Shall We Continue In Sin? (6:1-23)

INTRODUCTION
1. In Romans, Paul addresses the problem of sin...
   a. In the first two and a half chapters, he demonstrates that all have sinned - cf. Ro 3:23
   b. He concludes that where sin abounded, grace abounded much more - Ro 5:20-21
2. Paul then anticipates an erroneous inference "Let's continue in sin, that grace may abound!" - Ro 6:1
3. Today, many Christians may live in reference to sin as though they
   had the same idea...continue in sin that grace may abound!
4. Yet a careful study of the sixth chapter reveals why such a thought is absurd...

1. No! We died to sin! (2)
   a. we were crucified with christ in baptism (3-4)galatians 2:20
   b. we can now walk in newness of life (4-5) 2 corinthians 5:17
   c. we are no longer slaves of sin (6-7)
   d. we can now live with christ (8-10)
2. No! We are alive to god! (11)
   a. sin does not have to reign in us (12)
   b. our bodies can now be instruments of righteousness (13)
   c. god's grace frees us from sin's dominion (14)
3. No! We are to be slaves of righteousness! (19)
   a. we are slaves to whatever we obey (15-16)
   b. we became slaves of righteousness (17-18)
   c. we are to serve righteousness like we once served sin (19)
4. No! The wages of sin is death! (23)
   a. the fruit of slavery to sin is death (20-21)
   B. the grace of god offers eternal life (22-23)
CONCLUSION
1. Paul's strong response has been variously translated...
   a. "It is not to be thought of!" (Knox)
   b. "Not at all!" (Williams)
   c. "That be far from us!" (Conybeare)
   d. "Of course not!" (Phillips)
   e. "May it never be!" (NASB)
   f. "Far be it!" (Rotherham)
   g. "Never!" (Moffatt)
   h. "By no means!" (Goodspeed, NRSV)
   i. "Certainly not!" (NEB, NKJV)
   j. "Heaven forbid!" (TCNT)
   k. "God forbid!" (KJV, ASV)
Have you been set free from sin...?  Have you become enslaved to sin
once again...?  Let the grace of God deliver you from the guilt and
power of sin by responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ!
From: http://executableoutlines.com/ro2/ro6_1.htm