Connect How has knowing the that you are not “in Adam” but “in Christ” encouraged you this past week?
Warm-Up
- Have you ever had a new status or identity that changed how you saw yourself and how you lived?
- When people hear “God will forgive you,” how might that truth be misunderstood or misused?
Read Romans 6:1-14
- What hypothetical question does Paul address? Have you ever been tempted to think “God will forgive me anyway”? How does this seriously misunderstand grace?
- How does Paul describe baptism? What specific language does he use to describe what happens and who are we united to?
- How much of our lives are united with Christ in death and in life? Are you ever tempted to compartmentalise your life? Why is that approach foolish if we are united with Christ?
- Read verses 5-7. What effect does death have on sin? Why is it no longer our master?
- How has the transition from death to life been effected? What event gives us that confidence?
- What does Paul implore us to remember, consider, and remind ourselves of in verse 11? What are we at risk of when we forget it, particularly in relation to sin?
- How does recalling we are both dead to sin and alive in Christ, challenge how we treat or excuse sin? How does it also give us assurance when we feel stuck, ashamed, or hopeless?
- Why should we offer ourselves as instruments of righteousness? Which parts of our lives do this include?
- What is one part of your life (e.g., your words, body, desires, relationships) that might need intentional reorientation to God’s purposes?
Read Romans 6:15-23
- What does it mean: “you are slaves of the one you obey”? Why is “freedom to sin” not true freedom?
- Who are the two masters mentioned? What type of things serve sin and what is the result?
What type of things serve God and what is the result? - Why is it freeing to belong to Christ? Why is serving God not confining, but life-giving?
- How should we respond to God’s gift of eternal life? How might this shape how we live this week?
Apply What is one part of your life (e.g., your words, body, desires, relationships) that might need intentional reorientation to God’s purposes? Ask the Lord to help you offer it to him, as an instrument of righteousness.
