WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.160 In the letter of Romans, the book of Romans, you'll remember that Romans was a letter written by the Apostle Paul in the 50s AD. 00:00:10.160 --> 00:00:17.740 And it is called Romans for a very simple reason, which is that it is written to the churches in the city of Rome. 00:00:18.320 --> 00:00:21.880 And it is foundationally, fundamentally about the gospel. 00:00:22.380 --> 00:00:27.260 It's about the good news of Jesus' life and death and resurrection. 00:00:28.280 --> 00:00:32.960 We are coming this Sunday, this week, to chapter 6. 00:00:32.960 --> 00:00:38.100 So we're moving fast. It just seems like yesterday we were starting out chapter 4. 00:00:38.100 --> 00:00:46.240 And like last week, like the end of chapter 5, the passage before us right now is a little bit detailed, a little bit technical. 00:00:46.679 --> 00:00:50.140 In fact, Romans happens to be like that sometimes. 00:00:50.679 --> 00:00:55.079 Romans is, at moments in places, a lot of work. That's the bad news. 00:00:55.840 --> 00:00:57.960 The good news is, it's worth it. 00:00:59.000 --> 00:01:05.079 I continue to meditate on that quote I told you all about in September from Andrew David Nassali, 00:01:05.079 --> 00:01:10.420 where he says Romans is the greatest piece of literature in the history of the world. 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:16.579 And the longer we spend, and I spend in Romans, the more I believe that. 00:01:17.239 --> 00:01:19.539 But so we are, again, up against some technical things. 00:01:19.659 --> 00:01:21.200 I'll say what I said last week. 00:01:21.259 --> 00:01:24.099 This is the beginning of the conversation, not the end. 00:01:24.180 --> 00:01:27.640 My goal is to say something, not everything. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.120 We're happy to talk more at length afterwards. 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:33.920 The question before us this morning is this. 00:01:35.880 --> 00:01:44.560 If God forgives sin, and he does, why don't we just sin more? 00:01:46.260 --> 00:01:51.120 If God forgives sin, why not just sin more? 00:01:51.900 --> 00:01:56.700 One commentator points us to two different poets who express this idea. 00:01:56.700 --> 00:02:00.079 A man named Heinrich Heinz, a German poet, and he said this. 00:02:00.700 --> 00:02:01.820 God will forgive. 00:02:02.680 --> 00:02:04.840 That is his business. 00:02:06.260 --> 00:02:09.580 Of course, what's unstated there is, and I will do whatever I want. 00:02:10.580 --> 00:02:16.420 Another poet, a British-American poet named W.H. Alden, wrote a poem about Christmas. 00:02:16.640 --> 00:02:21.520 And in that poem, the character Herod, and yes, that's the same Herod from the Christmas story, 00:02:21.520 --> 00:02:25.159 mocks Christianity, and in mocking it, he says this. 00:02:25.240 --> 00:02:28.880 He says, Christianity allows criminals to say this. 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:31.400 I like committing crimes. 00:02:32.439 --> 00:02:34.700 God likes forgiving them. 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:39.060 Really, the world is admirably arranged. 00:02:39.879 --> 00:02:42.260 And both of those are getting this same idea, right? 00:02:42.280 --> 00:02:45.000 If God is a God of mercy and grace, 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:51.099 man, isn't that great news because we can sin as much as we want? 00:02:51.699 --> 00:02:54.039 What do we do with that idea, that objection? 00:02:54.300 --> 00:02:55.699 That's the question of this passage. 00:02:56.360 --> 00:02:59.439 So with that, I invite you to turn with me to Romans chapter 6. 00:02:59.939 --> 00:03:01.159 You can find it in your Bible. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:04.020 It's also printed in your worship guide on page 7. 00:03:04.840 --> 00:03:06.560 Remember that this is God's word. 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:15.699 And Jeremiah chapter 23 tells us that God's word is like a hammer that breaks a rock into pieces, 00:03:16.020 --> 00:03:25.819 which is a way of saying that there is nothing so powerful that God's word is not more powerful still. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:32.020 And so that's why we turn now to Romans chapter 6, starting at verse 1. 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:34.840 What shall we say then? 00:03:34.840 --> 00:03:39.560 Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 00:03:40.420 --> 00:03:41.319 By no means. 00:03:42.200 --> 00:03:46.780 How can we who died to sin still live in it? 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:56.259 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 00:03:57.099 --> 00:04:01.599 We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death, 00:04:01.599 --> 00:04:05.819 in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, 00:04:06.019 --> 00:04:08.319 by the glory of the Father, 00:04:09.019 --> 00:04:13.439 we too might walk in newness of life. 00:04:14.479 --> 00:04:18.879 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:26.560 Our Father in heaven, we do thank you again for your mercy and your love. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:30.259 We thank you that in Christ you have made us one. 00:04:31.300 --> 00:04:38.079 We thank you for your word that you've given to us to guide and instruct and challenge and encourage us. 00:04:38.079 --> 00:04:40.500 We ask that you would do that this morning. 00:04:40.659 --> 00:04:45.939 We confess that we need your spirit to understand spiritual things. 00:04:45.939 --> 00:04:49.920 We need your spirit to soften our hearts. 00:04:51.019 --> 00:04:54.060 We need your spirit to be at work in our minds that we can understand. 00:04:54.699 --> 00:04:59.240 And so we ask that you, as we read just words, 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:04.180 that you'd be at work in a powerful way by your spirit in our lives and our hearts 00:05:04.180 --> 00:05:06.060 in this moment and this time, 00:05:06.519 --> 00:05:12.879 that you would use an ordinary man to proclaim your word. 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:14.000 It would cut us to the heart. 00:05:14.699 --> 00:05:20.899 That most of all, we would see and love more and more your son and our savior, our Lord Jesus. 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:24.300 We ask these things in the mighty name, his mighty name. 00:05:24.719 --> 00:05:25.199 Amen. 00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:33.180 So I just mentioned that Paul here is responding to this charge 00:05:33.180 --> 00:05:37.939 that God's grace, his forgiveness, will lead to more sin. 00:05:38.000 --> 00:05:39.540 That's the idea he presents here. 00:05:39.639 --> 00:05:40.779 This is verse one. 00:05:40.779 --> 00:05:46.419 Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 00:05:46.799 --> 00:05:47.919 The logic is this. 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:52.019 This is something that Paul had said back in chapter five. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:53.259 I believe it's verse 20. 00:05:53.719 --> 00:05:53.899 It says, 00:05:54.059 --> 00:05:58.259 Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. 00:05:58.579 --> 00:06:04.679 Okay, so if increased sin means increased grace and grace is good, 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:10.459 then more sin means more grace and more sin is good. 00:06:10.699 --> 00:06:14.060 You know, we're actually helping God when we sin. 00:06:14.780 --> 00:06:19.579 We're giving him a great opportunity to show off his grace. 00:06:20.280 --> 00:06:20.720 Wow. 00:06:21.579 --> 00:06:25.740 We can give God so much glory when we sin. 00:06:25.740 --> 00:06:30.720 Paul immediately responds to that objection in verse two. 00:06:30.720 --> 00:06:32.379 By no means. 00:06:33.100 --> 00:06:36.720 How can we who died to sin still live in it? 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:40.100 What Paul is saying is this. 00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:43.360 What in the world are you talking about? 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:48.319 That in fact makes zero sense. 00:06:48.319 --> 00:06:51.599 Is the Pope Protestant? 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:55.019 No, of course not. 00:06:55.599 --> 00:06:58.240 Can you buy your lunch today with euros? 00:06:59.579 --> 00:07:01.139 No, of course not. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:02.060 You're not in Europe. 00:07:02.199 --> 00:07:02.860 You're in America. 00:07:03.040 --> 00:07:03.899 You need dollars. 00:07:04.719 --> 00:07:06.699 Is a panda bear a bird? 00:07:06.699 --> 00:07:10.680 No, a panda bear is a bear. 00:07:10.779 --> 00:07:11.839 What are you talking about? 00:07:12.659 --> 00:07:13.879 Panda bears are mammals. 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:16.039 Like, did you even go to elementary school? 00:07:16.759 --> 00:07:19.659 You're asking a nonsense question. 00:07:20.839 --> 00:07:23.740 Die to sin but live in sin. 00:07:24.039 --> 00:07:25.199 It is silly. 00:07:26.259 --> 00:07:28.099 And it's silly for this reason. 00:07:28.360 --> 00:07:30.319 It is a contradiction. 00:07:31.219 --> 00:07:33.560 You can't be a bear and also be a bird. 00:07:33.560 --> 00:07:37.280 You can't be in America and buy your lunch with euros. 00:07:38.600 --> 00:07:41.480 Sin, being dead to it and living in it. 00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:43.300 You can't do both of those things at the same time. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:43.980 That's silly. 00:07:44.360 --> 00:07:45.939 And it's silly for this reason. 00:07:46.439 --> 00:07:49.819 Death and life are a contradiction. 00:07:51.340 --> 00:07:53.540 Everyone knows, at least we hope, 00:07:54.120 --> 00:07:59.040 you can't both be dead and at the same time be alive. 00:08:00.399 --> 00:08:02.639 That seems to be basic logic. 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:05.660 And so Paul is, in a sense, saying, 00:08:06.579 --> 00:08:09.079 wow, what a silly question. 00:08:10.620 --> 00:08:13.579 Do you know anything? 00:08:14.560 --> 00:08:19.779 You cannot be dead to sin and also live in sin. 00:08:19.779 --> 00:08:28.779 That raises the next question for us, though, 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:32.699 which is what does Paul mean by died to sin? 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:37.759 In what sense are you, if you're a Christian, dead to it? 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:42.879 To answer that question, we need to remember three critical categories, 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:45.019 three different ways of thinking about sin. 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:49.000 Sin has three components. 00:08:49.539 --> 00:08:50.740 Sin has a penalty. 00:08:52.079 --> 00:08:53.699 Sin has a power. 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:56.059 And sin has a presence. 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.819 Sin has a penalty. 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:01.299 Sin has a power. 00:09:02.319 --> 00:09:04.620 Sin has a presence. 00:09:04.620 --> 00:09:05.759 Sin has a power. 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:09.200 Paul is not, so we're going to do a process of elimination here. 00:09:09.860 --> 00:09:12.500 Paul is not talking about the penalty of sin here, 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:17.139 although it is true that Christ's death does pay for the penalty. 00:09:17.259 --> 00:09:18.419 That's part of our justification. 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:20.560 We've talked about this many times. 00:09:20.720 --> 00:09:24.919 Justification means both that Christ takes the punishment for our sin 00:09:24.919 --> 00:09:27.919 and he gives us his righteousness. 00:09:27.919 --> 00:09:30.399 That's not the point of these verses, though. 00:09:30.459 --> 00:09:32.819 That was actually the focus of chapter 5. 00:09:33.219 --> 00:09:35.299 Chapter 5 was about justification. 00:09:35.620 --> 00:09:37.139 We're now in chapter 6. 00:09:38.379 --> 00:09:42.500 Paul is also not here talking about the presence of sin. 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:46.379 We know he's not talking about the presence of sin for a couple reasons. 00:09:46.539 --> 00:09:47.759 First, as we look at the Bible, 00:09:47.899 --> 00:09:53.039 we realize we will not be fully and finally free of the presence of sin 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:55.039 until we are in glory. 00:09:55.039 --> 00:09:58.519 And you'll remember we've talked about the fact that glory 00:09:58.519 --> 00:10:02.699 is when we are fully and finally in the presence of Jesus Christ. 00:10:02.839 --> 00:10:05.299 We shall be like him, Paul tells us, 00:10:05.439 --> 00:10:09.339 because we shall see him as he is. 00:10:09.899 --> 00:10:12.759 The other reason we know he's not talking about the presence of sin 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:15.000 is because if you have your Bible and you look forward 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:18.360 to verses 11 through 14 of chapter 6, 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:22.179 Paul is going to talk about the continued fight 00:10:22.179 --> 00:10:26.059 that the believer has against the presence of sin. 00:10:26.699 --> 00:10:30.879 The process of elimination then leaves us with one and only one option. 00:10:31.359 --> 00:10:32.479 When Paul says, 00:10:32.659 --> 00:10:34.179 you have died to sin, 00:10:35.179 --> 00:10:40.219 he means you have died to the power of sin. 00:10:41.099 --> 00:10:44.419 Paul says that you have died to sin, 00:10:44.419 --> 00:10:49.379 he is saying that you have died to the power of sin. 00:10:50.000 --> 00:10:52.599 The power is broken. 00:10:53.399 --> 00:10:57.219 The idea of sin as a power actually was introduced last week as well. 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:00.719 The very last verse of chapter 5 tells us, 00:11:01.819 --> 00:11:04.039 sin reigned in death. 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:08.480 Now, to reign, to have a rule like that, 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:13.099 sin has to be more than just individual actions. 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:16.080 Individual actions can't have a rule or a reign. 00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:20.680 To have a rule and a reign, you have to be a power. 00:11:21.540 --> 00:11:26.600 You have to be something greater than one thing that someone did. 00:11:28.220 --> 00:11:31.120 What Paul is reminding us of, 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:36.639 what we saw last week in what it means to be in Adam, 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:39.600 is that if you are not a Christian, 00:11:40.439 --> 00:11:47.600 if you have not transferred over from the reign of death to the reign of grace, 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:54.860 sin controls and owns the power center of your heart. 00:11:54.860 --> 00:11:58.220 If you are in Adam, 00:11:58.220 --> 00:12:00.919 if you do not follow Jesus Christ in faith, 00:12:01.100 --> 00:12:06.840 sin controls and owns the power center of your heart. 00:12:07.980 --> 00:12:11.879 And if you are a Christian and you do follow Jesus Christ in faith, 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:17.120 you may look back and remember what it was like before that was true of you. 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:27.840 And you can remember that there was a power over you that no longer has control. 00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:30.720 Theologians talk about it this way. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:36.259 People who are under the power of sin are not able not to sin. 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:42.600 People who are under the power of sin are not able not to sin. 00:12:42.720 --> 00:12:45.340 They are not capable of not sinning. 00:12:45.340 --> 00:12:48.240 That's how powerful sin is. 00:12:49.420 --> 00:12:51.840 To explain the power of sin, 00:12:52.000 --> 00:12:55.480 one pastor uses the illustration of an invading army. 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:58.040 So imagine there's an army. 00:12:58.160 --> 00:13:00.519 This army has taken over a country. 00:13:01.160 --> 00:13:03.259 It has toppled the capital city. 00:13:03.740 --> 00:13:06.100 It is now in the capital building. 00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:10.300 The police force is run by this invading army. 00:13:10.680 --> 00:13:14.980 But then there is a liberating force. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:18.220 The liberating force shows up on the scene. 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:21.420 The invaders are definitively defeated. 00:13:22.160 --> 00:13:24.300 They are kicked out of the capital building. 00:13:24.560 --> 00:13:28.200 It is no longer their police who control the streets. 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:29.580 They have lost. 00:13:29.580 --> 00:13:41.920 But some of the soldiers of the invading army are still running around in the woods. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.120 So the battle continues. 00:13:45.540 --> 00:13:47.320 The battle against the invaders continues. 00:13:47.520 --> 00:13:51.840 But it continues now from a place of strength. 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:58.840 The capital city of your heart is no longer the seat of power for the reign of sin. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:10.600 The capital city of your heart is the seat of power for the reign of life and righteousness in Jesus Christ. 00:14:10.600 --> 00:14:14.600 Yes, the battle continues. 00:14:14.600 --> 00:14:18.000 Yes, there are skirmishes sometimes. 00:14:18.879 --> 00:14:26.360 Yes, there are moments when you are surprised by an invading soldier hiding out behind a tree. 00:14:26.360 --> 00:14:34.600 But the battle with sin no longer has the upper hand. 00:14:36.180 --> 00:14:46.980 You can, in moments and at times, do the right thing for the right reason, 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:54.200 which is for the honor and glory of God and for your good. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:59.259 The presence of sin continues. 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:03.899 It still has some soldiers that are trying to continue the fight. 00:15:05.019 --> 00:15:09.060 The power of sin is broken. 00:15:11.800 --> 00:15:14.700 As I said, it doesn't mean sin never wins. 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:19.720 It doesn't mean there isn't an ongoing battle in your life. 00:15:20.560 --> 00:15:21.920 But it does mean this. 00:15:23.020 --> 00:15:27.440 The overarching theme of your existence. 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:34.640 The overarching theme of your existence is one of growing obedience and holiness. 00:15:37.280 --> 00:15:43.480 The desire of your heart, even when you fail to bring it about, 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:49.120 is to obey God for your good and his glory. 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:56.539 The desire of your heart, even when you fail to bring it about, 00:15:57.539 --> 00:16:03.360 is to obey God for your good and his glory. 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:09.800 If the power of sin in your life is broken, 00:16:10.580 --> 00:16:13.100 and if you are a Christian, it has been, 00:16:14.180 --> 00:16:18.379 you will begin to see new fruit springing up. 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:25.320 As painful as it is to admit at times that you were wrong, 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:28.039 you're now willing to do it. 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:33.019 You're willing to confess your need and your sin. 00:16:34.699 --> 00:16:39.639 As much as you used to keep a list of grudges and hurts, 00:16:39.719 --> 00:16:43.000 a tally of all the ways that people had wronged you, 00:16:44.099 --> 00:16:48.480 you now find yourself with the power to overlook an offense. 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:58.920 And as you find yourself tied more and more into the community of God's people, 00:16:59.860 --> 00:17:06.839 you find that it's possible for you to actually speak out loud about your need. 00:17:08.140 --> 00:17:11.460 That you can fight and leave addiction. 00:17:11.460 --> 00:17:18.620 Of course, we could go on and on with all the different ways that God's work springs up in our hearts 00:17:18.620 --> 00:17:20.980 as the power of sin is broken. 00:17:22.100 --> 00:17:25.240 John Wesley, a pastor in the 18th century, said this, 00:17:25.900 --> 00:17:30.860 Sin remains, but it does not rain. 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:38.460 Sin remains, but it does not rain. 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:42.680 You have died to sin. 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:54.319 That raises the next question for us, which is this, 00:17:54.620 --> 00:17:56.640 How did you die to sin? 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:58.220 How did that happen? 00:17:59.100 --> 00:18:00.799 Paul tells us in verse 3, 00:18:01.100 --> 00:18:04.819 You died to sin in your baptism. 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:15.079 Now, verse 3 here has become a flashpoint of debate theologically about the meaning and the mode of baptism. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:17.200 I don't want to dismiss that on the one hand. 00:18:17.299 --> 00:18:20.700 I don't want us to get dragged into that on the other hand, 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:24.859 because we are in fact headed to verse 4, which is about newness of life. 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:29.919 So there's only a few things I can say in the books and pages that have been spilled over this verse 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:31.720 without a whole other sermon. 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:35.079 One thing I'll say is that as a good Presbyterian, 00:18:35.720 --> 00:18:39.339 I do believe Paul here is speaking not about the mode of baptism, 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:41.420 but about the meaning of baptism. 00:18:42.019 --> 00:18:44.960 But let me just summarize here what Paul is saying very briefly. 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:46.600 He's saying this, 00:18:47.360 --> 00:18:50.400 When you become a Christian, you are baptized. 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:51.339 Okay? 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:52.980 We can track with that. 00:18:53.980 --> 00:19:00.019 Baptism means and represents and teaches a number of things. 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:00.500 Okay? 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:02.779 When you become a Christian, you're baptized. 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:06.740 Baptism means and teaches and represents a number of things. 00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:09.839 I list some of these off when we have a baptism like we did today. 00:19:10.319 --> 00:19:11.700 Titus 3, verse 5, 00:19:11.799 --> 00:19:14.059 Baptism represents a cleansing from sin. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:16.819 I said this morning, Romans 6 says this, 00:19:16.839 --> 00:19:18.019 and I'm getting ahead of myself here. 00:19:18.019 --> 00:19:22.519 One of the things that baptism means and represents and teaches 00:19:22.519 --> 00:19:26.599 is our union with Christ. 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:32.379 One of the things that baptism means and teaches and represents 00:19:32.379 --> 00:19:34.799 is our union with Christ. 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:38.559 Union with Christ is kind of this technical theological term 00:19:38.559 --> 00:19:40.460 that can be at times hard to understand. 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:42.420 The way I summarize it is this, 00:19:42.980 --> 00:19:45.920 What's true of Jesus is true of you. 00:19:45.920 --> 00:19:49.019 Now, that has some limitations to it. 00:19:49.100 --> 00:19:49.240 Okay? 00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:50.640 I've oversimplified it a little bit. 00:19:51.039 --> 00:19:51.820 Jesus is God. 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:52.900 You will never be a God. 00:19:53.960 --> 00:19:55.539 I've given you page 7. 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:57.480 There's a quote there you can look at later 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:59.800 that breaks out really technically three different things 00:19:59.800 --> 00:20:01.580 that union with Christ means. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:06.019 I want us to move, though, and look here at this into word. 00:20:06.539 --> 00:20:09.320 He tells us you were baptized into Jesus Christ. 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:13.720 That one preposition does a lot of heavy lifting for us. 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:19.299 If you are in Jesus Christ, you've been baptized into him, 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:22.360 it means you are represented by Jesus 00:20:22.360 --> 00:20:25.140 and you are connected to Jesus. 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:29.839 It means you are represented by Jesus 00:20:29.839 --> 00:20:34.180 and you are connected to Jesus. 00:20:34.940 --> 00:20:36.839 Another way of thinking about it is this. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:41.360 Union with Christ is the opposite 00:20:41.359 --> 00:20:44.359 of being in Adam. 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:48.740 I'm pulling back here from last week. 00:20:49.099 --> 00:20:51.139 Last week, remember, we talked about being in Adam 00:20:51.139 --> 00:20:52.059 or being in Christ. 00:20:52.899 --> 00:20:55.159 Being, having union with Christ 00:20:55.159 --> 00:20:58.899 is the opposite of being represented by Adam. 00:20:59.459 --> 00:21:01.339 You remember, last week we talked about this. 00:21:01.459 --> 00:21:06.779 God chose Adam to officially represent all of mankind. 00:21:06.779 --> 00:21:10.920 And so, in Adam means what's true of Adam is true of you. 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:13.899 When Adam sinned, you sinned as well. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:16.259 Now, verse three, if you've been baptized, 00:21:16.619 --> 00:21:18.240 in other words, if you are a Christian, 00:21:18.639 --> 00:21:21.180 you are not in Adam, you are in Christ. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:25.940 Those who have been baptized are represented 00:21:25.940 --> 00:21:29.259 not by Adam, but by Jesus Christ. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:32.720 How did you die to sin? 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:36.140 Remember, that's the question I started verse three with. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:37.819 How did you die to sin? 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:42.799 You died to sin when you became a Christian. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:49.119 And you died to sin because Jesus died. 00:21:49.119 --> 00:22:07.719 Jesus' death is your death because you are in him. 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:14.239 Jesus' death is your death because you are in him. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:23.079 Jesus' death breaks the power of sin in your life. 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:30.980 Jesus' death breaks the power of sin in your life. 00:22:41.599 --> 00:22:43.920 That takes us, then, where we've been driving 00:22:43.920 --> 00:22:45.779 verse four, where we'll end, 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:48.400 which is about newness of life. 00:22:48.880 --> 00:22:51.060 There's really two movements to this passage, 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:51.779 this section. 00:22:52.360 --> 00:22:54.380 We've spoken, the first movement is negative. 00:22:54.860 --> 00:22:56.580 Okay, negative is what's not true. 00:22:56.920 --> 00:22:58.940 You're no longer in Adam. 00:22:59.100 --> 00:23:01.480 Negatively, sin, its power has been broken. 00:23:02.600 --> 00:23:06.779 Positively now, and we'll talk about this more next week, 00:23:07.320 --> 00:23:11.440 you have been raised with Jesus Christ. 00:23:11.440 --> 00:23:16.140 So you died to sin because Jesus died. 00:23:16.680 --> 00:23:22.160 You now have new life because Jesus rose from the dead. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:24.980 Paul says this explicitly in verse four. 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:26.980 First of all, he says what we've talked about. 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:31.080 We were buried, therefore, with him by baptism into death. 00:23:31.759 --> 00:23:32.559 That's the negative. 00:23:33.320 --> 00:23:34.200 Here's the positive. 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:38.340 In order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:40.420 by the glory of God, 00:23:40.960 --> 00:23:45.080 we too might walk in newness of life. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:49.420 Remember, justification has two movements. 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:54.000 In justification, Christ not only pays for our sins, 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:54.960 he doesn't just pay the debt, 00:23:55.340 --> 00:23:56.519 he also gives us a credit. 00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:58.340 He credits us with his righteousness. 00:23:58.839 --> 00:24:02.119 This union with Christ also has two movements. 00:24:02.480 --> 00:24:04.079 It involves dying with Christ 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:06.399 and the power of sin being broken. 00:24:06.659 --> 00:24:09.220 It also involves being raised with Christ 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:11.939 and the power of life being given. 00:24:13.459 --> 00:24:15.559 It involves dying with Christ 00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:17.859 and the power of sin being broken. 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:21.459 It involves being raised with Christ 00:24:21.459 --> 00:24:24.480 and the power of life being given. 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:27.480 This phrase here in verse four is critical. 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:33.660 Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of God. 00:24:36.460 --> 00:24:40.480 When Paul references the glory of God, 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:48.059 he is talking about the power that raised Christ from the dead. 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:53.079 And so what he is saying is something I mentioned a few weeks ago 00:24:53.079 --> 00:24:57.460 that is also repeated in Ephesians chapter 1. 00:24:57.480 --> 00:25:00.599 In Ephesians chapter 1, Paul says, 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:08.180 the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in you. 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:18.400 Resurrection power now controls the capital city of your heart. 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:25.299 And street by street, and block by block, 00:25:25.299 --> 00:25:30.119 and building by building, year after year, 00:25:30.460 --> 00:25:35.940 the invading army is fully and finally being pushed out. 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:42.720 The presence of sin grows less and less. 00:25:42.720 --> 00:25:47.100 That's what Paul means here by newness of life. 00:25:48.100 --> 00:25:51.839 You as a Christian, because of your union with Christ, 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:55.779 because you have been baptized into him, 00:25:56.400 --> 00:25:58.460 because his death is your death, 00:25:58.519 --> 00:26:00.839 and his resurrection is your resurrection, 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:04.440 now live a life characterized by, 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.380 empowered by, 00:26:06.380 --> 00:26:10.840 reflecting the resurrection power of God. 00:26:13.060 --> 00:26:19.000 That is the life of God to and for you in Jesus Christ. 00:26:21.080 --> 00:26:23.240 He uses that phrase, too, in verse 4, 00:26:23.320 --> 00:26:26.000 that we might walk in newness of life. 00:26:26.000 --> 00:26:32.319 This walking here means this is the way you're living day by day. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:37.259 This is the power that's at work when you get up in the morning, 00:26:37.900 --> 00:26:40.539 and when you go to bed at night. 00:26:41.559 --> 00:26:44.200 It's a life that's characterized not by the power of sin, 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:47.380 but the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you. 00:26:47.380 --> 00:26:51.940 You are living a life that begins to show to yourself and others 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:55.300 glimpses of the future. 00:26:57.080 --> 00:26:59.200 Glimpses of God's future reign. 00:27:00.120 --> 00:27:02.480 The reign where he comes to the heavenly city 00:27:02.480 --> 00:27:05.080 and wipes away every tear from every eye. 00:27:07.000 --> 00:27:11.420 Glimpses of who you will one day be 00:27:11.420 --> 00:27:15.020 when the presence of sin is gone. 00:27:17.380 --> 00:27:22.140 Many people have summarized this passage in this way, 00:27:22.620 --> 00:27:24.820 with one sentence. 00:27:26.760 --> 00:27:30.500 Become who you already are. 00:27:32.240 --> 00:27:36.780 Become who you already are. 00:27:40.320 --> 00:27:43.020 I've told you a number of times, and I'll tell you again, 00:27:43.300 --> 00:27:45.240 that Romans is the fifth gospel, 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:49.259 which is a way of saying that what Paul teaches, 00:27:49.500 --> 00:27:51.720 Jesus taught first. 00:27:52.799 --> 00:27:54.539 In his high priestly prayer, 00:27:55.839 --> 00:27:57.599 in John chapter 17, 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:01.400 Jesus prays for what Paul teaches. 00:28:02.000 --> 00:28:02.859 Jesus says this, 00:28:03.859 --> 00:28:06.079 I made known to them your name, 00:28:06.740 --> 00:28:08.859 and I will continue to make it known 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:13.319 that the love with which you have loved me may be 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:16.259 in them, 00:28:16.259 --> 00:28:20.979 and I in them. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:26.179 Us in Christ, 00:28:27.179 --> 00:28:30.619 Christ in us. 00:28:30.619 --> 00:28:37.879 All secured and guaranteed 00:28:37.879 --> 00:28:43.979 by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:28:48.359 --> 00:28:49.699 And because of that, 00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:56.379 he offers you newness of life. 00:28:56.380 --> 00:29:02.000 will you receive it? 00:29:05.060 --> 00:29:08.400 Will you walk in it 00:29:08.400 --> 00:29:11.140 by the glory of the Father? 00:29:13.820 --> 00:29:14.560 Let's pray. 00:29:16.760 --> 00:29:17.940 Our Father in heaven, 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:20.060 we do praise you 00:29:20.060 --> 00:29:21.160 and thank you again 00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:24.020 for news that leads to joy 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:26.879 that you have given us 00:29:26.879 --> 00:29:31.759 more than mere forgiveness of our sins. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:32.660 You have given us 00:29:32.660 --> 00:29:33.940 a new life, 00:29:34.000 --> 00:29:34.559 a new heart. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.319 You've defeated 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:37.680 the power and the reign of sin. 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:39.279 We ask that it would be true of us 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.039 more and more 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.539 that we would embrace it 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.180 and grasp it, 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:43.119 we'd live into it, 00:29:43.139 --> 00:29:44.980 that your power would shine 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:46.460 through us in our lives. 00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:48.279 We ask all of these things 00:29:48.279 --> 00:29:49.059 in Jesus' name. 00:29:49.519 --> 00:29:49.799 Amen. 00:29:49.799 --> 00:29:49.940 Amen. 00:29:49.940 --> 00:29:52.500 I invite you to stand 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:53.460 for our closing hymn. 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:07.580 I once was lost 00:30:07.580 --> 00:30:09.340 in darkest night 00:30:09.340 --> 00:30:11.620 Yet thought I knew 00:30:11.620 --> 00:30:13.700 the way 00:30:13.700 --> 00:30:15.720 The sin that promised 00:30:15.720 --> 00:30:18.039 promise joy and life 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:20.400 had led me to 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:22.279 the grave 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:24.400 I had no hope 00:30:24.400 --> 00:30:26.600 that you would own 00:30:26.600 --> 00:30:28.440 a rebel to 00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:30.779 your will 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:33.200 And if you had 00:30:33.200 --> 00:30:35.220 not loved me first 00:30:35.220 --> 00:30:37.100 I would refuse 00:30:37.100 --> 00:30:39.960 you still 00:30:39.960 --> 00:30:50.140 But as I ran 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:52.019 my hell-bound race 00:30:52.019 --> 00:30:54.120 indifferent to 00:30:54.120 --> 00:30:56.240 the cost 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:57.840 You looked upon 00:30:57.840 --> 00:31:00.360 my helpless state 00:31:00.360 --> 00:31:02.539 and led me to 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:04.500 the cross 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:06.759 And I beheld 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:08.640 God's love displayed 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.960 You suffered 00:31:09.960 --> 00:31:11.240 in 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:13.080 my place 00:31:13.080 --> 00:31:14.100 You poured 00:31:14.100 --> 00:31:15.200 the wrath 00:31:15.200 --> 00:31:17.160 reserved for me 00:31:17.160 --> 00:31:19.360 Now all I know 00:31:19.360 --> 00:31:23.140 is grace 00:31:23.140 --> 00:31:27.540 Alleluia 00:31:27.540 --> 00:31:30.640 All I have 00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:32.100 is Christ 00:31:32.099 --> 00:31:36.099 Alleluia 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:38.699 Jesus is 00:31:38.699 --> 00:31:41.299 my life 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:49.559 Now Lord 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:50.639 I would 00:31:50.639 --> 00:31:52.639 be yours alone 00:31:52.639 --> 00:31:53.719 and live 00:31:53.719 --> 00:31:55.279 so all 00:31:55.279 --> 00:31:56.799 might see 00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.919 The strength 00:31:57.919 --> 00:31:59.419 to follow 00:31:59.419 --> 00:32:01.079 your commands 00:32:01.079 --> 00:32:02.279 could never 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:03.399 come 00:32:03.399 --> 00:32:05.059 from me 00:32:05.059 --> 00:32:06.399 Oh Father 00:32:06.399 --> 00:32:07.359 use 00:32:07.359 --> 00:32:08.639 my ransomed 00:32:08.639 --> 00:32:09.419 life 00:32:09.419 --> 00:32:10.599 in any 00:32:10.599 --> 00:32:11.399 way 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.539 you 00:32:12.539 --> 00:32:13.539 choose 00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:14.460 And let 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:15.599 my song 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:16.399 forever 00:32:16.399 --> 00:32:17.519 be 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.899 my only 00:32:18.899 --> 00:32:20.359 boast 00:32:20.359 --> 00:32:20.859 is 00:32:20.859 --> 00:32:21.819 you 00:32:21.819 --> 00:32:22.319 ! 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:22.319 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:25.319 Hallelujah 00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:32.319 All I have is Christ 00:32:32.319 --> 00:32:34.319 Hallelujah 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:40.559 Jesus is my life 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:42.319 Hallelujah 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:49.419 All I have is Christ 00:32:49.420 --> 00:32:53.420 Hallelujah 00:32:53.420 --> 00:33:00.860 Jesus is my life