to sin and are no longer under its dominion. This is not merely a metaphorical statement but a profound spiritual reality. Our old self, the "old man," was crucified with Christ, and we are now new creations in Him.

Understanding the biblical doctrine of the Covenant is crucial. Before the foundation of the world, God made a covenant with His Son, giving Him a people to redeem. This covenantal relationship means that just as all humanity was in Adam and fell with him, all believers are in Christ and share in His victory over sin and death. This union with Christ means that everything that happened to Him—His death, burial, and resurrection—happened to us as well.

Therefore, Christians are not called to crucify themselves or their old nature; that work has already been accomplished on the cross. Instead, we are to live in the reality of our new identity, dead to sin and alive to God. This understanding liberates us from the condemnation of the law and the power of sin, enabling us to live victoriously in the freedom of God's grace.

Key Takeaways:

- Union with Christ: Our union with Christ means that we have died to sin and are no longer under its dominion. This is a spiritual reality that transforms our identity and empowers us to live victoriously. Understanding this union is crucial for overcoming spiritual depression and defeatism. [06:43]

- The Covenant of Grace: The biblical doctrine of the Covenant reveals that God made a covenant with His Son to redeem a people. This covenantal relationship means that believers share in Christ's victory over sin and death, just as humanity shared in Adam's fall. [08:13]

- Crucifixion with Christ: Believers are not called to crucify themselves; that work was completed on the cross. Our old nature was crucified with Christ, and we are now new creations. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to achieve what has already been accomplished. [25:28]

- Freedom from Condemnation: In Christ, there is no condemnation. The law no longer condemns us because the old self that was under the law has died with Christ. This truth liberates us to live in the freedom and joy of God's grace. [30:36]

- Living in Victory: We no longer belong to the realm of sin or the dominion of Satan. Our identity in Christ empowers us to resist temptation and live in the victory that He has secured for us. This is not spiritual arrogance but a declaration of faith in the finished work of Christ. [31:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Introduction to Romans 6:1-2
- [01:28] - Misunderstanding Grace
- [02:13] - Antinomianism Explained
- [03:42] - Spiritual Depression in Christians
- [05:14] - Failure in Christian Living
- [06:43] - Union with Christ
- [08:13] - The Covenant of Grace
- [09:43] - Relationship to Adam and Christ
- [13:01] - Crucifixion with Christ
- [17:11] - Dead to Sin
- [20:53] - Facts of Our New Identity
- [23:22] - Freedom from Condemnation
- [31:12] - Living in Victory
- [39:40] - Conclusion and Encouragement

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Romans 6:1-2
- Galatians 2:20
- Ephesians 2:5-6

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#### Observation Questions
1. What question does Paul address in Romans 6:1-2, and why is it significant for understanding grace? [00:37]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between believers and Christ's death and resurrection? [06:43]
3. What is the biblical doctrine of the Covenant, and how does it relate to our union with Christ? [08:13]
4. According to the sermon, what does it mean for believers to be "dead to sin"? [17:46]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our union with Christ help in overcoming spiritual depression and feelings of inadequacy? [05:14]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Covenant of Grace impacts our identity as Christians? [09:43]
3. What does it mean to live in the reality of our new identity in Christ, as described in the sermon? [25:28]
4. How does the concept of being "dead to sin" change the way Christians should view temptation and sin? [31:12]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you misunderstood the concept of grace. How did that affect your spiritual life, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding of grace? [02:13]
2. Consider your current struggles with spiritual depression or defeatism. How can the truth of your union with Christ bring you hope and victory in these areas? [05:14]
3. How does the knowledge of being crucified with Christ influence your daily decisions and actions? What practical steps can you take to live out this truth? [25:28]
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel condemned by the law. How can embracing the freedom from condemnation in Christ change your perspective and actions? [30:36]
5. Think about a specific temptation you face regularly. How can the understanding that you are no longer under the dominion of sin empower you to resist it? [31:12]
6. Reflect on your relationship with the world. Are there aspects of worldly living that still appeal to you? How can you align your desires with your new identity in Christ? [33:52]
7. How can you practically remind yourself of your new identity in Christ when faced with challenges or failures? What specific actions can you take to reinforce this truth in your life? [39:40]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Union with Christ
Understanding our union with Christ is foundational to the Christian life. This union signifies that believers have died to sin and are no longer under its dominion. It is not merely a metaphorical concept but a profound spiritual reality that transforms our identity. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we are united with Him, and this union empowers us to live victoriously. Many Christians struggle with feelings of failure and inadequacy because they do not fully grasp their identity in Christ. By embracing this truth, we can overcome spiritual depression and defeatism, living in the freedom and joy of God's grace. [06:43]

"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 areas of your life do you feel defeated or inadequate? How can embracing your union with Christ transform your perspective and empower you to live victoriously today?


Day 2: The Covenant of Grace
The biblical doctrine of the Covenant reveals that God made a covenant with His Son to redeem a people. This covenantal relationship means that believers share in Christ's victory over sin and death, just as humanity shared in Adam's fall. Before the foundation of the world, God established this covenant, ensuring that those who are in Christ are part of His redemptive plan. Understanding this covenant helps us see that our salvation is not based on our efforts but on God's eternal promise and faithfulness. This truth provides assurance and hope, knowing that we are secure in Christ's victory. [08:13]

"And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you." (Genesis 17:7, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding the Covenant of Grace change your view of salvation and your relationship with God? What assurance does it bring to your life today?


Day 3: Crucifixion with Christ
Believers are not called to crucify themselves; that work was completed on the cross. Our old nature, the "old man," was crucified with Christ, and we are now new creations. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to achieve what has already been accomplished. Instead, we are called to live in the reality of our new identity, dead to sin and alive to God. By recognizing that our old self has been crucified, we can let go of past failures and live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured for us. [25:28]

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)

Reflection: What past failures or burdens are you holding onto that Christ has already crucified? How can you live in the reality of your new identity today?


Day 4: Freedom from Condemnation
In Christ, there is no condemnation. The law no longer condemns us because the old self that was under the law has died with Christ. This truth liberates us to live in the freedom and joy of God's grace. Understanding that we are free from condemnation allows us to approach God with confidence and live without fear of judgment. It empowers us to live boldly for Christ, knowing that our sins have been forgiven and we are accepted in Him. [30:36]

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel condemned or unworthy? How can you embrace the truth of no condemnation in Christ and live in the freedom of His grace today?


Day 5: Living in Victory
We no longer belong to the realm of sin or the dominion of Satan. Our identity in Christ empowers us to resist temptation and live in the victory that He has secured for us. This is not spiritual arrogance but a declaration of faith in the finished work of Christ. By understanding our new identity, we can confidently face challenges and temptations, knowing that we have the power to overcome through Christ. Living in victory means walking in the freedom and authority that Christ has given us, reflecting His love and grace to the world. [31:12]

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, ESV)

Reflection: What temptations or challenges are you facing today? How can you rely on your identity in Christ to live in victory and reflect His love and grace to those around you?

Quotes



The Apostle wrote this sixth chapter and the following chapters in reply to that question that he puts forward in this first verse: what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound? It wasn't that he himself thought of that question, but that he knew that many possibly in Rome and certainly many elsewhere were very definitely raising that question in the light of the Apostles own teaching. [00:00:45]

The Apostle, wise teacher as he was, anticipates this criticism even from the church at Rome and takes it up at once and deals with it. He rejects it with horror: God forbid, he says, and then he goes on to say how not only is it unreasonable and an utterly false deduction to draw from his teaching, but that furthermore anybody who ever thinks like that, who speaks like that, he's showing quite clearly that he's never understood the doctrine. [00:02:54]

The particular one that obviously is dealt with here is depression or disappointment or unhappiness in the Christian Life which arises from a sense of failure in living the Christian Life. The sense of depression that arises because we tend to feel that we are being conquered by sin rather than conquering sin. There are many people like that; they've been Christians for years and yet they're ever unhappy and are always analyzing themselves and condemning themselves. [00:05:07]

The way to understand what really happened on the cross on Calvary's Hill is to know something about the biblical doctrine of the Covenant. The biblical doctrine of the Covenant, I say, you don't begin to understand the cross until you understand the Covenant. What do I mean by that? I mean this: the way to approach the cross is to understand a great Covenant that was made between God the Father and God the Son before the very foundation of the world. [00:08:18]

The relationship of Christians to the Lord Jesus Christ is exactly the same as was the relationship of the whole of mankind to Adam. You noticed how he kept on saying it: as in Adam, so in Christ. He repeats that argument in the first epistle to the Corinthians and in the 15th chapter, but here it is: as by one man's offense, so by one man's obedience, Adam, Christ. It's an exact parallel. [00:10:14]

The Apostle goes on saying that not only in this epistle but in the epistle to the Galatians and elsewhere: I have been crucified with Christ. I was crucified with Christ himself so that on the cross on Calvary it isn't simply that the Son of God was being crucified; I was being crucified with him because I am in him, I am bound to him. [00:14:22]

We are told that we were crucified with him. The Apostle goes on saying that not only in this epistle but in the epistle to the Galatians and elsewhere: I have been crucified with Christ. I was crucified with Christ himself so that on the cross on Calvary it isn't simply that the Son of God was being crucified; I was being crucified with him because I am in him, I am bound to him. [00:14:22]

The old adamic men that I once was is dead and is no longer in existence. Let me open that out just a little: every one of us born into this world is born a child of Adam. We inherit from him that old sinful nature which is governed and controlled by sin and is opposed to God. The natural, the carnal mind is enmity against God, is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. [00:26:58]

I am dead to the law and the law is dead to me because of Christ's perfect work with respect to it. Let me hurry on to the next conclusion which puts all that positively. Listen to Paul saying it: there is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. Ah, but you say, how can that be true because I sin and I'm conscious of sin and failure and I'm made unhappy by my sin. [00:29:49]

I no longer belong to the realm of sin. I no longer belong to the Dominion of Satan. Sin shall not have dominion over you, says Paul, for you are not under the law but under grace. How often does he say that sort of thing? You have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear son. [00:31:28]

The way to fight this fight against the remnant, the body of sin that remains, is to stand upon your Doctrine, to say these things to yourself and to the devil and to every Temptation, and then to go on to say what we'll be looking at next Sunday morning about our having risen with Christ, about the new life that's in us, about his life in us, and about the spirit that he gives us and the power and all these things. [00:39:40]

When the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross on Calvary's Hill, you were also being crucified with him. Your old adamic men that you were died there. He's no longer in existence. Realize that, thank God for it, rejoice in it, and face every problem in life, in death, everywhere in the light of that glorious knowledge. Stand Fast therefore in the Liberty where with Christ has set you free. [00:41:08]

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Transcript
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