Living Righteously After Justification: A Call to Holiness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! As we gather today, we continue our journey through the book of Romans, focusing on chapter six. This chapter is pivotal as it addresses the concept of justification and the challenges that arise from it. Justification means that once we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are justified for our sins. However, this raises questions about how we should live our lives post-justification.
We began by discussing the analogy of Barry Bonds' home run record, which is tainted by allegations of steroid use, symbolized by an asterisk. Similarly, our lives, tainted by sin, would have an asterisk if not for the grace of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, our names are written in the Book of Life without any asterisks, signifying our redemption.
Paul addresses two main issues in Romans 6. First, some people believed that continuing to sin would showcase God's grace even more. Paul refutes this by explaining that baptism symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. We are called to live a new life, free from the bondage of sin.
The second issue is the concept of "cheap grace," where people think they can live however they want because they are justified. Paul warns against this mindset, emphasizing that we are now slaves to righteousness, not sin. Our lives should reflect our allegiance to Jesus, striving to follow His example in all aspects of life.
We are reminded that following Jesus means living out His teachings, such as forgiving others, helping the sick, feeding the hungry, and ministering to those in prison. This is not a one-time act but a daily commitment to live a life worthy of the salvation we have received.
In conclusion, the gift of justification is not to be taken for granted. It calls us to a life of holiness and responsibility. We are to live out our faith in every area of our lives, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ. May we never take this gift for granted and strive to follow Jesus in all that we do.
### Key Takeaways
1. Justification and Redemption: Justification through Jesus Christ removes the asterisk of sin from our lives. Our names are written in the Book of Life without any blemishes, signifying our complete redemption through His sacrifice. This foundational truth should inspire us to live lives that honor this incredible gift. [35:09]
2. Baptism as a Symbol: Baptism represents our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It is not just a ritual but a profound transformation that calls us to leave our old sinful ways behind and embrace a new life of righteousness. This daily renewal is essential for our spiritual growth. [36:54]
3. Rejecting Cheap Grace: The concept of "cheap grace" undermines the sacrifice of Jesus. We are not to take our justification for granted by living carelessly. Instead, we are called to live lives that reflect our allegiance to Jesus, striving to follow His teachings and example in all aspects of life. [48:59]
4. Living Out Jesus' Teachings: Following Jesus means actively living out His teachings, such as forgiving others, helping the sick, feeding the hungry, and ministering to those in prison. This is a daily commitment that requires us to embody the love and grace of Jesus in all our interactions. [52:22]
5. Holiness and Responsibility: The gift of justification leads to a life of holiness and responsibility. We are called to live out our faith in every area of our lives, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ. This not only benefits us but also serves as a testimony to others, drawing them closer to God. [57:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[29:29] - Introduction to Romans 6
[31:13] - Prayer and Reflection
[33:26] - Barry Bonds Analogy
[35:09] - Justification and Redemption
[36:54] - Baptism as a Symbol
[38:42] - Rejecting Cheap Grace
[40:20] - Living Out Jesus' Teachings
[42:06] - No Longer Slaves to Sin
[43:49] - Nicky Gumbel's Story
[45:27] - Elizabeth Keckley's Story
[47:17] - Holiness and Responsibility
[48:59] - Allegiance to Jesus
[50:37] - Following Jesus' Example
[52:22] - Ministering to Others
[53:59] - Transforming Lives
[55:52] - Living a Life Worthy of Salvation
[57:38] - Benefits of Holiness
[59:31] - Reflecting on Romans 6
[01:01:06] - Elizabeth Keckley's Freedom
[01:02:45] - Help from Others
[01:04:38] - Affirmation and Prayer
[01:06:52] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 6:3-7
- Romans 6:17-18
- Romans 6:22-23
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul say baptism symbolizes in Romans 6:3-4?
2. According to Romans 6:6-7, what happens to our old self when we are crucified with Christ?
3. In Romans 6:17-18, what transformation does Paul describe for those who have come to obey from the heart?
4. What is the ultimate benefit of being set free from sin and becoming slaves to God, as stated in Romans 6:22-23?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of Barry Bonds' home run record with an asterisk relate to our lives as Christians? [33:26]
2. What does it mean to be "slaves to righteousness" as opposed to "slaves to sin"? [50:37]
3. How does Paul’s warning against "cheap grace" challenge the way we live our daily lives? [48:59]
4. What are some practical ways we can live out Jesus' teachings, such as forgiving others and helping the sick, as mentioned in the sermon? [52:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own baptism. How has your understanding of its significance changed over time? How can you renew your commitment to living a new life in Christ daily? [36:54]
2. Have you ever found yourself taking God's grace for granted? What steps can you take to avoid falling into the mindset of "cheap grace"? [48:59]
3. Think of a time when you felt enslaved to a particular sin. How did you overcome it, and what role did your faith play in that process? [42:06]
4. Identify one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to live out consistently. What practical steps can you take this week to better embody that teaching? [52:22]
5. How can you actively demonstrate your allegiance to Jesus in your workplace or school? What specific actions can you take to reflect His love and grace? [50:37]
6. Consider the story of Elizabeth Keckley and how she needed help to gain her freedom. Who in your life can you support in their spiritual journey, and how can you offer that support? [01:02:45]
7. What are some ways you can remind yourself daily of the gift of justification and the responsibility it brings? How can this awareness transform your interactions with others? [55:52]
Devotional
Day 1: Justification and Redemption
Description: Justification through Jesus Christ removes the asterisk of sin from our lives. Our names are written in the Book of Life without any blemishes, signifying our complete redemption through His sacrifice. This foundational truth should inspire us to live lives that honor this incredible gift. Just as Barry Bonds' home run record is tainted by allegations of steroid use, our lives would be marked by sin if not for the grace of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we are redeemed and our sins are forgiven, allowing us to live without the burden of past mistakes. This redemption is not just a one-time event but a continuous call to live in a way that reflects the grace we have received. [35:09]
Romans 5:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you live today in a way that reflects the redemption and grace you have received through Jesus Christ?
Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol
Description: Baptism represents our death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ. It is not just a ritual but a profound transformation that calls us to leave our old sinful ways behind and embrace a new life of righteousness. This daily renewal is essential for our spiritual growth. Baptism symbolizes our commitment to turn away from sin and live a life that honors God. It is a public declaration of our faith and a reminder of the new life we have in Christ. This transformation is ongoing, requiring us to continually renew our commitment to live according to God's will. [36:54]
Colossians 2:12 (ESV): "Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead."
Reflection: In what ways can you renew your commitment to live a life of righteousness today?
Day 3: Rejecting Cheap Grace
Description: The concept of "cheap grace" undermines the sacrifice of Jesus. We are not to take our justification for granted by living carelessly. Instead, we are called to live lives that reflect our allegiance to Jesus, striving to follow His teachings and example in all aspects of life. Cheap grace is the idea that we can accept God's forgiveness without any change in our behavior. This mindset devalues the sacrifice Jesus made for us. True grace calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects our gratitude for the gift of salvation. We are to live as slaves to righteousness, not sin, showing our commitment to Jesus in every area of our lives. [48:59]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have been taking God's grace for granted? How can you change your behavior to reflect your commitment to Jesus?
Day 4: Living Out Jesus' Teachings
Description: Following Jesus means actively living out His teachings, such as forgiving others, helping the sick, feeding the hungry, and ministering to those in prison. This is a daily commitment that requires us to embody the love and grace of Jesus in all our interactions. Living out Jesus' teachings is not a one-time act but a continuous effort to reflect His love in our daily lives. We are called to serve others, show compassion, and extend forgiveness, just as Jesus did. This commitment to live according to His example is a testament to our faith and a way to draw others closer to God. [52:22]
Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV): "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me."
Reflection: How can you actively live out one of Jesus' teachings today? Is there someone you can help or forgive?
Day 5: Holiness and Responsibility
Description: The gift of justification leads to a life of holiness and responsibility. We are called to live out our faith in every area of our lives, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus Christ. This not only benefits us but also serves as a testimony to others, drawing them closer to God. Justification is not a free pass to live as we please but a call to a higher standard of living. We are to be holy, set apart for God's purposes, and responsible in our actions. Our lives should be a reflection of the transformation that has taken place within us, serving as a witness to others of God's love and grace. [57:38]
1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV): "But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate holiness and responsibility in your daily life? How can your actions serve as a testimony to others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As Christians, we should kind of understand what it means to have an asterisk there by our name. The scriptures tell us that all who believe, who confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, will have their name in the book of life as it was written from the beginning of creation. But think about all the sin we've committed in our lives and our lives aren't even finished yet. It makes sense that in that book of life, by all of our names, there should be an asterisk right there because we have fallen short so often. But great is the salvation of our Lord, great is our justification by what Jesus did on the cross." [35:09] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we come to faith in Christ, we are saying that we're putting aside that old life. One of the challenges that was being promoted is that people said, 'Hey, now that we have been justified, and that gives God a great opportunity to show how powerful his mercy is, how wonderful he is with his grace, shouldn't we go on sinning to show God's glory all the more?' That's not how it's supposed to be. When we come to faith, we're supposed to put that old life away and be born anew every single day." [38:42] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are a resurrection people, amen. And being so, we are raised when we come to faith in Christ into a new life that is walking, seeking to follow him and walk with him. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with. When Christ was crucified on the cross, he bore all our sin. The scriptures tell us that it was prophesied in Isaiah chapter 53, by his wounds we are healed." [40:20] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The benefit we reap from faith, from being justified, leads to holiness. Friends, how do we have a better life? We follow Jesus. Everywhere in this world we turn, every single day we can wake up and our perspective can be this: 'Oh no, I gotta go to work today. Oh no, I gotta have a conversation with so-and-so.' Every day we have the opportunity to turn to God and to look at everything. If I'm stuck in traffic, maybe that's an opportunity for me to start praying and thanking God for the gifts I've got in this life." [57:38] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. And friends, that eternal life doesn't start when we breathe our last. That eternal life does not happen when we die and when we go to heaven. That eternal life starts the day that we claim Jesus as Lord and Savior. We're called to follow him all of our days and for all eternity. May we never take it for granted." [59:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul is saying it's illogical for us to feel like to receive God's grace, to be freed from being enslaved to sin, and to keep on sinning and living and doing the things that we did in our old life. We need to let Jesus continue to transform us. Let's go on. We're going to pick up with verses 17 and 18 and we get our second question, the second issue that comes in this chapter about justification. Paul said there's some of you who are saying that now that I'm justified, why not sin? What's wrong with sinning? Hey, I'm covered by the blood of the lamb, right?" [47:17] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul gives a warning to the church: 'Hey, we should not think that way. We should not think that way. We should not think that way because we are dishonoring everything our Lord and Savior, our King, did for us, our King Jesus on the cross.' And he said we should not live our lives that way. Let's look at verses 17 and 18: 'But thanks be to God that you used to be slaves to sin. You have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.'" [48:59] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Following Jesus takes on a new life that we're able to minister to those who are different from us, different skin color. Remember he went out to Samaria. Jews did not go to Samaria in Jesus's day. They hated the Samaritans, and yet Jesus went there and not only went to the Samaritans, he ended up having a conversation with a Samaritan woman that was dog trash to Jews in Jesus's day. And yet he was there at the well and he opened the door for conversation and he told her, 'If you knew who was speaking to you, you would ask me for a drink and I would give you water that refreshes your soul that leads to life eternal.'" [53:59] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Elizabeth Keckley could not have gotten free of slavery without the help of others, and we who are enslaved to sin when we're born, we who are born with the sin virus, we cannot find salvation without the help of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. He died on the cross for you, for me, for the world. He shed his blood on the cross to purchase our salvation. That is justification, the very heart of the gospel. May we never take it for granted, but may we live the life that God created us to live. May we follow Jesus." [01:02:45] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The justification of faith, friends, this is the heart of the gospel. It's why chapter six is so important. May we not take for granted this faith that God has given to us. May we not take for granted justification. Yes, when we believe we are saved, but we are saying we have responsibility. That old quote from the movie Spider-Man, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' We've received the greatest power in the world through his Holy Spirit, through his life, death, and resurrection, and we're called now to have a responsibility to live out the Christian life by what we do, by what we say, by what we don't do, by what we don't say." [55:52] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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