Romans 8 by Way of Romans 6

-Introduction

-1 Cor. 11:23-26 – Lord’s Supper - remembrance of the death, burial and resurrection of

 Jesus – We “…proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (vs 26).

            -We understand that Jesus died for us and will return on day for us – 1 Thess. 4:16-18.

-We need to remember the death of Jesus!  We must always be mindful of why He died.

            -Because of us – 2 Cor. 5:21, Isa. 53:5-6

            -On behalf of us – Rom. 5:6-8, Eph. 1:3-8

-Spiritual Blessings in Christ

-Eph. 1:3

-The scriptures speak a great deal about the many blessings offered through Christ.

            -Ultimately, we look forward to a home in heaven – 1 Pet. 1:3-4.

            -Yet, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we benefit from and enjoy the blessing

              of Christ in this life as well – 1 Tim. 4:6-10, 6:6; Ps. 37:16-17, 84:11-12;

              Rom. 8:28

-Romans 8

-vs 1-11 – Living life with a spiritual perspective in the Gospel of Christ

-vs 12-17 – We are heirs with Christ (vs 14-17)

            -1 John 3:1; Gal. 4:4-7, Eph. 1:4-6

-vs 18-25 – Hope – hope of things to come – hope of the resurrection

            -Isn’t hope a wonderful thing!  As children of God, we live in/with that hope now.

-vs 26-27 – We have the Spirit who helps us with our prayers during those times of great diffculty.

            -reveals falsehood of those who claim everything will be easy for Christians       

-vs 28 – Yet, we know that, ultimately, all things work together for good.

-vs 31-39 – Victory – confidence and assurance

            -We may have unknowns regarding many things in life – i.e. jobs (especially in today’s

             economic conditions), health.

            -Life has a way of reminding us of its uncertainties – James 4:14.

            -Yet, in a world of uncertainty, the faithful have the certainty of ultimate victory.

                        -As long as we remain faithful, nothing/nobody can separate us from Christ.

-Necessity of the Process of Romans 6

-To have the blessings of Romans 8 (and the rest of the scriptures), we must undergo the

 process of Romans 6.

-We must undergo a death, a burial and a resurrection.

-Death = repentance – Rom. 6:1-2

 Burial = Baptism – Rom. 6:3-4

 Resurrection = A new life of faithfulness – Rom. 6:4

-Eph 4:22-24

-Rom. 6:5-14 – As Christians, we cannot live a life that serves sin.  We must depart from it

                                                  and remain separated from it.

-We are to live a life of servitude – not servitude to sin but servitude to righteousness

 through obedience to God’s word – Rom. 6:16-19.

-Summary and Invitation

-Each week, we observe the Lord’s Supper & reflect upon the death, burial and resurrection

 of Jesus.

            -Yet, at other times, we need to reflect upon our own death, burial and resurrection and

             make sure that we are living the life that reflects the proper spiritual resurrection.

            -When Jesus looks upon our life, does He see a death, burial and resurrection?

-You see, in order to enjoy the blessings and benefits of Romans 8, we must undergo the

 process found in Romans 6.

-What about you?  Have you undergone the process?

            -If not – Won’t you begin the process?  Believe in Jesus (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess

             your faith (Matt. 10:32, Rom. 10:9-10), Repent of sin (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30),

             Be Baptized into Christ for forgiveness (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38), Walk in Newness

             of Life (Rom. 6:4, Eph. 4:22-24)

            -If so, are you continuing the process?  If not, confess your shortcomings, repent and

             seek forgiveness through prayer (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).