Lesson 6: Dead to Sin, Alive to God

Scripture

Romans 6:1–23 (read the entire passage in your Bible)

Big Idea

Grace frees believers from sin’s mastery for a new life of obedience.

Before You Read

Recall the argument of the previous lesson before reading Romans 6:1–23. Notice repeated words, contrasts, Old Testament allusions, and every connection Paul makes between the gospel and Christian living.

Passage-by-Passage Exposition

6:1–7 | United with Christ

Paul rejects the idea that grace encourages continued sin. Baptism visibly identifies believers with Christ’s death and resurrection; the old self was crucified so that sin would no longer enslave them. Union with Christ is the foundation of holy living.

6:8–14 | Count yourselves alive

Because Christ has been raised and death no longer rules Him, Christians are to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God. They must not present their bodies as tools for wickedness but offer themselves to God. The command rests on the promise that sin will not be their master.

6:15–23 | A new master and a new end

Freedom from the law’s condemnation is not freedom to disobey God. Everyone serves a master; slavery to sin leads to death, while belonging to God bears fruit in holiness. Eternal life is God’s gift in Christ, not a wage for good behavior.

Key Truths

• Grace frees believers from sin’s mastery for a new life of obedience.

• Interpret every paragraph in the wider argument of Romans rather than as an isolated slogan.

• God’s saving initiative in Jesus Christ leads to humility, worship, and faithful obedience.

Digging Deeper

Trace Paul’s argument: What problem is he confronting? What does God accomplish? What response does the passage call for? Note the distinction between what God has done for believers and how believers are called to live. Where the passage raises debated questions, read the surrounding chapters before forming a conclusion.

What Do You Notice?

Underline two repeated or emphasized terms. Identify one statement about God and one about people. How does the paragraph connect to the preceding and following material?

Let’s Talk About It

1. Why does grace never excuse deliberate sin?

2. What does union with Christ mean for identity?

3. How can bodily habits serve righteousness?

4. How are sin’s wages different from God’s gift?

5. Where do you need to act on the truth that sin is not your master?

Living It Out

Choose one recurring temptation and make a concrete plan to present that part of your life to God; seek trustworthy Christian accountability.

Personal Reflection

In your own words: What did I learn about the gospel? What belief, habit, fear, or relationship should change? Write one specific response and revisit it before the next lesson.

Prayer

Lord, because we belong to Christ, teach us to turn from sin and offer our whole selves to You. Amen.

MVM • Romans — The Gospel of God’s Grace • Scripture references only; no Bible translation text reproduced.