Transformative Power of Grace in Christ
Summary
### Summary
In our exploration of Romans 6, we delve into the profound and transformative nature of God's grace. This section, titled "Grace Beyond Understanding," aims to rekindle our awe for the grace that God extends to us, a grace so powerful that it not only forgives but also transforms us. We began by drawing a parallel between the Israelites' journey from Egyptian slavery to the Promised Land and our own journey from the bondage of sin to new life in Christ. Just as the Israelites were tempted to return to the familiarity of slavery, we too are often tempted to revert to our old sinful ways. However, Romans 6 calls us to embrace the freedom that Christ has purchased for us.
Paul's message in Romans 6 is clear: the grace of God renders sin powerless and transforms us. This grace changes our judicial standing before God and also transforms our affections and actions. We are no longer who we used to be; we are new creations in Christ. The chapter emphasizes that sin is powerless over us because of our union with Christ. Through baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. This union means that when God looks at us, He sees His Son, not our sin.
Grace empowers us to resist sin's tyranny, offer ourselves to God, and be freed from the curse of the law. It changes our allegiance from sin to righteousness and transforms us to look increasingly like Jesus. This ongoing process of sanctification is a journey that will continue throughout our lives until we stand face to face with our Redeemer. The ultimate outcome of this transformation is eternal life, a promise that should encourage us to walk in the freedom Christ offers rather than returning to the comfortable slavery of sin.
### Key Takeaways
1. Grace Transforms Our Identity: The grace of God doesn't just forgive our sins; it fundamentally changes who we are. We are no longer slaves to sin but new creations in Christ. This transformation is not just a change in our judicial standing before God but also a change in our affections and actions. We are called to walk in the newness of life, continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ. [03:40]
2. Union with Christ: Our union with Christ means that we are identified with His death, burial, and resurrection. This union is beautifully symbolized in baptism, where we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. This identification with Christ means that when God looks at us, He sees His Son, not our sin. This is the foundation of our new identity and the source of our freedom from sin. [14:03]
3. Empowered by Grace: Grace is not just a passive gift; it actively empowers us to resist sin and live righteously. Paul reminds us that we should not let sin reign in our mortal bodies. Grace gives us the strength to resist sin's tyranny and to offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness. This empowerment is a daily process, requiring us to continually rely on God's grace. [20:25]
4. Sanctification is a Journey: The process of sanctification, or becoming more like Christ, is ongoing and lifelong. It involves daily choices to resist sin and embrace righteousness. This journey is not always a straight path; there will be setbacks and challenges. However, the grace of God assures us that we are continually being transformed, and our ultimate destination is eternal life with Christ. [32:20]
5. Eternal Perspective: The ultimate outcome of God's transformative grace is eternal life. Just as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, we are journeying from our former bondage to sin to the promised eternal life in Christ. This eternal perspective should encourage us to walk in the freedom Christ offers and not return to the comfortable slavery of sin. [33:58]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:51] - Introduction to Romans 6
3. [02:00] - The Israelites' Journey and Our Journey
4. [02:58] - Temptation to Return to Sin
5. [03:40] - God's Power to Break the Chains of Sin
6. [04:28] - Reading Romans 6
7. [09:09] - Grace Renders Sin Powerless
8. [10:34] - Transformation Through Grace
9. [12:03] - The Ongoing Process of Sanctification
10. [14:03] - Union with Christ
11. [17:08] - Empowered to Resist Sin
12. [20:25] - Grace Empowers Us
13. [24:23] - Freed from the Curse of the Law
14. [28:02] - Grace Changes Our Allegiance
15. [32:20] - Sanctification is a Journey
16. [33:58] - Eternal Perspective
17. [35:54] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Romans 6:1-23
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says we are "buried with Christ by baptism into death"? How does this relate to our new life in Christ? [05:11]
2. According to Romans 6, what is the relationship between sin and grace? How does Paul address the idea of continuing in sin so that grace may abound? [04:28]
3. How does Paul describe the transformation that occurs in believers due to God's grace? What are the key changes mentioned? [10:34]
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "sin will not rule over you because you are not under the law but under grace"? [06:36]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "united with Christ" in His death and resurrection impact a believer's daily life and choices? [14:03]
2. What does it mean for grace to empower us to resist sin's tyranny? How does this empowerment manifest in practical terms? [20:25]
3. In what ways does the process of sanctification reflect the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land? How does this analogy help us understand our spiritual journey? [33:58]
4. How does having an eternal perspective influence our decisions and actions in the present? What are some practical ways to maintain this perspective? [33:58]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to return to old sinful habits. How did you handle it, and what role did God's grace play in your response? [02:58]
2. How can you actively remind yourself of your new identity in Christ, especially during moments of temptation or doubt? What practical steps can you take? [03:40]
3. In what specific areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace to resist sin and live righteously? How can you seek God's help in these areas? [20:25]
4. The sermon mentioned that sanctification is an ongoing journey with setbacks and challenges. How can you stay encouraged and motivated in your walk with Christ despite these setbacks? [12:03]
5. How does understanding that God sees His Son when He looks at you change the way you view yourself and your actions? How can this truth impact your daily life? [18:28]
6. What are some practical ways you can offer yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness in your daily activities and interactions? [22:55]
7. How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your life? What specific practices or habits can help you focus on the promise of eternal life with Christ? [33:58]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the transformative power of God's grace as discussed in Romans 6. Use these questions to foster meaningful discussion and personal reflection.
Devotional
Day 1: Grace Transforms Our Identity
The grace of God doesn't just forgive our sins; it fundamentally changes who we are. We are no longer slaves to sin but new creations in Christ. This transformation is not just a change in our judicial standing before God but also a change in our affections and actions. We are called to walk in the newness of life, continually being transformed into the likeness of Christ. This new identity means that our past no longer defines us, and we are empowered to live in a way that reflects our new status as children of God. [03:40]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What old habits or mindsets do you need to "put off" to fully embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Union with Christ
Our union with Christ means that we are identified with His death, burial, and resurrection. This union is beautifully symbolized in baptism, where we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. This identification with Christ means that when God looks at us, He sees His Son, not our sin. This is the foundation of our new identity and the source of our freedom from sin. Understanding this union helps us to live out our faith with confidence, knowing that our relationship with God is secure because of Christ's finished work. [14:03]
Colossians 2:12-13 (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. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses."
Reflection: How does knowing that God sees His Son when He looks at you change the way you approach your daily life and struggles?
Day 3: Empowered by Grace
Grace is not just a passive gift; it actively empowers us to resist sin and live righteously. Paul reminds us that we should not let sin reign in our mortal bodies. Grace gives us the strength to resist sin's tyranny and to offer ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness. This empowerment is a daily process, requiring us to continually rely on God's grace. By understanding that grace is an active force in our lives, we can approach each day with the confidence that we have the power to overcome sin and live in a way that honors God. [20:25]
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: In what specific area of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace to resist sin and live righteously today?
Day 4: Sanctification is a Journey
The process of sanctification, or becoming more like Christ, is ongoing and lifelong. It involves daily choices to resist sin and embrace righteousness. This journey is not always a straight path; there will be setbacks and challenges. However, the grace of God assures us that we are continually being transformed, and our ultimate destination is eternal life with Christ. Understanding sanctification as a journey helps us to be patient with ourselves and others, knowing that growth takes time and that God is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. [32:20]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have seen growth in your journey of sanctification? How can you encourage someone else in their journey today?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
The ultimate outcome of God's transformative grace is eternal life. Just as the Israelites journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land, we are journeying from our former bondage to sin to the promised eternal life in Christ. This eternal perspective should encourage us to walk in the freedom Christ offers and not return to the comfortable slavery of sin. Keeping our eyes on the eternal promises of God helps us to endure present difficulties and to live with hope and purpose. [33:58]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of the eternal perspective in your daily life, especially when facing challenges or temptations?
Quotes
1. "We need to stop and think about the amazingness of God's grace. His grace is mind-bending. We can't understand how good God is. Lord willing, in a few months, we plan to go through the book of Exodus in the Old Testament and find... And find Christ there. Tonight, I want to tease that series a bit by appealing to a narrative that you find in the book of Exodus. And we read in the book of Exodus about the Israelites having been enslaved for hundreds of years to the Egyptians. And God calls this rescuer to liberate them. He calls Moses to be their redeemer, their Messiah. In a sense. And they're brought out of slavery to the Egyptians. But what they're brought out to is a bit surprising to them." [00:51] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Just as they were tempted to return to their slavery, tonight we're going to consider how we have been set free from the bondage of slavery to sin. And yet, day by day, even in many cases, moment by moment, we are tempted to go back under that familiar yoke of slavery to sin because at least we know what to expect. At least it's comfortable. At least it's familiar. And our text today deals with God's power to break the chains of sin. But here's what we often miss, is that when God forgives us of our sin, he actually changes us. We're not who we used to be. The Israelites were called out of slavery and into the land that God had promised. And like them, we've been called out of sin and into new life in Christ." [02:58] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Grace doesn't only save us from the consequences of sin, it saves us from bondage to sin as well. So here's the big idea that I want for us to grab a hold of tonight. If you remember nothing else, I pray that you would remember this, that in Romans chapter six, Paul is showing us that the grace of God renders sin powerless and transforms us. Let me say that again. The grace of God renders sin powerless and transforms us. It renders sin powerless and it changes us. It doesn't just change our judicial standing with him. It does that, but it also changes our affections. It changes the things that we love." [10:34] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Man, isn't it an amazing thought that God knows us fully and yet fully loves us. He knows every horrible thought you've thought today and yesterday and last month and your whole life. He knows every evil thing that you have done and yet it's not going to happen. If you are in Christ, He loves you perfectly. You are fully known and perfectly loved. That's an amazing thought. That kind of transformation, that kind of ongoing change in the life of the believer isn't something that I can just snap my fingers and help us to understand." [12:46] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sin had power. It's woven into our DNA. We inherited this sin nature from our first parents, Adam and Eve. It had power over us. It really actually, truly had power over us. But when we place our trust in Christ, we're identified not only with his death and burial, but with his resurrection. And in the resurrection life, sin is no longer in power over you. Amen? That's good news. We find in the verses six through 11 that Paul shows us that sin is powerless over us because you've been made new in Christ. The old man, a slave to sin, was crucified. And the new man is no longer enslaved to sin. Christ died once. Therefore, our new life is dead to sin and alive in Christ." [17:08] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Grace empowers you to resist sin's tyranny. Verse 13, we also find that grace empowers us to offer ourselves to God. Paul says, do not offer any parts of your body to sin as weapons. Weapons for unrighteousness. That's an interesting thing to say, isn't it? Don't offer your members of your body, the parts of your body as weapons of unrighteousness. Some translations render this as tools of unrighteousness. I think that gives us a better picture of what we're dealing with here. Instruments. Something that we can visualize in our hand to accomplish something." [22:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Grace changes us to serve the good master. It also changes us to look increasingly like him. We pick up again in verse 19. I'm using a human analogy, Paul says, because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you offered the parts of yourselves as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater lawlessness, so now offer them as slaves to righteousness, which results in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free with regard to righteousness. So what fruit was produced then? From the things you are now ashamed. The outcome of those things is death. Grace changes us. It transforms us to increasingly look more like Jesus." [30:06] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Grace changes us to serve the good master to look increasingly like him and third to assure us of eternal life in just a few moments we're going to take time to confess our sin and receive assurance of pardon paul says here in romans 6 22 and 23 but now but now since you have been set free from sin and have become saved to god you have your fruit which results in sanctification and the outcome is eternal life this famous verse many of you have memorized for the wages of sin is death but the free gift of god is eternal life in christ jesus our lord paul is reminding us that the ultimate outcome of this transformation that grace brings about in the life of the believer is eternal life" [33:58] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I want to remind you again that grace doesn't just forgive it frees it liberates us it both pays the debt that we owe and breaks the chains of sin from around our neck will you walk in that freedom or will you return to the comfortable slavery of sin christ offers new life freedom from sin and the promise of eternity but we're so tempted by what's familiar to us maybe you came in tonight feeling completely burdened by something that you did or thought or said this week because you know it's not who i am in christ you know that you've been given a new identity and yet you've been given a new identity and yet you've been given a new identity yet that thing i did that thing i thought that thing i said is so much like who i used to be maybe i'm not this new identity don't buy the bait it's a hook in our spiritual mouth that will reel us in and do us in ultimately if you are in christ you have a choice to make day by day and moment by moment for some it's just a moment of surrender to acknowledge that you have a choice to make you've held on to old sin patterns that you've not taken sin seriously that you presumed upon grace that you like the objector that paul anticipates has said well if we're under grace then why not keep sinning maybe you've not fully surrendered those old sin patterns and you're living brother and sister brother and sister living like you're still under sin's rule so for some of you you're still under sin's rule and you're still under sin's rule and you're still under sin's rule that's the choice you need to acknowledge that you've let sin continue to rule over you for others it's a call to trust maybe you've never fully embraced god's grace" [35:54] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Maybe the reason that you've never fully embraced his grace is because it just seems too good to be true well that's why we have titled this section of our series through romans grace beyond understanding it really doesn't make sense and thank god it doesn't if it made sense it wouldn't really be all that amazing would it we'd be singing a song like pretty good grace you that saved a wretch like me because i put in my my bit the amazing part of the amazing grace is that it's not by your works we sang that tonight i worked my fingers down to the bone nothing i did could ever atone but spirit you moved in me so god is calling you to more than forgiveness he's calling you to live under the perfect freedom that he offers to us" [37:42] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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