Living Victoriously Through Our Union with Christ

 

Summary

In Romans 6:5 and 8, we find a profound truth about our union with Christ. If we have been united with Him in His death, we are also united with Him in His resurrection. This union is not merely a theological concept but a transformative reality that should shape our entire Christian experience. Many Christians today struggle with spiritual depression, feeling discouraged and defeated. This often stems from a failure to grasp the full message of Scripture, particularly the implications of our union with Christ as outlined in Romans 6.

The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the foundation of our new life in Christ. Christianity is rooted in historical facts, and these facts have profound doctrinal implications. The resurrection is not merely an idea or a metaphor for new beginnings; it is a literal event that assures us of our new life in Christ. If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. But because He has been raised, we too have been raised to new life.

This new life means that we are no longer under the dominion of sin. We have died to sin and are alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is not just a future hope but a present reality. We are new creations, and the old has passed away. Our lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and we are empowered by His resurrection life. This means that sin shall not have dominion over us because we are not under law but under grace.

Understanding our union with Christ is crucial for overcoming spiritual depression and living victoriously. We are not merely struggling sinners; we are resurrected saints. The power of God is at work in us, enabling us to live lives that reflect His righteousness. This is the glorious truth of the resurrection: we are alive in Christ, and nothing can separate us from His love.

Key Takeaways:

1. Union with Christ: Our union with Christ means that we have participated in both His death and His resurrection. This union is not just a theological concept but a transformative reality that empowers us to live victoriously over sin. [12:36]

2. Historical Foundation: Christianity is rooted in historical facts, particularly the resurrection of Jesus. This event is not just a metaphor but a literal occurrence that assures us of our new life in Christ. [10:16]

3. New Life in Christ: Being united with Christ in His resurrection means we are new creations. The old life of sin is gone, and we are now alive to God, empowered to live righteously. [19:00]

4. Freedom from Sin's Dominion: Because of our union with Christ, sin shall not have dominion over us. We are not under law but under grace, and the power of God is at work in us to live holy lives. [34:15]

5. Certainty of Salvation: Our salvation is secure because of our union with Christ. Nothing can separate us from His love, and we are assured of our future glorification with Him. [38:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 6:5 and 8
- [01:06] - Addressing Spiritual Depression
- [02:23] - The Importance of Understanding Scripture
- [03:42] - Neglect of Romans 6
- [04:27] - Historical Facts and Doctrine
- [06:08] - The Resurrection as a Literal Fact
- [08:16] - The Significance of the Resurrection
- [10:00] - Preaching Historical Events
- [12:19] - Union with Christ Explained
- [16:52] - Consequences of Resurrection
- [19:00] - New Life in Christ
- [22:21] - Alive from the Dead
- [25:08] - Christ as Our Life
- [31:46] - Alive unto God
- [34:15] - Sin Shall Not Have Dominion
- [38:32] - Certainty of Salvation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Romans 6:5, 8

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 6:5 mean when it says we have been "planted together in the likeness of his death"? How does this relate to being in the "likeness of his resurrection"? [00:11]
2. According to the sermon, what is the primary cause of spiritual depression among Christians? [02:23]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between historical facts and Christian doctrine? [04:27]
4. What does the pastor emphasize about the resurrection of Jesus in terms of its factual nature? [08:16]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being united with Christ in both His death and resurrection impact a believer's daily life? [16:52]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding our union with Christ can help overcome spiritual depression? [01:06]
3. What does it mean to be "alive unto God" as described in the sermon, and how does this affect a believer's relationship with sin? [31:46]
4. How does the certainty of salvation, as discussed in the sermon, provide assurance to believers? [38:32]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually discouraged. How might a deeper understanding of your union with Christ have changed your perspective? [01:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of historical facts in Christianity. How can you incorporate this understanding into your conversations with non-believers? [04:27]
3. In what areas of your life do you feel sin still has dominion? How can the truth of being "alive unto God" help you address these areas? [31:46]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of the transformative reality of being a new creation in Christ? What practical steps can you take to live out this new life? [19:00]
5. The sermon speaks of the certainty of salvation. How does this assurance affect your approach to challenges and uncertainties in life? [38:32]
6. Identify one specific way you can live victoriously over sin this week, relying on the power of God at work in you. [34:15]
7. How can you support others in your small group or community who may be struggling with spiritual depression, using the truths discussed in the sermon? [01:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Union with Christ: A Transformative Reality
Our union with Christ is a profound truth that goes beyond mere theological understanding. It is a transformative reality that empowers believers to live victoriously over sin. This union means that we have participated in both His death and His resurrection, allowing us to experience a new life in Christ. Many Christians struggle with spiritual depression because they fail to grasp the full implications of this union. By understanding and embracing this truth, we can overcome feelings of discouragement and defeat, recognizing that we are not just struggling sinners but resurrected saints. The power of God is at work in us, enabling us to live lives that reflect His righteousness. [12:36]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your union with Christ, and how can this truth transform your approach to challenges you face today?


Day 2: The Resurrection: A Historical Foundation
Christianity is deeply rooted in historical facts, particularly the resurrection of Jesus. This event is not just a metaphor for new beginnings but a literal occurrence that assures us of our new life in Christ. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, and without it, our beliefs would be futile. Understanding the historical reality of the resurrection helps us to see the profound doctrinal implications it has for our lives. It assures us that we are no longer in our sins and that we have been raised to new life with Christ. This historical foundation gives us confidence in the certainty of our salvation and the hope of future glorification with Him. [10:16]

1 Corinthians 15:17-19 (ESV): "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."

Reflection: How does the historical reality of the resurrection impact your faith today, and how can you share this truth with someone who may be struggling with doubt?


Day 3: New Life in Christ: Empowered to Live Righteously
Being united with Christ in His resurrection means that we are new creations. The old life of sin is gone, and we are now alive to God, empowered to live righteously. This new life is not just a future hope but a present reality. As new creations, we are called to live lives that reflect the righteousness of Christ. Our lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and we are empowered by His resurrection life to overcome sin and live victoriously. This transformation is a testament to the power of God at work in us, enabling us to live in a way that honors Him. [19:00]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily life to reflect your new identity in Christ, and how can you rely on His power to make these changes?


Day 4: Freedom from Sin's Dominion: Living Under Grace
Because of our union with Christ, sin shall not have dominion over us. We are not under law but under grace, and the power of God is at work in us to live holy lives. This freedom from sin's dominion is a present reality that empowers us to live victoriously. We are no longer slaves to sin but are alive to God in Christ Jesus. This truth should shape our entire Christian experience, as we recognize that we are empowered by His grace to live lives that reflect His righteousness. Understanding this freedom helps us to overcome spiritual depression and live with the assurance of our salvation. [34:15]

Romans 6:14 (ESV): "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you still feel under the dominion of sin, and how can you actively embrace the grace of God to overcome these struggles?


Day 5: Certainty of Salvation: Assured of Future Glorification
Our salvation is secure because of our union with Christ. Nothing can separate us from His love, and we are assured of our future glorification with Him. This certainty of salvation is a source of great comfort and hope for believers. It reminds us that our faith is not in vain and that we have a glorious future awaiting us. Understanding this assurance helps us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that we are loved by God and that our salvation is secure. This truth should inspire us to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Christ, as we look forward to the day when we will be glorified with Him. [38:32]

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: How does the certainty of your salvation influence your daily life, and how can you share this assurance with someone who may be struggling with their faith?

Quotes


I should like to call your attention this morning to two verses in the sixth chapter of Paul's epistle to the Romans the epistle to the Romans chapter 6: 5 and 8 for if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection now if we be dead with Christ we believe that we shall also live with him. [00:00:55]

We have been dealing for a number of Sunday mornings with the problem and the question of what we may describe as spiritual depression. We have been analyzing and considering the various causes as to why many Christian people instead of rejoicing in their salvation are often discouraged and disappointed and even unhappy and sometimes even miserable. [00:01:02]

There is no doubt at all and I think we've been seeing this more and more that perhaps the chief cause is a failure to understand the message of the scriptures, sometimes that failure is due to a failure to read the scriptures diligently as we ought or a failure perhaps to read them systematically. [00:02:28]

There is one thing that stands out very clearly in this chapter it's got one great principle which we neglect only at our greatest peril and that is the way in which it emphasizes the relationship between the historical facts on which our faith is based and the doctrine which is based upon those facts or is deduced from the facts. [00:04:19]

Christianity doesn't start by offering us an experience it starts by telling us about Jesus Christ and if we start with the experimental or the experiential before starting with the facts well we shall invariably and certainly go astray as so many have done and are still doing. [00:05:48]

The resurrection is not an idea it isn't a sort of spiritual Springtime it isn't something that reminds us that the flowers are beginning to Bud again and the Lambs beginning to gamble in the fields not at all this is a literal effect as certainly as Julius Caesar conquered this country in 55 BC the Lord Jesus Christ came out of the grave in the body on that Resurrection. [00:08:31]

The entire argument of the Apostle in this sixth chapter is derived from the facts, and if we don't accept the facts there is no argument there is no gospel there is no message there is no comfort for us whatsoever in other words we do not preach liberating ideas we preach historical events and their meaning and their consequences. [00:10:00]

The key to his understanding of his Doctrine is this tremendous scriptural principle of the Union of the believer with the Lord Jesus Christ oh how we neglect it how we neglected in thinking about the cross as well as of the Resurrection how we forget that the most important and significant result of the of the of the death on the cross and the resurrection for us is something that results from our Union with him. [00:12:31]

We have risen with Christ to an entirely new life we are new men the old men and the old life have been left in the grave we are now something that is entirely new or the apostles we're saying it if any man be in Christ he's a new creation old things have passed away behold all things are become new it is like a new creation. [00:19:08]

The change through which the Christian passes because of his Union to Christ is no less than that the old man that I was by inheritance from Adam with all the consequences of the fall in me and true of me have been left behind in the grave I am no longer that men I am a new man I'm not the man I was by my natural birth by inheritance from my mother. [00:20:27]

Sin shall not have dominion over you for you are not under the law but under grace now this is perhaps the most important statement of them all this is a categorical statement sin shall not have dominion over you he doesn't say sin must not have dominion of it shall not what's he mean by that he means this because of all the things I've been saying it is absolutely certain that sin shall not have dominion over the man who is a Christian and who is truly in Christ. [00:34:15]

I am persuaded which means that I am certain that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth or any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus can you think of anything more certain and absolute than that if you and I are in Christ nothing can separate us nothing. [00:38:32]

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Transcript
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