What is the meaning of Romans 6:12? Therefore Romans 6 pivots on what Christ has already accomplished. “Therefore” links us back to verses 1-11, where we learn we have been “buried with Him through baptism into death” and “raised… so we too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Because this union with Christ is a settled fact, the call to holy living is not wishful thinking; it is the logical next step. Paul makes the same move in Ephesians 4:1—first declaring our position in Christ, then urging us to “walk worthy” of it. do not let sin reign • Sin once ruled like a tyrant (Romans 5:21), but in Christ the believer has changed kingdoms (Colossians 1:13). • The imperative “do not let” reminds us we have Holy-Spirit-enabled responsibility (Galatians 5:16). • Paul is not suggesting sin is annihilated; he is commanding us to refuse its authority. Compare 1 Peter 2:11, where believers are told to “abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” in your mortal body Our physical bodies are the arena where victory over sin is displayed. Though still “mortal,” they can now be instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13). • Romans 12:1 urges us to present these bodies “as a living sacrifice.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us the body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit,” bought at a price. These verses ground everyday choices—what we see, say, eat, drink, and do—in the larger reality of belonging to Christ. so that you obey its desires Sin’s aim is obedience to its cravings. By God’s grace, that cycle can be broken. • James 1:14-15 describes the downward spiral from desire to death; Romans 6:12 calls us to interrupt it. • Titus 2:11-12 teaches that the same grace that saves us also “trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions.” Practical steps: - Fill the mind with truth (Psalm 119:11; Philippians 4:8). - Flee tempting situations (2 Timothy 2:22). - Walk in fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). These are not legalistic add-ons but joyful acts of loyalty to our new Master. summary Romans 6:12 calls believers to active resistance against sin. Because we are united with the risen Christ, we must refuse sin’s rule, offer our mortal bodies to God, and deny desires that pull us away from Him. The victory Christ won at the cross empowers daily choices that honor Him. |
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