The Epistle of ROMANS

Chapter Six

[IMPORTANT NOTE: Chapter six (6) and chapter seven (7) are a PARENTHESIS which is a figure of speech (i.e. an explanation)].

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Literal: What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

Because we are under grace, does that mean we can still sin and be able to get back in fellowship because it is available through God's grace?!

2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Literal: May it not be! (God forbid) We who died or are dead to sin, how shall we live in it any longer? Remember that when Christ died for our sins, we died with him and now we are dead to sin. Sin does not have any dominion over us.

Colossians 2: 20 -- Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances.

Colossians 3: 3 -- For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Remember here that our baptism is with Holy Spirit and not with water. Our baptism represents the permanent washing away of sin.

3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Literal: Know ye not, that as many of us as are baptized unto Christ Jesus were baptized unto death.

According to God's plan, when Jesus Christ died, we were baptized (all our sins were washed away with God's spiritual detergent) when we believed, which all comes about as a result of Jesus Christ's death upon the cross.

Galatians 3: 27 -- For as many of you as have been baptized into [with] Christ have put on Christ [in the mind].

Romans 13: 14 -- But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Now back to the subject matter of baptism and being dead to sin: We are no longer under the dominion of sin. In other words, we are dead to sin. One thing is for sure, we cannot sin in the spirit. Jesus Christ defeated sin, sickness, disease and every other negative that comes from the world. Hence, you should understand the term that we are 'dead to sin'.

I Peter 2: 24 -- Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed [past tense – instantaneous].

Remember from Colossians 2: 12 the term "buried with him in baptism"? When Christ died for our sins and was buried and arose, we were cleansed from all sin. We received the result of being baptized or cleansed from all of our sins. With this understanding in mind, we will now take a look at Romans 6: 4.

4. Therefore we are [were] buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life [no doubt, worry, or fear].

Literal a: Therefore we were buried with or together with him by baptism unto death:

Remember from Colossians 2: 12 that when Christ died for our sins and was buried, we were cleansed from all sin, we were baptized from our sins or better yet, we received the result of being baptized or cleansed from all of our sins as a result of his death. When Christ was buried, we were buried with him and when he died, we died with him. As a result of all of this, we were baptized or cleansed from all sin and the consequences of sin.

Literal b: Therefore we were buried together with him by baptism unto death, that as Christ was raised up from among the dead by the glory of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life.

My notes mention no doubt, worry or fear. The word newness means different from that which had been formerly; coming in the place of a thing that was formerly, and as not yet used; the "new man" is one who differs from the former. As born again sons of God, we are complete in Him. The next step is to manifest this completeness by operating the gift of holy spirit. This is the key to unleashing potential power and demonstrating completeness by the operation of the nine manifestations. Fruit results from the operation of the nine manifestations of the spirit. Remember, it is the fruit of the spirit and not the fruit of the works of man. There are many people who may appear to be producing fruit by their works, and although it looks like genuine fruit, they are producing the works of man and not the fruit of the spirit. We are warned of this deception and you must remember this.

Colossians 2: 8 -- Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2: 4 -- And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

REMEMBER, WHEN PEOPLE KNOW NOTHING OF GOD AND SPEAK OF HIM, THEIR FRUIT IS A COUNTERFEIT. IT'S ALWAYS A COUNTERFEIT. Stay sharp. Don't lower your guard and don't trust anyone out there in the world. Keep to yourself and do your work quietly keeping God first in your heart and in your actions and God will take care of the rest.

5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Literal: For if we have been growing in conjunction in the likeness of his death, we shall be in the likeness of his resurrection also.

When Jesus Christ died, we died with him and when he was resurrected, we were raised with him. From God's point of view, we have inherited the same benefits that resulted from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. So it can be said that when he died and arose to save the believers, we died and arose with him. Remember that the secret things belong unto God. We cannot understand everything completely but enough to be able to believe. Christ went through it all for us so it is like we went through it with him because in God's eyes, we did. Remember, that God sees the past, present, and future as one point in time if He chooses to do so. This could very well explain what may be hard to understand.

6. Knowing this, that our old man is [was] crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Literal: Knowing this, that our old man (worn out, decayed) was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed (rendered inactive, idle, made useless, void, abolished, made without effect, invalidated, cancelled).

It is your old man that causes you to sin many times. You must be aware that you have an old man and reckon him dead. The more you renew your mind to the Word of God, the more and more your old man becomes destroyed - he dies. If you stop renewing your mind, he comes back to life and starts dominating your thinking and your actions. This results in sin and the consequences of sin and a less than abundant life and of course, you're out of fellowship and you're not getting answers to prayers. It's an everyday choice. It's not a difficult one. The power of God is a most mighty thing. First you act, then you see. From servant, the word 'serve' means to serve as a slave; both to be subject to, and to serve in subjection. Can you imagine this? You were not only a sinner but you were a slave to sin. You were under its domain and control until, by renewing your mind, you were set free from this slavery and subjection.

7. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Literal: For he that is dead to sin is freed (or justified) from sin.

The New English Bible translation takes this verse 7 as the concluding phrase of verse 6 – “so that we may no longer will be the slaves of sin, since a dead man is no lonqer answerable for his sin.” [Emphasis Added] Because the man we once were, our sinful self, was crucified with Christ and is dead to sin. We are not to be the servants of sin because we are justified or freed from sin. You need to recognize what is sin and realize that you are being tempted to sin. The more you renew your mind, the clearer things become. Sin, in many cases is not what you think. It is very subtle and simple ways that lead you astray such as doing things that you hate to do and thinking that you should do those things. God is working with you to strengthen your mind so you can more clearly perceive sin, temptation, distractions -- the counterfeit. The key is in:

I Peter 4: 1 -- Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, ARM YOURSELVES LIKEWISE WITH THE SAME MIND: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [emphasis added]

If you are tricked and sin, get right back in fellowship -- don't waste any time.

[Remember, God sees all periods of time at once.]

8. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

Literal: Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall live also with him.

9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

Literal: Knowing that Christ having been raised up from among the dead will never die again: he is no longer under the dominion of death (Interlinear "death no longer rules over him".)

10. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Literal: For in that he died, he died unto sin once for all, but in that he lives, he lives unto God.

The New English Bible states: For in dying as he died, he died to sin, once for all, and in living as he lives, he lives to God.

11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Literal: In the same way you must regard yourselves as dead to sin and alive to God, in union with (through) Christ Jesus our Lord.

The New English Bible states: "In the same way you must regard yourselves as dead to sin and alive to God, in union with Christ Jesus."

In the Book of Romans, the believers receive the good news of what the sinner obtains by grace in comparison to Ephesians, where the saved sinners are referred to as One Body collectively. In Romans, the sinner is dealt with individually.

12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Literal: So sin must no longer reign in your mortal body, exacting obedience to the body's desires.

The word 'exacting' used in the New English Bible is interesting in that it means 'making severe or excessive demands'. Since we are dead to sin, but alive unto Jesus Christ our Lord, we are not to be obedient to sin -- it should not reign or be a controlling factor in our mortal body. You have to put off the works of the flesh by the renewing of your mind.

13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Literal: You must no longer present the members of your body as implements (instruments) of unrighteousness or wrongdoing unto sin; but put (present) ourselves at the disposal of God, as dead men raised to life; and yield or present your members, your bodies, to God, as implements for doing right according to the revealed Word and Will of God.

You are no longer to be a slave to sin in your body, but you are to be an instrument of righteousness for God.

14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Literal: For sin shall no longer be your master and rule over you, because you are no longer under the law, but under the grace (divine favor) of God.

John 1: 17 -- For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.)

Don't become sin-conscious. [Note: Verses 15 - 17 in John chapter one (1) are a parenthesis.]

15. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Literal: Are we to sin, because we are not under the law but under grace? Of course not.

16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

Literal: [New English Bible]: You know well enough that if you put yourselves at the disposal of a master, to obey him, you are slaves of the master whom you obey; and this is true whether you serve sin, with death as its result or obedience to God with righteousness as its result. If the latter, there should be no sweat, stress or strain.

This is a very interesting point and one that you may not have been completely aware of until now. It is spoken clearly by Jesus Christ in the gospel of John.

John 8: 34 -- Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Sin can rule over you to the point where it is your master controlling your life, your actions, and your life's outcome. The continuous action of renewing the mind breaks the dominion of sin over your life. The more of the light of God's Word that is put on in your mind, the more you can believe. The negatives fall off and the old man dies. Behold, all things become new. You should be experiencing this right now.

17. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

Literal: But thanks be to God, that you who were once the slaves or servants of sin, having yielded whole-hearted obedience to the pattern of teaching which was hand-delivered to you.

II Timothy 1: 13 -- Hold fast the form of sound words [healthy], which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

Literal: And having been set free from sin, you have become the servants of righteousness.

And the result:

John 8: 32 -- And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Remember, that every plant that was not planted by your Heavenly Father shall be rooted up. Every worldly influence and habit pattern shall be uprooted and with the continuous renewing of the mind, behold, all things shall become new. This is growth and sometimes there are growing pains. God will work with you so that this transition is as smooth as possible.

I Corinthians 7: 22 -- For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman [made free]: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

The truth makes you free. That is why you continue to study and renew the mind.

19. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded [presented] your members servants unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Literal: Pertaining to man, I speak on account of the weakness of your flesh. As you once yielded or presented your bodies to impurity (as opposed to holiness) and to lawlessness (whether unknown or willfully violated), making for moral anarchy, so now you must present your members (bodies) to the service of righteousness, making for a holy life as a result of sanctification.

The end of this verse states that we are to be servants of righteousness unto holiness. Holiness is to put into a state corresponding to the nature of God. It is to be set in a state opposed to being common or unclean or impure. When we are born again and renew our mind to our sonship rights, we become sanctified or set apart from the rest of the world in that we are holy, corresponding to God's nature. It is an accomplished act. Our lives make a complete turnaround from being a slave or servant of sin to being a servant of righteousness.

20. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

Literal: When you were slaves of sin, you were free or at liberty from righteousness.

21. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Literal: What fruit had you then and what was the gain in those things of which now you are ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

More on this verse is set forth in the following later chapters:

Romans 7: 5 -- For when we were in the flesh, the motions [passions] of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

Romans 8: 6 -- For to be carnally minded [the minding of the flesh] is death; but to be spiritually minded [the minding of the spirit] is life and peace.

Romans 8: 13 -- For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

When you seek out God and His Word, you will have life and peace. You must apply the Word and do your best in this area and God will take care of the rest. When you live by the senses and think worldly thoughts and fellowship with darkness, you become carnally minded which is death. People exist every day never knowing what true peace is like. Don't get stuck in that rut. God and the power of your renewed mind will pull you out and don't think your personal adversary is not fighting you every inch of the way. That is the pressure that sometimes you may feel. Remember:

I John 4: 4 -- Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Stay focused -- clear and concerned.

22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Literal: But now being made free from sin, (from the control of sin or free from missing the mark) and bound to the service of God, you have your fruit unto or for the purpose of holiness/sanctification and the end result is eternal life.

23. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Literal: For sin pays a wage, and the wage is death (Greek - thanatos); but the gift of God is eternal life through or in union with Jesus Christ our Lord.

This chapter has put much stress on the contrast between our old way of serving and being a slave to sin as compared to living unto righteousness which is the new man. The old ways are dead and we are freed from sin. Present yourselves to God and serve God. The result of serving sin is death as compared to being a servant of Jesus Christ and a Son of God with the result being eternal life. We are to walk in this newness of life by renewing our minds to the Word of God and then taking action on what we have learned from God. As Christ was crucified for us and died unto sin once, we also are to reckon ourselves dead to sin. When Christ arose, we arose with him and he defeated all principalities and powers for us so that sin no longer has dominion over us.

* Remember the parenthesis continues to the end of Chapter Seven (7).

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