Living the Christian Life, Lesson 3

Living the Christian Life is a Bible study series that explores Paul’s teaching aboutChristian growth and sanctification in Romans 6:1–8:17.

Introductory Thoughts

After a lengthy discussion of the need for and basis ofjustification by grace through faith in Christ (i.e., salvation or conversion),Paul now explains how this same truth should transform our mindset andlifestyle as Christians (i.e., sanctification or Christian growth). Thebeliever’s close identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrectionplaces him or her in a new position. He is no longer a slave to sin but servesJesus Christ instead.

Passage: Romans 6:8-11

In English (NKJV)

v.8       Now if wedied with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,

v.9       Knowingthat Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death nolonger has dominion over Him.

v.10     Forthe death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that Helives, He lives to God.

v.11     Likewiseyou also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to Godin Christ Jesus our Lord.

In Greek

v.8       ει δεαπεθανομεν συν χριστω πιστευομεν οτι και συζησομεν αυτω

v.9       ειδοτεςοτι χριστος εγερθεις εκ νεκρων ουκετι αποθνησκει θανατος αυτου ουκετικυριευει

v.10     ο γαρ απεθανεν τηαμαρτια απεθανεν εφαπαξ ο δε ζη ζη τω θεω

v.11     ουτωςκαι υμεις λογιζεσθε εαυτους νεκρους μεν ειναι τη αμαρτια ζωντας δε τωθεω εν χριστω ιησου τω κυριω ημων

Key Words and Insights

Mounce’sComplete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006)together with an interlinear Bible, like The NKJV Greek English InterlinearNew Testament (Thomas Nelson, 1994) is an excellent way to get accuratedefinitions for your Bible study based upon Greek and Hebrew meanings.

• (εἰ): this word introduces a hypothetical scenario that Paul raises to strengthen his argument. In this case (as in v.4), the scenario is actually true.
• (πιστεύω): “to have a mental persuasion, to be of opinion, to believe in, to trust or entrust.”
• (συζάω): “to live with, to continue in life with someone, to coexist in life with another.”
• (οἶδα): “to know, to know how, to regard with favor.” Whereas knowing in v.6 (γινώσκω) implies personal experience and appreciation for some knowledge, this word (οἶδα) implies nuanced, insightful understanding about what you know. This is “how to” knowledge or knowledge that “comprehends.”
• (οὑκέτι): “no longer, no more.” This word indicates something which has ended, like a line that will not be crossed as in “no more” or “no further.”
• (κυριεύω): “to be lord over, possessed of, mastery over, to exercise control over.”
• (ἐφάπαξ): “once for all, at once.” This word indicates something that happened so effectively that is does not need to be repeated.
• (οὕτως): “thus, in this way,” “like this,” “the same way,” or “exactly like this.”
• (λογίζομαι): “to count, calculate; to count, enumerate; to set down as a matter of account; to regard, deem, consider.”

Questions for Meditation and Reflection

In what way did we “die with Christ”?

As Paul has already described inthis chapter, we were intertwined (“planted together”) with Jesus in his deathfor our sins. This was a real and spiritual union arranged by God.

What does “we shall also live withhim” refer to?

Some suggest that this refers to thefuture when we enter into God’s eternal kingdom forever. However, it morelikely refers to the time that follows your conversion, which includes today,but carries into eternity.

Why is it important for us tobelieve or trust in this personal, spiritual reality?

Because this is who we are and iswhat is true about us. We are living on the other side of death to sin andshare in Christ’s post-resurrection life.

In your own words, describe thetruth or concept that Paul says we should come to know and understand in aninsightful and profound way?

Something like, “Since Jesus alreadydied for sin and I was associated with him in that death, now that he has risenfrom the dead, death can no longer take his life away. He can go on living forGod since death has no more control over him; his death and resurrection arefinal and will never need to happen again.”

What is it that can never exerciseauthority or power over Christ ever again? Which words in vv. 9-10 make thisabundantly clear?

Death. Words like “no more,” “nolonger,” and “once for all” make this clear.

For what purpose does he live todayand forever?

The will of God.

What does this reality about Jesusmean for our lives as believers and why?

I should live as though I, too, amresurrected and on “the other side” of death, free from the authority and powerof sin over me. Why? Because I am intertwined with Christ and am “in” him.

Questions for Personal Application

1. We know that the gospel is God’s good news of salvation from sin and death through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Yet how well do you depend on this message (the gospel) for your sanctification and spiritual growth?
2. Why do we easily detach the truth of the gospel from our daily practice?
3. How does the finality of Christ’s death and resurrection in breaking the authority of sin and death motivate you to live for God and avoid sin?
4. How can you “reckon” or “count on” the resurrection of Christ in your daily life?