Sermon Notes

Stephen Bonham JFBC

Romans 6:1-14, a blend of position and practice. Don't let what's already been paid for go to waste.

Know your position, rely on Gods power, and take your part seriously. We are surrounded by sin. Today people don't even believe in the concept of sin.

Jerry Bridges book Respectable Sins. So often we think about the sins of others, but not our own.

It's not that we should aim to live a sinless life. This is more of a call to take sin seriously.

1. as you sin, grace will abound. My position in Christ is one who has died, been buried, and now living a new life, justified, as part of the body of Christ.

v 3-4 we can be buried in baptism. At JF we talk about baptism a lot. Should this not be talked about a lot in a Baptist church? We emphasize baptism because it is a result of our position in Christ: dead to our former life, now living a new life in Christ.

Already 20 will be baptized on Easter Sunday. JFBC senior pastor Clay Smith was in attendance but did not preach.

Many don't like to watch scary movies. Vampires are dead but come back to life. Living in sin means we are constantly dying over and over again each time we sin. v 9-10 Being in Christ means never having to die again.

v 6-7 we old self is crucified with Christ, so our position is living a new life in Christ.

2. God's Spirit gives us the power to say no to sin - one of the all-inclusive benefits of living in Christ.

Romans 8:13-14 all who are being led by the Spirit of God...who is like an usher that shows you where your seat is. How reassuring to be led by the Spirit.

Things we can do: use unhurried time to spend time with God. Logan prays Lord, broaden my shoulders to withstand what's coming my way.

3. As I participate with God, my part matters. When I die I will become glorified, receiving our new heavenly body. Until then God sanctifies us, growing closer to God each day. He who became a good work in Christ will perfect it.

We play our part. Jesus is the main character. We seek to shine glory on him, by confessing our sins, being accountable, erecting guardrails against sin, seeking help when needed. God is concerned about our hearts. We need to do our part.

v 12-13 sin is not to reign in our bodies. Be mindful of how I spend my time. We talk about sin a lot. Jesus has something better for us.

25 in Sunday School.