Romans - July 6, 2008

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

III. {Rom 6:12-14} Christian’s Relationship to sin and grace. (continued from previous Class Follow Up)

6. (6:14) There are only two master (Sin and Grace [6:1-22]); who determines the one Paul’s readers (Christians) will serve?
a. Those understanding the implication of Christ death (6:3-7) will make it their conviction to serve their new mater — Grace, i.e. Christ.
b. Paul is not saying they cannot serve Sin because they have been baptized, but they choose not to serve Sin (6:3-4).
7. (6:14) According to this verse what allowed the readers to reject Sin as their master?
a. The gift of grace as provided by Christ (5:15).
b. Without the gift of grace, they would be without a choice, sin would still be their master
OBSERVATION: Rom 6:14 is not a “not-but” idiom. A “not-but” idiom is where what follows the “not” is not entirely prohibited (cf. John 6:27). To be an idiom it must also be an “ellipsis” as is John 6:27
C. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why will a Christian not obey lust?
1. They consider themselves dead to Master Sin and alive to Master God, thus, will not allow the members of their body to be used to serve unrighteousness.
D. Conclusion — Those understanding the significance of their being buried with Christ do not serve sin by choice; not because they are prevented from serving sin via law or some other “mechanical” reason preventing them from sinning (e.g. Holy Spirit). The inner man (the spirit) is to control the outward man (e.g., “do not let”; “do not go on”; “shall not”). Later in this section Paul develops the powerful conflict, for one who is a Christian, between serving sin and serving righteousness.

IV. {Rom 6:15-19} We serve the one to whom we belong.
A. Introduction
1. Review — Has established because of Christ death Christians have been set free [justified], thus, do not have to allow sin to rule, i.e., they are now free to make the choice to serve Christ and it is Paul wish that they not the desires of the body [outward man, flesh]...
a. Paul does not teach it is impossible for them not to sin but it is his very strong desire they not serve sin.
2. Preview — An example [a visual] is presented explaining why it is illogical for one buried with Christ to desire to continue in sin.
B. Question For Discussion?
1. Why does a Christian not wish to continue in sin?
C. Questions For Encouraging Discussion...
1. (6:15) What is the attitude toward or understanding of what Christ has accomplished for a person to ask this question?
a. The gospel does not change the inward person, i.e., the outward man is still the master of the inward person.
2. (6:16) Paul states an axiom (a proposition that is self evident to be true) that should be obvious to all — what is the axiom?
a. We are slaves to what we obey.
3. (6:16) What are the two choices that are obvious?
a. If your master is sin it will result in death; if sin is not your master it will result in righteousness.
4. If a person continues to sin who is their master?
a. Sin
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A LOOK AHEAD

5. (6:16) Base on this verse is it possible for one who has stopped serving sin to again serve sin?
a.
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.
(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.
8. (6:17-18) According to these two verses what was the results of the above actions?
a.
9. (6:19) Those being addressed are Christians (Rom 1:7-8) and considering the question Paul is discussing, what is mean by “flesh”.
10. (6:19) What is the foundation or assumption behind for the words “so now”?
a.
D. Evidence Applied [Discussion Question Answered] — Why does a Christian not wish to continue in sin?
1.
E. Conclusion —

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}