Union with Christ: Victory Over Sin and New Life

 

Summary

In Romans 6:3-4, Paul addresses a critical misunderstanding about the doctrine of justification by faith. The Apostle Paul is not discussing sanctification or the way of holiness, but rather refuting the charge that his teaching encourages sin so that grace may abound. The central proposition is that all Christians have died to sin, a fact that is not subjective or experiential but an objective truth. This death to sin is not something that happens to us over time or through effort; it is a reality that has already occurred because we are united with Christ.

Paul emphasizes that all Christians have been baptized into Jesus Christ, meaning we are united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. This union with Christ signifies that just as we were once joined to Adam and inherited his sin, we are now joined to Christ and inherit His righteousness and victory over sin. The Apostle explains that our baptism into Christ's death is not a future event or a goal to achieve but a completed fact. This union with Christ means that we have died to the realm and reign of sin, just as Christ did.

The resurrection of Christ is a demonstration of God's glorious power, and it signifies that Christ has completely conquered sin and death. As believers, we share in this resurrection power, which has already been exerted in us, raising us from the death of sin into newness of life. This new life is not something we strive for; it is our current reality because of our union with Christ. We are no longer under the law or the reign of sin but have entered into the realm of grace and newness of life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Union with Christ in Death: Our baptism into Christ signifies our union with Him in His death. This is not a future event or a goal to achieve but a completed fact. We have died to the realm and reign of sin, just as Christ did. This truth is foundational to understanding our identity in Christ. [05:58]

2. Objective Truth of Our Death to Sin: The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our death to sin is an objective truth, not a subjective experience. It is a reality that has already occurred because of our union with Christ. This understanding liberates us from striving to achieve what has already been accomplished. [08:15]

3. Resurrection Power in Believers: The same glorious power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, raising us from the death of sin into newness of life. This power is not something we hope for; it is our current reality as believers. [41:24]

4. Newness of Life: As believers, we are in a new realm and newness of life. This is not something we strive for; it is our present condition because of our union with Christ. We are no longer under the law or the reign of sin but have entered into the realm of grace. [43:38]

5. Assurance of Victory Over Sin: Our union with Christ assures us that sin shall not have dominion over us. The power of the resurrection has already been exerted in us, vanquishing the rule and reign of sin. This assurance gives us confidence and liberty in our Christian walk. [47:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Romans 6:3-4
- [00:34] - Refuting Misunderstandings
- [01:09] - The Main Proposition: Dying to Sin
- [02:07] - Establishing the Fact of Death to Sin
- [03:26] - Baptism into Christ
- [04:49] - Implications of Union with Christ
- [05:37] - Joined with Christ in Death
- [06:56] - Objective Truth of Our Union
- [08:35] - Misinterpretations of Union with Christ
- [10:33] - Baptism into Christ's Death
- [12:18] - Misunderstandings of Galatians 2:20
- [15:26] - Christ's Death to Sin
- [17:29] - Joined with Christ in Burial
- [23:45] - Joined with Christ in Resurrection
- [28:48] - The Power of Resurrection
- [32:19] - Newness of Life in Christ
- [38:19] - Finished with the Realm of Sin
- [45:20] - Assurance of Victory Over Sin
- [49:39] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 6:3-4
- Galatians 2:20
- Ephesians 1:19-20

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 6:3-4, what does it mean to be baptized into Jesus Christ? How does this relate to our union with Him in His death? [05:58]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor explain the concept of "dying to sin"? What is the significance of this being an objective truth rather than a subjective experience? [08:15]

3. How does the sermon describe the power that raised Christ from the dead? What does this power mean for believers today? [41:24]

4. What does the pastor say about the newness of life that believers experience? How is this new life described in the sermon? [43:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 relate to the idea of dying to sin as discussed in the sermon? What implications does this have for our daily lives? [12:18]

2. The sermon emphasizes that our death to sin is an objective truth. How does this understanding change the way we view our struggles with sin? [08:15]

3. In what ways does the resurrection power mentioned in Ephesians 1:19-20 manifest in the life of a believer? How can this power influence our spiritual growth? [41:24]

4. The pastor mentions that believers are no longer under the law but have entered into the realm of grace. How does this shift in realms affect our relationship with God and others? [43:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of being united with Christ in His death. How does this truth impact your view of sin in your life? What steps can you take to live out this reality daily? [05:58]

2. The sermon highlights the assurance of victory over sin. Can you identify areas in your life where you feel defeated by sin? How can you apply the truth of your union with Christ to these areas? [47:02]

3. Consider the resurrection power that is at work in you as a believer. How can you rely on this power to overcome challenges in your spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to tap into this power more effectively? [41:24]

4. The pastor speaks about the newness of life that believers have entered. How does this new life manifest in your daily actions and decisions? Are there specific areas where you need to embrace this newness more fully? [43:38]

5. Think about the concept of being no longer under the law but under grace. How does this understanding influence your approach to spiritual disciplines and obedience? How can you ensure that your actions are motivated by grace rather than obligation? [43:38]

6. The sermon discusses the objective truth of our death to sin. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing temptation? What strategies can you implement to reinforce this mindset? [08:15]

7. Reflect on the assurance of victory over sin mentioned in the sermon. How can you cultivate a mindset of victory and confidence in your Christian walk? What role does community play in supporting you in this journey? [47:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Union with Christ in Death
Our baptism into Christ signifies our union with Him in His death. This is not a future event or a goal to achieve but a completed fact. We have died to the realm and reign of sin, just as Christ did. This truth is foundational to understanding our identity in Christ. Our union with Christ in His death means that we are no longer bound by the power of sin. This is an objective truth that liberates us from striving to achieve what has already been accomplished. Understanding this union helps us to live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured for us. [05:58]

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: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your union with Christ and the freedom from sin that it brings?


Day 2: Objective Truth of Our Death to Sin
The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our death to sin is an objective truth, not a subjective experience. It is a reality that has already occurred because of our union with Christ. This understanding liberates us from striving to achieve what has already been accomplished. By recognizing this truth, we can live in the assurance that sin no longer has dominion over us. This objective reality is a cornerstone of our faith, allowing us to walk in the newness of life that Christ has given us. [08:15]

Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you live today in the freedom that comes from knowing your death to sin is an accomplished fact?


Day 3: Resurrection Power in Believers
The same glorious power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in us, raising us from the death of sin into newness of life. This power is not something we hope for; it is our current reality as believers. As we embrace this truth, we can experience the transformative power of the resurrection in our daily lives. This power enables us to overcome sin and live victoriously, reflecting the life of Christ in all that we do. [41:24]

Ephesians 1:19-20 (ESV): "And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely more on the resurrection power of Christ to overcome sin?


Day 4: Newness of Life
As believers, we are in a new realm and newness of life. This is not something we strive for; it is our present condition because of our union with Christ. We are no longer under the law or the reign of sin but have entered into the realm of grace. This newness of life is characterized by a transformed heart and mind, enabling us to live in a way that honors God. Embracing this new reality allows us to experience the fullness of life that Christ offers. [43:38]

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: How can you embrace the newness of life in Christ today, and what changes might that bring to your daily routine?


Day 5: Assurance of Victory Over Sin
Our union with Christ assures us that sin shall not have dominion over us. The power of the resurrection has already been exerted in us, vanquishing the rule and reign of sin. This assurance gives us confidence and liberty in our Christian walk. By trusting in this victory, we can live with the assurance that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us. This confidence empowers us to face challenges and temptations with the certainty of victory. [47:02]

1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Reflection: What specific challenge or temptation can you face today with the assurance of victory through your union with Christ?

Quotes


Now as we come to follow this detailed outworking of his argument by the Apostle it is absolutely essential that we should hold clearly and keep clearly in our minds what he rarely is setting out to do. He's refuting this charge which is brought against his teaching and which we've seen in the first verse shall we continue in sin that grace may abound. [00:34:32]

We are baptized every one of us was a Christian we have baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ himself and that means that we are united to him we are joined to him and remember that that means this that exactly as we were once joined to Adam and related to Adam and we're the inheritors of what Adam did so even so even more so we are joined to Christ. [00:03:47]

We are joined with him in his death know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death that's the first thing he wants to call attention to now the emphasis is upon his death we are baptized into his death he's not talking so much about some death that we undergo as his death that we derive the benefits of his death. [00:05:58]

This is not something subjective or experimental he's not thinking of that at all and that is where people go wrong in the exposition of this chapter they will regard it from the experimental standpoint it's one of the chapters greatly used in holiness meetings and so on and address is about sanctification they feel that that's what they've got here. [00:07:20]

Our being baptized into Christ's death is not something that's going to happen to us it has happened you can't be a Christian without it's being true it is not something that ought to happen to us now how often is it presented like that they say oh you've been saved you you're justified now you've got to die with Christ. [00:10:40]

We are joined to him in his resurrection joined to him in his death joined to him in his burial joined to him in his resurrection what does this mean what was true of his resurrection his resurrection what did his resurrection mean as regards him that's the question to start we'll get rid of this subjective experimental notion. [00:24:17]

The same glorious power of the Father that raised him from the fed has done the same to us go back again to Ephesians 1 19 and 20 and here it is he prays that the eyes of the understanding of these Ephesians might be enlightened that they may know three things and here's the third and what is the exceeding greatness of his power. [00:40:53]

We are at this moment in a new life and in a neelam newness of life we also are in this new realm this newness of life it's not something I'm hoping for it's not something I'm striving after it's true of me because I have been baptized into Christ I died with him I was buried with him I was with him I am in the new realm. [00:43:38]

Sin shall not have dominion over you he's going on to say in the fourteenth verse and that is because being joined to Christ as a result of this baptism which has joined us to him we are sharers not only in his death but also in his resurrection we have entered into newness of life well God willing we'll go on with this out working of this mighty argument next Friday evening. [00:47:02]

We are no longer in the territory in the realm of sin we are in the territory and the realm and the grace we have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of his dear son and believe this it was nothing less than that glorious power of God that was revealed and exhorted and manifested in raising Christ literally physically from the grave. [00:42:19]

The Apostle is saying you see is this that as that is true of him even so it is true of us that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life he walks in newness of life as the result of his resurrection so do we we are baptized into him we are joined to him. [00:40:06]

The resurrection tells us is this tremendous power of God that was there exercised and redeemed not of some of you may say but we read elsewhere that the Lord Jesus Christ said I have power to lay down there power to raise it again certainly you will find that constantly in the scriptures actions are sometimes ascribed to the father sometimes to the son sometimes to the Holy Spirit. [00:28:01]

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Transcript
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