In 6:1, Paul proposed a hypothetical question.
Shall the Christian, as a lifestyle, continually and habitually sin so that the grace of God may have an opportunity to be displayed?
Paul says no! He explains the Christian’s death to the domination of sin.
Paul explained that the control of sin was broken in our lived when we received Jesus.
The sin nature was overruled, the control center of the human heart no longer had sin as it’s only choice, but now was prompted, empowered, and motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Introductory Question/Thought
6:15- Shall we sin- “Shall we dabble in sin”?, as opposed to 6:1, which says, “Shall we continually habitually commit sin”?
Since we are not under the law, which is so unforgiving, but we are under grace, which is very forgiving, may we occasionally plan single acts of sin?
Is that appropriate; is that an allowable aspect of this new life in Christ? Again, God forbid!
The law deals with the generalities of a person breaking certain set commands.
The law says “thou shalt not”, and we can live very close to that line w/o going over it.
But the law will call us on our breaking of the law.
People think the law is tough on people in that regard.
The life of the spirit and of grace is actually tougher, in that it judges our thoughts and motives, not just our actions.
The HS w/in a believer calls us on our intentions, thoughts, the inward things that the law can never touch.
Grace is much more revealing to us about our sin, because it deals with our conscience much more closely than does the law.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope –the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…
The proper viewpoint for the Christian is that he isn’t deterred from sin so much by the law, but by the grace of God teaching him to say no to sin.
Grace does include forgiveness, which some Christians might misuse as a reason to plan and commit certain acts of sin.
So the Christian might argue: even though I am no longer controlled by the sin nature, is it allowable to sin occasionally since I am not under law, and I won’t be condemned, but I am under grace, and I will be forgiven?
I. Sin Is Enslaving Vs. 16-19
A. The Enslaving Nature Of Sin V. 16
1. Paul presents a clear, philosophical argument here.
2. When sin is committed, a natural process wants to unfold.
3. When a man presents himself as a slave, they live under that master.
4. The slave to sin inherits a life of sin, separation from God, and eternal judgment.
5. The slave to God inherits a life leading to holiness, fellowship with God, heaven.
6. All people are governed by an outside force. Either governed by God or by Satan
7. The Christian that trifles with sin will feel the enslaving nature of sin.
B. The Roman Christians Had Been Freed From Sin V. 17
1. Before a person becomes a Christian, they are a slave to sin and death.
2. They are born a slave. Until they choose Christ, they choose to remain a slave.
3. Slave/Doulos: one whose will is swallowed up in the will of another.
a. A slave to sin is swallowed up in serving sin. Sin dominates.
b. When a person becomes born-again, their will is now swallowed up in the will of their new Master, Jesus Christ.
c. Adam Clarke- a slave among the Greeks and Romans was considered as his master’s property, and he might dispose of him as he pleased. Under a bad master, the lot of the slave was most oppressive and dreadful; his ease and comfort were never consulted; he was treated worse than a beast; and, in many cases, his life hung on the mere caprice of the master. This state is the state of every poor, miserable sinner; he is the slave of Satan, and his own evil lusts and appetites are his most cruel task-masters. The same word is applied to the servants of Christ, the more forcibly to show that they are their Master’s property; and that, as he is infinitely good and benevolent, therefore his service must be perfect freedom. Indeed, he exacts no obedience from them which he does not turn to their eternal advantage; for this master has no self-interest to secure.
4. “obeyed…” A decision with the will to follow Jesus.
5. “from the heart…” A deep desire in the heart to follow Jesus.
6. “that form of doctrine…” An understanding with the mind to follow Jesus
7. A person who becomes a Christian, decides to follow Jesus with the will, the heart, the mind. All of his reasoning and desiring faculties.
8. that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
a. The word form speaks of a mold which receives molten metal.
b. It is a picture of the Christian giving up his will at conversion, being heated up and poured into the mold of Christian doctrine, and taking on its shape.
9. Adam Clarke– They were melted down under the preaching of the word, and then were capable of receiving the stamp (mold, form) of its purity.
10. We were delivered into a newness of life in which not only did we choose to follow Jesus with the will, heart, and mind…
11. …but we were delivered into a newness of life in which God implanted within us power and desire to live after this doctrine
a. Philippians 2:12-13 “…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose”.
b. And so though we choose to follow Christ, it is also true that we are supernaturally delivered into a life where God causes us to want to obey.
c. He causes us to know that sin is wrong, and to agree with Him about that truth. He imparts to us a new nature that agrees with His holy nature concerning the truths about sin.
C. Paul Re-States Their New Condition Vs. 18, 19
1. V. 18- When we died, we died to sin. See 6:6, 7
2. The decision to follow Christ took us out of slavery to sin, and we became slaves to Christ.
3. Free from sin- free from the domination of sin.
4. Guzik- It is mockery to tell a slave, “Don’t behave as a slave” – but you can say that to someone who is set free. Jesus Christ tells us to no longer behave as if we were slaves to sin. We have been set free; now we are to think and live as free people.
5. V. 19- Sin leads to more sin. Many of us progressed in sin.
6. Guzik- Think of four trees in a row: one at one year of growth, the second at five years, the third at ten years, and the last at 15 years. Which tree will be the most difficult to pull up out of the ground? Obviously, the longer we are rooted in a behavior the harder it is to uproot it – a principle that works both for good and evil.
7. Realize that the old you has been uprooted, and a new you is planted in Christ.
II. Sin Makes You Ashamed Vs. 20, 21
A. The Slave To Sin Lives Apart From Righteousness V. 20
1. Slave/Doulos- One who serves another to the disregard of his own interest.
2. When we were slaves to sin, we obeyed sin even though it wasn’t in our own best interest.
3. The slave to sin is unable to be governed by righteousness. It is not his lifestyle.
4. He had not the inclination towards righteousness, or the power to accomplish it.
5. Free- free, exempt, unrestrained, not bound by an obligation.
B. Sin Brings Shame V. 21
1. As a Christian looks back on his slavery to sin, it brings memories of shame.
2. A person’s slavery to sin brings froth no good fruit.
3. It only led to shame, sin and death.
III. Sin Brings Death Vs. 22, 23
A. Slaves Of God Enjoy Holiness & Everlasting Life
1. Fruit to holiness-
2. Everlasting life-
3. Much more desirable fruit. Pleasant to see the fruit of this slavery.
B. Wages, Or Gift?
1. Satan promises to pay his servants.
2. The wages of sin is death
3. God doesn’t pay wages, He gives gifts.
4. You could never earn what God wants to give you.