How can we apply Romans 6:15 to resist sin in daily life? Setting the Verse in Context “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:15) Paul has just proclaimed that believers are “not under law but under grace” (6:14). Verse 15 guards against the wrong conclusion that grace excuses ongoing sin. Key Truths to Embrace • Grace saves us from sin’s penalty and frees us from sin’s power—never to license more sin (Titus 2:11-12). • Our union with Christ means we died to sin and now walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4). • We are accountable to the Lord who bought us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Practical Steps to Resist Sin 1. Count yourself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). • Each temptation becomes a moment to remember: “That old master no longer owns me.” 2. Present your body to God, not to sin (Romans 6:13). • Start the day by consciously yielding mind, eyes, mouth, hands, and feet to righteous purposes. 3. Choose obedience immediately (Romans 6:16-18). • Sin gains power when entertained; resist “at first knock.” 4. Replace the lie with truth (John 8:31-32). • Identify the false promise behind the temptation and answer it with Scripture. 5. Flee situations that inflame old desires (2 Timothy 2:22). • Grace teaches us to make practical changes—software filters, altered routes, new friendships. 6. Feed on Scriptures that declare your new identity (Colossians 3:1-4). • Memorize key verses; speak them aloud when tempted. 7. Engage in thankful worship (Psalm 100:4). • Gratitude shifts the heart from craving sin to delighting in God. 8. Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). • Confess dependence, ask for Spirit-led strength, and step forward believing He supplies it. 9. Seek accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16). • Honest fellowship exposes darkness and strengthens resolve. 10. Persevere, trusting the promise of victory (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Every temptation has a God-provided “way of escape.” Look for it and take it. Identifying the Lies Grace Exposes • “It’s only a small sin.” – Even “small” sins nailed Christ to the cross (1 Peter 2:24). • “I can always repent later.” – Hardness grows with each compromise (Hebrews 3:13). • “Grace means consequences disappear.” – God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Living as Slaves of Righteousness • Romans 6:18: “Having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” • Freedom in Christ is the ability to joyfully obey; pursue choices that deepen that freedom. Daily Renewal Through the Word • Psalm 119:11 – Hide God’s Word in your heart to guard against sin. • Romans 12:2 – Renew your mind so you can discern and delight in God’s will. • Regular reading, meditation, and application keep grace vivid and sin unappealing. Accountability and Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25 – Stir one another to love and good works. • Share victories and struggles; pray for one another; celebrate steps of obedience. • A trusted friend can ask, “How are you honoring grace this week?” Remembering Our New Identity • 2 Corinthians 5:17 – You are a new creation. • Galatians 2:20 – Christ lives in you; live by faith in Him. • When tempted, reaffirm: “That’s not who I am anymore.” Romans 6:15 calls every believer to live gratefully, intentionally, and victoriously under grace—saying a decisive “Certainly not!” to sin and a resounding “Yes!” to the Savior’s righteous way of life. |
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