In the YouVersion “The One Year Bible” plan, we are reading the book of Romans. In it the apostle Paul describes the basic foundations of Christianity, defining topics such as sin, grace and faith, and introduces important themes like salvation, righteousness and justification. Throughout this letter he provides us practical guidelines of what to believe, and how to behave to Be Set Free From Sin.
1. Renew your mind – We think members of the church, Christ thinks disciples of His Church.
In Romans 12:2 Paul writes “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
I believe Paul is stating that we must consciously choose each day to live Christ-centered lives and that we should pray for God’s guidance to implement His will.
Paul also writes in Romans 8:5-6 5 “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
I believe the apostle is stating that as Christians, we are united with Christ and we are set apart, we are in this world, but not of this world. He is testifying that we should let the Spirit affect how we choose to behave each day. With a renewed mind we should reflect Christ in our actions.
2. Strive to be righteous – Faith in Christ does not make one free to sin, but free from sin.
Romans 6:11-12, 13 11 “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13…and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.”
We are created in His image. We were created righteous, so we should live righteous. With a renewed mind we should walk in newness of life with Jesus and strive to do His will.
In Romans 6:20-21 Paul continues 20 “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. 21What benefit did you reap at the time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things that result in death!”
This passage hits home pretty hard. How often do we do something and then immediately regret the actions or the decisions we made? As Christians, we all know that choosing to sin separates you from God and leads to death. Why would you continue to take actions that you are ashamed of?
3. Have faith in salvation – Justification is to be enjoyed, salvation should be a fact of your life
Romans 6:22-23 22 “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
As a Christian, salvation should change your life. You should desire to have a wonderful relationship with Christ. We are free from sin’s control to grow and become more like Christ.
Romans 5:9-10 9 “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
Throughout Romans, Paul clearly sets forth the foundation of the Christian faith. All people are sinful, Christ died to forgive sin, we are made right with God through faith. As a Christian, we are reconciled through the death, burial and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ. As a believer, you MUST be baptized to be reconciled with Christ and receive salvation.
