Free from Sin, Enslaved to God Romans 6:12-23

Romans: God is RIGHTEOUS in JUDGMENT (1:18-3:20) in JUSTIFICATION (3:21-5:21) in SANCTIFICATION (6:1-8:39) making believers righteous through the Spirit

“If I’m free of the Law, then why not indulge sin?!” Question (6:15) 6:1 - Why not let sin rule in our lives? ...in order to get more grace (5:20) 6:15 - Why not commit sins? ...since we’re under grace instead of law (6:14) “If I’m free of the Law, then why not indulge sin?!”

“because sin is falsely advertised!” Answer (6:15b) May it NEVER be! Why not? 6:16-23 “because sin is falsely advertised!”

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) Sin is Unnecessary (v17-18a)

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) Sin is Unnecessary (v17-18a) v11: “consider” – believe it! v12: “do not let sin reign” – don’t give it authority!

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) Sin is Unnecessary (v17-18a) Sin is Inappropriate (v18b) you are a slave of God (v22) absolute freedom not in our nature

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) Sin is Unnecessary (v17-18a) Sin is Inappropriate (v18b) Sin is Destructive (v16,19-23)

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin obedience begets sin begets

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin Sanctification Philippians 2:12–13 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin Sanctification Shame

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin Sanctification Shame Eternal life John 6:47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.”

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin Sanctification Shame Eternal life John 17:3 “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

Why not indulge sin? (6:16-23) OBEDIENCE SIN Grow as a slave of obedience Grow as a slave of sin Sanctification Shame Eternal life Death “Death” broken relationships absence of joy, peace, power physical death eternal death

Application Find regular accountability Get help when needed Celebrate Recovery (Tues @ SW) Pursue God; don’t just avoid sin (6:13)