Romans 6: Believe What You have Become

You will never rise above the level of what you believe about yourself.

1. Historic Reality

This is not another – believe it and you can achieve it – nonsense sermon. That stuff is simply not true.

However, it is true that you can change because the great power preventing you from changing has been defeated.

For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
(Romans 6:10 ESV)

His death was our punishment, but it was more than that.

His death paid our debt, but it was more than that.

His death broke also the bonds of slavery that kept us in our sin.
Sin’s power was broken.

Sin tried to put him into the same cage it held everyone else in, but Jesus grabbed the sword and killed sin with it.

How was sin a power?

Deception
I can quit at any time

Darkness – no hope, it is never going to get any better so why try

Domination –  

2. New Identity

We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.

(Romans 6:6-7 ESV)

You are alive to God in Christ. Your position has completely changed.

You were a slave, now you are a Son of God.

You were dead now you are alive
You have hope

You see the light, even the foolishness of your sin

You have the Spirit

3. New Mindset

So then, recognize the truth that you yourselves are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

(Romans 6:11 Cranfield)