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Romans 6:4 - RESURRECTION POWER

Romans 6:4 (NIV) We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4 (NLT) For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Romans 6:4 (AMP) We were buried therefore with Him by the baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious [power] of the Father, so we too might [habitually] live and behave in newness of life.

INTRODUCTION

The power of sin over us, as well as the penalty for sin, died with Christ on the cross. Our old sinful selves our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The power of sin refers to our rebellious, sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though we often willingly cooperate with our sinful nature, the desire to do so comes from our old nature. And it is this power of sin at work in our lives that is defeated. Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, having been declared not guilty before God. Here Paul emphasizes that we need no longer live under sins power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots - we will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ (see Galatians 2:20). [Life Application SB 2019]

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Joy Of The Resurrection
   The resurrection completes the work that Jesus came to do so that we can live a resurrected life now. Christ did not stay on the cross. He was raised from the dead; He is alive!
   In his last year as chancellor of Germany, Konrad Adenauer invited me for a visit. It surprised me that he knew I existed. When we met, he looked at me with his blazing eyes and said, "Young man, I've invited you for one thing. I want to know, do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ?"
   I said, "I do, sir!"
   He replied, "So do I!" Then he made a powerful declaration: "Life has no meaning whatsoever if Christ is still in the grave!"
   The risen Savior has promised to give immortality to all who believe on His name. There is a light that shines brighter than the noonday sun, and Christ's resurrection is what gives us hope; this is the first stage of eternal life in Him. The first glorious step on the journey is choosing Christ.
   Do you live as though Christ is resurrected? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]

COMMENTARY

Buried And Raised With Him
   Did you know that the Bible calls you a saint? It's true. This is how you are referred to in Scripture. The word saint simply means that you are a "holy one." In Christ, you're forgiven of all sin - past, present, and future. You have a new standing before God, no longer condemned by sin. You are clothed by the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
   The life you now live is by faith, and you live because Christ lives in you (Galatians 2:20). When you became a believer, you were baptized into Christ Jesus - which means you identified with His death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, you, too, are spiritually resurrected into new life.
   This changes everything! It changes your affections, your attention, your hopes, and your worship. It shifts your speech, your actions, your relationships, your work. You are no longer ruled by sin, but you are fully alive in Jesus! That's who you are today.
   Dear God, because I have been crucified with Christ, I no longer am bound to my old patterns. By Your mercy, I am set free! [Grace and Glory by Louie Giglio]

The New Birth and Baptism
   Jesus commissioned His followers to go and make disciples, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 28:19). As the early church spread the gospel message, baptism would follow a new believer's response of faith. It publicly signified that the individual was now a follower of Jesus
   Metaphors often communicate on a level that words cannot. Baptism is a powerful picture of our salvation experience. Through this act, we proclaim the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again - and testify that we've welcomed His transforming power into our life.
   The Greek word for "baptize" in Scripture is the same term used to describe a cloth dipped in dye - it refers to total change. So by being plunged into the water, we declare that we're choosing to die to our old way of life and are uniting with Christ. Our sin is buried with Him, and its power is conquered through His atoning death on the cross (Rom. 6:14). When we're raised up out of the water, we affirm His resurrection. Baptism is a symbolic way of expressing that just as the Lord conquered death and rose again, we are spiritually resurrected from death into new life. We are "born again" and irrevocably transformed through the power of His Holy Spirit.
   In the Bible, the word "believe" isn't a conceptual word describing intellectual agreement alone. It is a word of action. Our belief should never be hidden like a light placed under a bowl (Luke 11:33) - when unbelieving family and friends look at our lives, they need to see the gospel in action. [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles Stanley at www.intouch.org]

ILLUSTRATION

   A picture of a puppy on Facebook made me smile. The photographer caught the canine bounding toward the camera. Its ears were laid back as though windblown, and its tongue flapped from the corner of its mouth. Its facial expression reflected sheer delight. The caption said, "Live like someone left the gate open." I looked at that photo and thought, This is the way we, as believers, ought to live.
   Before I gave my life to Jesus, the enemy of my soul kept me in chains. He held me captive in his kingdom of darkness. I was a slave to sin and doomed to its consequences. But Jesus purchased my freedom. He broke those chains and opened the gate.
   Sometimes I live as though I'm still locked up. I repeat the same sinful behaviors, think the same sinful thoughts, and fall into the same sinful habits time and time again, helpless to change.
   When I feel that way, I remind myself of the truth: I was crucified with Jesus when I chose to follow Him. My old self died, sin's chains fell off, and I am free! Learning to live from that truth is difficult, but Scripture says it can be done. I want to live like someone left the gate open because the truth is that Jesus did. Grace Fox
   Faith Step: Make a small paper chain. When you feel helpless, tear off one of the links and toss it away to remind yourself that with Jesus you are free. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

SPECIAL INSIGHT

"If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection."  The Holy Spirit cannot be accepted as a guest in merely one room of the house-He invades all of it. The Holy Spirit invades me. He takes charge of everything. My part is to walk in the light and to obey all that He reveals to me. [In His Time; My Utmost For His Highest]

CLOSING THOUGHT

How To Have Victory Over Sin Today
   I want to give you a revolutionary thought today. To some, this might be considered theological heresy. But I believe with all of my heart that this is what the Word of God teaches. Here's the thought: You don't have to sin. You can be free of the power and the dominion of sin in your life!
   The reason I'm so passionate about this idea is because so many Christians today believe they're just destined for failure. They think there's nothing they can do but choose to sin. But why should sin master us when we as believers are blood-bought by Jesus Christ?
   In Christ, we've been saved and indwelt by the Spirit of the living God, and have the power to live a new life because of that. That means we can overcome sin at every turn. You don't have to be plagued by constant failure and defeat. You can be an overcomer!
   So as you go about your days as a believer in Christ, remember the rock-solid truth that you've been bought with a price, indwelled by the Spirit of God, and never have to submit to the temptation of sin. The victory is already yours... live in it today! [PowerPoint Today by Jack Graham; https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/powerpoint/]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Romans 6:4 - Resurrection Power.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20201130-1137.html

Romans 6:6, 7 - Free From The Power Of Sin!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200422-1010.html

Galatians 2:20 - Dying to Self and Living for Christ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230817-1103.html

2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Life in Christ.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240611-0844.html

Philippians 3:10 - Becoming Like Jesus In His Death.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170906-1054.html

Romans 7:24, 25: The Sinful Nature is Conquered in Christ!
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240319-0929.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/