How does understanding Romans 6:11 impact our battle against sin? Living the Verse “So you too must count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:11) The Command and the Reality • Scripture states a literal fact, not a wish: believers really did die with Christ (Romans 6:6) and now stand resurrected with Him (Romans 6:8–9). • “Count” (logizomai) is an accounting term—add this finished work to the ledger of your mind every day. Why Reckoning Changes the Battle • Sin’s authority was broken at the cross; reckoning shifts us from fighting for victory to fighting from victory. • Temptation’s power is rooted in deception; truth exposes the lie that we are still slaves (Romans 6:14). • Identity fuels behavior—seeing yourself as “alive to God” motivates holy choices. Dead to Sin—Practical Markers • No longer obligated to obey sinful impulses (Romans 6:12). • Freed from condemning memories; the old self was crucified (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Able to tell temptation, “That person died; you’re talking to the wrong address.” Alive to God—Daily Expressions • Present your body to God as an instrument of righteousness (Romans 6:13). • Cultivate communion: speak, listen, and respond to the Spirit who indwells you (Galatians 2:20). • Seek things above—set your mind where your life is hidden with Christ (Colossians 3:3). Putting Reckoning into Action 1. Read the verse aloud when temptation strikes; declare its truth. 2. Thank God for the finished work—gratitude reinforces faith. 3. Redirect energy: serve, pray, or encourage someone; living things act. 4. Use Scripture memory; replace sinful thoughts with God’s promises (Psalm 119:11). 5. Lean on the escape God always provides (1 Corinthians 10:13). Scripture Echoes • Romans 6:6—old self crucified, body of sin rendered powerless. • Galatians 2:20—crucified with Christ, Christ now lives in me. • Colossians 3:1–5—seek the things above, put to death earthly nature. Walking Forward in Confidence Reckoning is not pretending; it is embracing God’s factual statement about you. Each time you consciously “count” yourself dead to sin and alive to God, you step into the liberty Christ secured, turning doctrine into daily victory. |
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