Romans - July 14, 2008

SECTION --- Four: Sanctification (6:1-8:39)

IV. {Rom 6:15-19} We serve the one to whom we belong. (continued from previous Class Follow Up)

OBSERVATION: Paul is not arguing why one should serve Christ, per se, but why one should not serve sin, i.e., continuing to serve sin means sin is your master and leads to death. Paul will discuss the application of sanctification at Rom 12:1 to 15:4. A list of sinful acts would never be complete as each generation finds different ways to fulfill the lust of the flesh, the prided of life, and the eye. (cf. Col 3:12-17).
5. (6:16) Base on this verse is it possible for one who has stopped serving sin to again serve sin?
a. Yes, for Paul does not say “obeyed” but “obey”. Obey is present tense (continued or repeated action) not perfect tense (action complete in the past with abiding results).
b. It is possible for a Christian to “fall away”, Paul’s desire is that it will never be.
6. PONDER: (6:16) One having been justified can chose who they will serve, does one not justified have a choice who has a legal claim on them?
a. No, when one commits his first sin (after he reaches accountability) he belongs to Mr. Sin.
(6:17) OBSERVATION: “Form of teaching” may refer to all of Paul’s teaching (gospel of Christ) or what is mentioned in 6:3-4 (baptism). I am inclined to think the form mentioned in 6:3-4 fits better than what is mentioned in Rom 1:16 (the gospel).
7. (6:17-18) What three things were required for the readers to be set free from sin?
a. Obeying from the heart
b. Obeying the correct form of teaching
c. Being committed to the correct from of teaching
(1) More than just having the correct form delivered and considered.
8. (6:17-18) According to these two verses what was the results of the above actions?
a. They became slaves of righteousness, i.e., no longer was sin their master.
b. Freedom is freedom only if it is enjoyed and one still living in bondage to sin, even when set free, has not been liberated.
9. (6:19) Those being addressed are Christians (Rom 1:7-8) and considering the question Paul is discussing, what is mean by “flesh”.
a. Not addressing mankind’s sinful aspect; not the “pre-Christian” state; nor our body; but that they are “weak Christians” because they are still dominated by the desires of the flesh (1Co 3:1-3).
10. (6:19) What is the foundation or assumption behind for the words “so now”?
a. They have the same desire to obey Christ as they had to obey sin, the same motivation to be slaves to Christ as they had to be slaves to sin.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why does a Christian not wish to continue in sin?
1. The know they have been set free from Sin’s “legal claim” and do not wish to serve their ex-master — the master that has no “legal claim” on them.
E. Conclusion — Paul is not saying one can not or will not serve sin but it is illogical for one to be a slave to a master that is no longer their master. A slave that has been bought by another does not require a list of what he should not do that is serving his ex-master. The mind set of those asking the questions of 6:1-2 is brought to light — actions, not words, demonstrate who is you master. The Application of Sanctification (12:1-15:4) will discussed what it means to serve a new master.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A LOOK AHEAD

V. {Rom 6:20-23} A warning to those in Christ (the justified)
A. Introduction
1. Review — The readers have been shown the one that is obeyed is the one who is their master. Continuing the argument why they should desire not to serve sin, their ex-master.
2. Preview — The immediate and long range fruit of not being (in fact or action) a slave to sin.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. What is the “fruit or benefit” of a Christian serving their ex-master sin and of not serving their ex-master sin?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (6:20) Were they slaves of sin because they were born totally depraved? What makes you said that?
a.
2. (6:20) Were they free from righteousness because they were totally depraved, i.e., could not understand nor have any concept of what pleased God and what did not please God? Why that answer.
a.
3. (6:21) What does this have to do with the question of Rom 6:1-2?
a.
4. (6:22) States as an accepted fact they are free; what, according to the immediate context, freed the readers from sin and enslaved them to God?

a.
5. (6:21-22) After a person is set free from sin as his master, i.e., he is a slave of righteousness (Rom 6:18); after one set free what are his choices?
a.
6. (6:23) This is a response to the questions of 6:1-2; thus, this is a warning given to what group of people?
a.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — What is the “fruit or benefit” of a Christian serving their ex-master sin and of not serving their ex-master sin?
1.
E. Conclusion —
Ponder: Is it possible for a person that has been justified (baptized into Christ’s death [Rom 6:3)) to become un-justified? [cf. Heb 10:26-27]
Thinking Out Loud:

VI. {Rom 7:1-3}