REJOICE IN HIS RESURRECTION
Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with Him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and He will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him. When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:5-11 (NLT)
I remember talking to a person who had recently come to faith in Christ. The joy in their voice was unmistakable as they described how different life was after becoming a believer. It's like I'm a new person, he said. I used to feel so stuck, but now it's like I'm lighter and freer than I've ever been! His excitement reminded me of the powerful truth in Romans 6: through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection, we are indeed made new.
Paul's words in Romans 6 highlight the profound transformation that occurs when we place our faith in Christ. Our old self—bound by sin and death—has been crucified with Him. The power of sin, which once held us captive, has been broken. We are no longer slaves to sin; we are free to live a new life in Christ.
This passage calls us to remember that our identity has fundamentally changed. Just as Christ died to sin and now lives, we are also called to live in this new reality. We are alive in Christ, empowered by His Spirit to walk in righteousness. We are, in fact, no longer slaves, which is also the title of an excellent worship song that you might consider listening to today.
APPLICATION: Reflect today on what it means to be alive to God through Christ Jesus. Consider areas of your life where you may still feel the pull of your old self. Ask God for the strength to walk in the freedom He has given you.
PRAYER: Lord, I am free in You. Help me to stay free. May I rejoice always in the miraculous power You have demonstrated in transforming and freeing me. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?