Romans 6:1-11

As we continue to read from Romans this summer, we come to Romans 6:1-11. The sermon title, taken as they all are this summer from popular music, is “Nearly Lost You”. For fun, find the source!

We come to the place in Paul’s progress in the Letter to the Romans, where the question must be asked: “If we are justified (set right with God) by faith, and our sin is forgiven, why not sin like crazy, have a great time, knowing that all is forgiven in the end?”

Try this exercise. Pick some sinful activity — something selfish and self-indulgent, perhaps that exploits other people. In terms of natural consequences, what is the result? In other words, what negative outcome results from indulging in sinful behavior?

Is it possible to love as Christ has loved us and indulge in sinful behavior? How does such love get pushed aside?

So, even if we are guaranteed God’s forgiveness for our sinful behavior, how does our desire to love as Christ has loved us unmask the lie that sinful behavior, with the guarantee of being forgiven, lose its luster?