Text: Romans 6:1–11
Theme: Dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ
1. Key Scripture References
- Romans 6:1–11 – Baptism as dying to sin and living to God.
- Romans 1–5 (summary) – Humanity accountable before God; salvation by grace through Christ; justification by faith.
- Psalm 51 – David’s prayer of repentance.
- Acts 23–24 – Paul’s witness before Felix.
2. Main Points of the Sermon
- Freedom from Sin: Paul compares liberation from sin to Roman manumission—the legal freeing of slaves. In Christ, believers are freed from the mastery of sin.
- Baptism as Burial & Resurrection: Baptism signifies death to the old life and resurrection to a new one, reflecting Christ’s death and resurrection.
- New Identity: Just as freed slaves took on new names, Christians bear Christ’s name—our lives now represent Him.
- Transformation from Within: True change begins internally before it is visible externally, like metamorphosis of a caterpillar to butterfly.
- Danger of Delay: Felix heard Paul’s testimony but postponed a decision. Salvation requires immediate response.
3. Our Message
- Grace is not a license to continue in sin but a call to holiness.
- Believers are a new creation in Christ—our old self is buried, and a new life begins.
- We are called not only to be freed but to live as part of God’s royal priesthood.
4. Reflection on Our Conduct (Questions)
- If baptism symbolizes death to sin, in what practical ways should your daily life reflect resurrection into newness of life?
- What “old identities” or habits still try to claim authority over you, and how can you actively “reckon” yourself dead to them?
- How can we, as representatives of Christ’s name, ensure our actions honor Him in workplaces, homes, and communities?
5. Practical Application (Questions)
- Transformation begins inside—what areas of your inner life (thoughts, desires, attitudes) need the Spirit’s renewing work today?
- Like David, do you truly abhor sin, or do you sometimes look back on it with nostalgia? How can prayer help shift your heart to hate what God hates?
- Felix delayed responding to Paul’s message—what spiritual decisions might you be postponing that need to be made today?
6. Personal Commitment (Questions)
- Am I ready to identify fully with Christ, even if it means letting go of old desires, reputations, or relationships?
- Do I live daily with the awareness that I am part of a royal priesthood, called to serve God with honor?
- Will I choose to “reckon myself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” not just in words, but in consistent action?
7. Prayer Points
- Thanksgiving for New Life: Thank God for the freedom from sin and the gift of new life in Christ.
- Inner Transformation: Pray for the Spirit’s work of true metamorphosis—deep inner change that produces visible fruit of holiness.
- Courage to Decide Today: Ask for strength to avoid delay like Felix, and instead to embrace full surrender to Christ now.
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