How does Romans 6:6 relate to Ephesians 4:22's call for renewal? Connecting Two Clear Calls Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Ephesians 4:22: “…that you put off, concerning your former way of life, the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires,” Both verses speak of the same reality—the “old self”—but from two complementary angles: • Romans 6:6 describes what God has already done: the old self was crucified with Christ. • Ephesians 4:22 describes what believers continually do: put off that old self in daily practice. Our Old Self: What Is It? • The person you were in Adam—under sin’s dominion, spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1–3). • Characterized by “deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22) and “the body of sin” (Romans 6:6). • Irreversibly judged and sentenced at the cross when you were united to Christ by faith (Colossians 3:3). The Cross: Finished Yet Foundational (Romans 6:6) • At salvation, your old self was nailed to the cross. • The result: “the body of sin” is “rendered powerless” (καταργηθῇ—made inoperative). • Freedom follows: “that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” • Parallel truth: Galatians 2:20; 5:24—believers have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Putting Off: A Daily Choice (Ephesians 4:22–24) • While the old self is decisively crucified, its habits linger; you must “put off” the remnants. • Paul’s verbs in 4:22–24 form a pattern: – Put off the old self (v. 22) – Be renewed in the spirit of your minds (v. 23) – Put on the new self, created to be like God (v. 24) • Colossians 3:9–10 echoes the same sequence. How the Two Passages Interlock 1. Position (Romans 6:6): The death of the old self is a completed fact. 2. Practice (Ephesians 4:22): Because that fact is true, you can—and must—strip off its residue. 3. Power Source: Renewal “in the spirit of your minds” (Ephesians 4:23) proceeds from union with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:4,11). Living the Renewal Practical steps that flow from both texts: • Reckon it true: “Consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11). • Reject old patterns: gossip, lust, bitterness, self-promotion—whatever once defined you (Ephesians 4:25–31). • Replace with new patterns: truthful speech, generous work, tenderhearted forgiveness (same passage). • Rely on the Spirit: He applies Christ’s finished work, enabling you to walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4; Galatians 5:16). Key Supporting Scriptures • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Titus 2:11–12—Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live uprightly. • Philippians 2:12–13—Work out salvation because God works in you. • Hebrews 10:14—By one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. In Summary Romans 6:6 assures you that the old self’s rule ended at the cross; Ephesians 4:22 urges you to live like it. The more you rest in Christ’s finished work, the more you will actively cast off the tattered garments of the past and walk clothed in the righteousness God has already provided. |
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